I became a member of PL at the start of April and I have been enjoying reading everyone's post and the messages of my new friends here on PL. I hope to become friends with many more police officers and civilians on here and would love to share my road to becoming a police officer. I am starting school again at the age of 34, as some know, I am married, have a 10 month old daughter and work 9-5 with a traffic attorney. My journey will begin this summer once I start my classes in Criminal Justice. I know every State works different but here in Florida, you are required to pass a swim, agility, and written test. I am signing up to take all 3 tests this summer so I can start applying to all local police departments. I'll be working on my major while hopefully being a police officer (if I could get employed by a department).

I have to admit, I am a bit worried but excited of these next steps in my life. All I ever wanted to be was a police officer. To keep our streets safe, keep our residents safe from any drug dealers, robberies, and even life threatning situations. I would love to be a part of an elite unit, something like anti-crime, narcotics, gang or even try SWAT. I know that these next few months, hopefully not years, will be tough. I don't mind rejections; however, being rejected in the field I truly enjoy reading and watching on t.v. would be devastating in a way. if you know what I mean, it's tough when someone saids "you are not good enough, not big or strong enough" or "you don't fit in this department". I hope that is never the case and I could have the opportunity to pour my heart and soul in this field.

I am the type of person who gives his all in life, to my family, my wife and beautiful daughter! I know the process to become a police officer is not an easy task but once in that uniform, I know for a fact, it will be a rewarding one! I know some of you are reading this, and I apologize for the rant, but...I would like for some of you to chime in and give me your experience to help me understand more. Maybe I have missed a step or two, probably I have been thinking too much about how this whole process works. I just wish I knew a police officer who just went through all of this recently and could help me understand it better. All I want to be is the best police officer my County has ever had, I might sound corny, but I pour my heart into everything I do! It's who I am, it's what I am about. Thanks in advance to those who could probably make me feel at ease and positive through out all of this, stay safe out there!!!

Gil

My wife is totally behind me, she is the reason I am trying to become a police officer. She and I are a great team, I love my wife and daughter, nothing can come between us, as much as I want to be a police officer, I know that they are very important in my life. Thanks for your input but you got into the "divorce" area which I don't need to hear..LOL My wife and I were raised with our families having crazy work hours, so we are used to the huslte and bustle. I really just wanted to hear some advice or experience that people had while starting their journey within the police field. Please, no more "divorce" talk...LOL

Gil,

Just keep in mind as a LEO, you will truly learn the meaning of not having a "normal schedule." As a rookie, you will have the worse shift possible and no weekends off for quite awhile depending on the agency size. You'll more than likely have to work nights, holidays, miss family outings, etc..... If you and your wife can handle that, then good luck to you! 

While you may not want to hear about divorce, it is something you shouldn't ignore. We aren't questioning your devotion to your wife, but law enforcement puts stresses on the family that you can't imagine. We just want you to know the risks and be prepared for them.

Never give up. The job market is so competitive. I can tell you have already set your mind to becoming a police officer, now just keep that focus, no matter what. No matter how many times you fail, you must have that mindset that you WILL be a police officer. I applied several several times to numerous departments. Most of the time I didn't get past the 2nd step. I kept telling myself that God must have something better in store for me. He did. I don't know if you believe in the man upstairs but that's beside the point. The point is, never let your head down, never give up, and convince yourself that you WILL succeed.. and you will do just that. Good luck

Romans_116:  I would never ignore a topic or someone's opinion, I know it's tough, but families have to understand the field that we are in or venturing into. It's very stressful but I am ready for all challenges! And yes, I do believe in God, he is the reason why I am still walking this earth, the reason for being a great man, son, husband and father! He has been guiding me through all these steps along with my wife. I will never give up, I will continue my journey until a department hires me. Be safe!