TexasCHLforum.com

E.Marquez wrote:

gigag04 wrote: I guess it depends his bad you want something. I know a guy who finished an engineering degree (NOT online) by day while working 12 hour patrol shifts at night, and raising a family.

Sleep is a crutch.

I bet you sleep with that guys wife too



As a side note... 12's is that what Austin works?

I'm not sure, but I know it's best schedule.

nightmare69 wrote: As far as working full time while going to school, not an option for me. Every officer I have talked to says if you can just go to school then do so because you will need to study. They have said that alot of people that went to day classes and worked full time at night were kicked out. So I will need time to study and sleep.

I guess it depends his bad you want something. I know a guy who finished an engineering degree (NOT online) by day while working 12 hour patrol shifts at night, and raising a family.

Sleep is a crutch.

My academy was same rules. Suck it up and study. It's the easiest part of the job.

All peace officers in TX have badges.


Some still work in a jail as a deputy sherrif and not on patrol. Some do transport too (as far as SO's go).


Most places, even a detention officer has a "badge" per say. As do EMTs and security guards. And my 8 year old.

Weapons don't mean much. Sure they help, but if you have issues using your hands to manhandle someone, I might suggest another career. At some point, someone will land a punch on you during a fight and you need to know that you're not going to curl up in a ball. You have to be able to fight your way through that.

A badge and gun (and less lethal implements) don't make you any tougher/manlier/badder than you are in your underwear.

I wish you luck but if you want the top (sponsored) jobs, I suggest you start brushing up on your grammar, working out, and get comfortable tussling with folks.

Most tests involve basic math, logic, reading comprehension, and ability to make a decision based on information given.

Any practice test that asks questions involving those items would be beneficial, but I wouldn't pay for any prep courses.

Uncle Mike's belt and Velcro inner was GTG for me. If you're in Houston, hit me up and I can show you how I configure my fear and why. There are endless debates but that is for another time. Get thought the academy first.

nightmare69 wrote:Haha I am one of those that has to fight to put on weight. At 29 I still have a high metabolism and if I start running I will drop some weight. I'm about 140-145lbs right now. I have a had time keeping on weight in the summer.

Thinly veiled brag....

Your academy isn't responsible for finding you employment. The LE hiring process takes forever. Often you ll have to wait for a test date anyway. Starting day 1 and making a calendar/call list will behoove you. Start watching eBay for duty gear. Don't spend a ton for academy gear as your agency, if not putting you through, may have different requirements.

I like ASP cuffs, but they are spendy. SW model 100s will be fine at first.

I wouldn't carry any other holster than a Safariland product.

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Read Penal Code, CCP, Traffic Code first, then go into Ch 481 of HSC and Ch 106 of ABC. Repeat.

Start exercising regularly if not already.


Start putting together a chronological list of the following:
Everywhere you have lived (full address, move in, move out dates)
Everywhere you went to school (HS and College) - get certified copies of transcripts
Everywhere you have worked (all contact info, dates)
Every illegal thing you've ever done, whether or not you were caught.


Start applying to every agency within a xx mile (you decide) radius of where you live, once you start the academy. Throw a wide net.

If you're not a good "test-taker" than maybe oil & gas industry would be a better fit for higher pay.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

nightmare69 wrote:Ive been calling around and I may be better off putting myself through the academy then going to work for a smaller department. These bigger city depts require a ton of testing and other stuff just to be eligible to be in the pot to be hired. Once I get out of the academy I will need a job asap. Once I have a job I can then afford to go through all these bigger depts hiring process.

Going to the academy on your own is a last resort IMO. There are too many depts that will pay you well to train. That felony will haunt you though, so be prepared for a lot of rejection.

I still think you're best bet if you can't get hired directly as LEO trainee and put through the academy is to join as a jailer. Jailer school is much shorter, and you will be paid to go. Prove yourself there and move up.

I know alot of people that were not appealing enough to departments to get hired and then sent through the academy. These folks put themselves through the academy ($3-5k) out of pocket, and then still find they are not appealing to departments. Proving yourself in the jail is a good way to go, and the hiring standards for jailers are lower than LEOs (either printed or perceived).

Keep in mind that these jobs are competitive: and you will be competing for limited agency spots with folks that have college degrees, clean backgrounds, good credit, stable work history, and are in great physical shape.

nightmare69 wrote:Ok. I know that to be a sheriff deputy you have to work X amount of time at the county jail.

Unless you have prior patrol experience, yes that is usually the case.

TCLEOSE wants 12 college hours. Most agencies want 30+.

http://www.tcleose.state.tx.us/Document ... uir_11.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you can't get on with a dept that will pay you to train, I suggest you start with the SO as a jailer. Do well in that role ans they will send you to the academy while they pay you, and you'll eventually make it to patrol.

It's a fun job. Without a college degree, I think LEO/FF or Roughnecking are the best jobs out there.