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nitrogen wrote:What does it take to get into a police adacemy under your own dime, exactly?

Srothstein will know. By the way he gave a Great Answer above. When I went to the Academy years ago you could not go on your own. You had to have a job first and in those days you could work 2 years before you went to the Academy. Times have changed.

LE and military are two different animals. I am sure a lot folks feel because they "knew" an officer then they "know" what they go through. I "know" several funeral directors who are good friends, but I could not tell you what to do if you wanted that job. It is easy for give advice for LEO, but they arrive at their conclusions just like you did from TV. They seen and have heard, but never had hands on. I go back to my original statement - follow your heart. My son has no military, has no college, but looks like he begins his career with a local PD within the next week and he will also attend college. In three years he will promote to the street. It is not rocket science.

A lot of misconceptions on LE. Military is good if that is what you want, but it will not place you on the STREET as an Officer. A ruff guess, but 90% of the agency hire already certified PO or from their own JAIL staff. They like to hire from inside out. Nothing, but a high school diploma is required.

NguyenVanDon wrote:This is a really hard decision for me because my mom is worried sick of me being shot at.

That is why she is a "MOM" you would not want her any other way.

NguyenVanDon wrote: My dad on the other hand doesn't care what I do, as long I got a stable job.

Hello! That is why he is "DAD" he just does not want to get you out of jail

NguyenVanDon wrote:what I really want to do no matter if the pay is low.

You may be surprised. I was shocked when I seen some of the jails started off at $15.00 an hour. My brother is not living low. Did you notice some of the homes on Dallas SWAT? - it ain't so bad living.

NguyenVanDon God bless you for your desire. I am not one of those who feels SWAT or narcotics is a waste of time. Maybe it is because I spent 7 years in deep undercover. I know that I grew up in LE family. My dad retired after 37 years a Chief Deputy in Smith County, my sister just retired after 28 years at Smith County, my brother is a Major for Texas Parks and Wildlife (going on his 29th year). I started out working in the jail at 18. I spent 3 years working in jail at night going to college during the day. I graduated in a Secular College in 3 1/2 years. I also attended East Texas Police Academy in Kilgore Texas and graduated as valedictorian of my class. After working for 1 1/2 as a deputy I was accepted into the States Academy and started ALL over. It started in the jail. Many departments hire from the jail to the street. From the street to SWAT. I hope you meet your goals. That is what is great about this Country. You CAN DO ANYTHING you put your mind to - It just takes TIME. Your young hang in there and begin putting your applications in for some Detention experience. TDCJ, Private Prisons, City and County Jails - Just a thought keep pondering “SWAT� in your heart and don’t let anyone in on your secret. You remember when folks are in need that want some dope dealer they want the police. Crack Dealers are always welcome as long as they live across town, but when they move in next door then they want the NARCS and the SWAT and the KGB and anyone else who will help. Go for your dream!

Edit: To find a job - go here:
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&btnG= ... sults&cd=2

http://dallas.citysearch.com/yellowpage ... page1.html



Go in person, wearing a suit and tie, clean shaven, fill out the applications. Many departments still have some men of integrity and character and that makes an impression. A lot of departments have no requirments other than a High School diploma and some collge is a plus. By the way it helps if you have good credit, good driving record, and no arrest record for ANYTHING.
I hope this helps some.