Looking for DPS Trooper/LEO input...

[SigM4]

Looking for input from current or former LEO or DPS officers.

Chas, if this is in the wrong spot please feel free to move the thread. Thought about the LEO Contacts/Bloopers, but really doesn't seem to fit there.

Anyhow, so here goes. I'm finishing up my MBA in May and am currently in the search for a job. Only problem is, now that I'm almost thru with business school (for the second time) I've come to the conclusion that I really don't want to be in the typical work environment. I worked prior to going back to school, and even worked during grad school. However, it just seems that no matter what job I was in it was never rewarding enough, despite the pay.

So my question is this, what if anything would a grad degree do if I wanted to get into law enforcement? The reason I ask is because I want to do something that I'll actually want to get up and go to everyday. On the reverse of this though is that I know how much I could make in the business world, and while money is really not my number one priority here, I don't want to sell myself short at the same time, especially with a new family in the foreseeable future.

So does anyone have input on the situation or experience they might be able to add? At the end of the day I just want to know I made a difference and like what I do.

Thanks as always...

[lawrnk]

You coulc be a volunteer deputy or something on the side, and then use your MBA during the week? Funding, and public service?

[carlson1]

Your degree is nothing, but a plus. DPS and many other departments have minimum requirements. You could always choose a local department while working through the application for DPS, TABC, TPWD, etc. . . The experience with another agency is plus also. Background processing takes a while, so start now. We will pray the best for you.

[AFJailor]

Dont want to toot someone else's horn here but http://www.realpolice.net is a GREAT resource for those looking into a LE career.

There are thousands of posts with every question imaginable such as: what disqualifies someone; what type of degree to get; pay rates; etc.

I would head over there and check it out.

Also I would suggest going on a few ride-alongs if I were you, a LOT of people get into LE and decide it isn't for them, AFTER going through the very long hiring and training process.

[srothstein]

First, the good news. In law enforcement now, a degree can only help and the more advanced the more help.

Now the bad news. Never ever go into law enforcement or any public safety work (fire,ems) looking for money. Starting salaries are low, especially compared to MBA's.

Now the longer winded explanation. You do not need college to enter police work in most places. There has been a move for the past 20 years to increase the entry requirements, and some agencies have done so. You need college to join DPS for example, and you need a BA in criminal justice to join TABC if you are not an experienced officer.

With the increase in emphasis on education, a degree can get you more money. Most larger departments pay a monthly bonus for a degree, with the higher degree getting more money. TABC (and all state police jobs in Texas) pay 150/month extra for a Masters in any field. SAPD pays 350 month for the same thing.

In addition, the pressure for degrees to enter is also raising the bar for promotion. It is almost impossible to get a job at higher levels without a degree, and many departments require a masters to be a Chief or Assistant Chief.

The downside is that police work is fairly low paying. A major department, like Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio is starting people at about 2500 monthly while in the academy. Pay rises fairly quickly for the first few years, then levels off with incremental raises. There are other monthly pays that help, such as shift differential and language pay too. All told, using SAPD as a comparison, I think you would be making about 40K yearly in one year, then up to about 65K in about 5 years, if you work the midnight shift. The alternative is to work a very small town where you start at about 24K and the Chief only makes 40K or so. But there are all sort of ranges in between also.

Also, as you go up in rank, which takes time, you get more money. Chief of Police is about 60K in most decent sized towns, climbs to 90K in small cities, and up to about 150K or so in large cities.

As others said, one of your other alternatives is to work in a business field with the degree and then volunteer as a cop. It requires you to go through an academy though, and that can be a year of hight school or 4 months of full time day school. This way, you might find an acceptable job that pays and still get the police work for the fun/interest.

If you have more questions, you can call me at work: 512-206-3444. I am in charge of the TABC Enforcement training

[KRM45]

If you are young and single, looking to start a career, Law Enforcement might be a good option. The Plano Police Department starts at more than 50K/year for a recruit in the academy. This is equivalent to a lot of career fields. Perhaps not as high as you could find with your particular education, but nothing to scoff at.

I started a police job after more than a dozen years in the engineering field. After 6 months I found I could no longer continue at the reduced salary, and work the 12 hour shifts that were expected of me. Fortunately when you have other qualifications if the career choice doesn't work for you there are options.

I agree with the ride along suggestion. I suggest you try to ride on a busy night, and a slow period as well. Make sure you understand what you are getting into before you expend the time and effort it will take to get throught the hiring and training process. If you hire on with a local agency, you can expect to be a patrol officer for at least 2 years before you have the opportunity to work as a detective, SRO, SORT, or any other assignment.

Good luck.

[gregthehand]

I got into law enforcement while in college as a job to do while in school that paid well. After doing it a while I discovered (for me) it just wasn't what I thought it would be and I wasn't getting to do the things I thought I would be able to do. Not to mention you just don't make too much. Now you'll here a lot of people talk about how much you get paid around the Dallas area but look how expensive the housing is! Also you can work extra jobs and bring in some extra money, but it's heavily taxed and you'll have to work around 70 hrs a week to make decent money. I know some have said do reserve and there is a reason I don't do that. Let's say I do my job that I do during the week and reserve every other weekend. On that weekend lets say I put someone in jail. If they fight it that means I have to take vacation off work and then go to court etc. I won't be too long winded except to say that with an MBA at least look at going Federal over State as the pay is much higher and your degree will be put to better use. If you want to know more just shoot me a PM. I'm no expert but I'll try to help.

[Mac Truck]

Why not be a Fed? An advanced degree would be a huge benefit to you in the recruiting process, and starting pay is pretty darn good. I gave some very serious thought about the FBI (pfft, like they would take me anyway!) out of college. The only drawback, if you look at it as a drawback, is that you are kind of at the mercy of the Bureau as far as where they want you to move and when. I do a lot of work with a Forensic Accounting Firm that is comprised of a lot of guys with Business Degrees, that are also Certified Fraud Examiners. They have a computer forensics dept that is pretty interesting as well.

[CHL/LEO]

A major department, like Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio is starting people at about 2500 monthly while in the academy.

Dallas is starting around $3,800 per month plus a $10,000 signing bonus. If you promote up to Sgt or Lt you can earn right around $100,000. We currently have around 3,000 sworn officers but are in the process of adding another 1,000 over the next 5 years. That, along with the normal attrition has created a tremendous need for qualified people. Click here for more info.

Nationwide there is a severe shortage of officers so departments are having to compete with the business sector on both benefits and salary to attract the people they need. Some departments even have pension plans still available that offer outstanding benefits.

Like someone else posted - don't get into LE for the money. This profession is really a calling and not a job. Good luck to you.

[srothstein]

A major department, like Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio is starting people at about 2500 monthly while in the academy.

Dallas is starting around $3,800 per month plus a $10,000 signing bonus.

While I had heard about the signing bonus (Dallas and Houston both, but Houston is only 7000), I had also heard it was for already certified officers. I did not know it was of rnayone.

And, not looking to go through an academy again, I had not realized the pay was that high to start now. That is a lot better than it was last time I looked. It also explains why we are having trouble getting people. We start at $3000/month but for already certified officers.

[rbraughn]

try these recent listings in the galveston area

http://www.galvestonpolicenews.com

not too bad especially if you hire laterally