Advice please

[akman75]

I have wanted to be a police officer since I was 7. My father became a police officer at that time and I wanted to do what he did from that point. My question is that over the years I have applied to various departments in my area with no success. I am very close to getting my degree but had to leave school for financial reasons. I am thinking of applying to a department as a dispatcher. Would this type of experience improve my chances of attaining a position with a department with no degree? Thanks for any advice!

[rmk50]

I think it would depend on you and the department. Some agencies will hire dispatchers with the intent of hiring them later as an officer. It gives both parties the chance to see if they want to stay or will work out. Other departments don't do that due to the time and expense in hiring/training a dispatcher, which is a lot more involved than years ago. My advise is to NOT use dispatching as a stepping stone if you have no interest or intent on making it a career. Become a reserve/special officer and get your name out there as that. Once the agency sees what type of work ethic and attitude you have it will go a long way in getting hired as a regular officer. Other towns will learn about you this way as well. Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck

[jnhdrac]

Don't go for the dispatching job. First focus on finishing your degree. Right or wrong, you will need it in the next 30 years. Secondly, I have known a few dispatchers who made the switch (I work in a department of 1500 officers), and a bunch more who were never chosen. I think any solid work history will help, it does not have to be with a police department. If you need to earn money now, find a good paying job that will allow you to finish the degree, and really shine at that job.

[trafficmotor1]

Akman75,

That's exactly what I did. The experience you get as a dispatcher will be invaluable to learning alot of the aspects of police work. I dispatched for 1 1/2 years before getting transferred to a police officer, and going to the Academy. That was 17 years ago, and I'm still with that Department.In addition, I got preferred status on hiring for police officer, because I had already established a favorable work record with the Dept, and that I was already a City employee. Plus, any good agency will offer you tuition reimbursement to finish your education, and there will be alot of down time in dispatch, especially on midnite shifts, where you can study and do your homework.

Good luck, ps..(my agency is hiring for dispatcher, see the post in job search category)

[akman75]

I have been working for very large Financial Services firm as a licensed trader for the last 3 and a half years. I just have this drive pulling me back towards law enforcement. I always told myself i would never end up in a cubical and here i sit! I guess growing up in a law enforcement family is the reason why i want to change career paths. I know this is what i need to do. I just want to make it happen and want to go about it the right way! So i do appreciate your feedback! Thanks!