What are my chances, what should i do?

[rideandshoot]

I'm only 19.

I'm hoping to become a police officer in either Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota or FL where the age requirements are 18, 18, 18, 19 years of age for most depts.


I'm wondering what my general odds are of getting a job there.

general info:
education:

GED: - I never dropped out of high school, i went to school in another country from when i was 6 to 17 which I also have documentation(grades) from. I spoke and wrote English for all those years, and since my dad was American i always spoke English with him, so language is absolutely not an issue what so ever. - That said, i also speak another language (Norwegian- sometimes wish it was Spanish).
I also have 15 general top 100 credits from local community colleges. Two of which are firearms training classes for AZ POST.

I have never been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, just two traffic infractions.

Physically, I'm healthy, have no special medical situations, I'm 6'2 and strong.

If my chances aren't large, for some reason, what would you recommend as the next step? Further education? Career?

Thanks very much.

[just joe]

My advice--get a job, join the service or go to school and get your degree. I once worked for a chief who didn't want to hire anyone under 26 because he didn't think anyone younger had much in the way of decision making and life experience(s).

[LHPCop]

I once worked for a chief who didn't want to hire anyone under 26 because he didn't think anyone younger had much in the way of decision making and life experience(s).

Don't be in such a rush to get hired. I was 19 last week....today I'm 35. The point is, go to school first, get a degree, make yourself ATTRACTIVE to recruiters. Before you know it, you will be in your mid 20's and REALLY READY for the job.

I'm not saying that a 19 year old can not do the job. Our young serviceman are doing a hell of a job daily. But, life experience is imperative for Police Work, and as Joe pointed out, something many administrators look for.

Stay clean and Good Luck.

[PB3021]

This job will always be here...I agree, join the service, get your degree..do it now because when your working shift work and overtime and everything that goes with this job, you'll be hard pressed to finish later. And those with a degree will be picked first for promotions maybe even special assignments...