Looking for advice.

[Hoosier_Boy]

Hello all I've been trolling these forums for a month or two after I have really set my heart on making a career of being a Police Officer. I am only 20 years old turning 21 next month. I am really trying to get my foot in the door somewhere in the West Central part of the state near Bloomington or anywhere 50 miles around. I know a lot of Police Officers read and comment on these forums so any advice can and will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[Ten Six]

I'm in Bloomington. What do you want to know.

[Hoosier_Boy]

Well I am in Owen County but I was just wondering how hard its going to be to get in being just 21 and how to improve my chances of getting on?

[Ten Six]

Well I am in Owen County but I was just wondering how hard its going to be to get in being just 21 and how to improve my chances of getting on?
It will be extremely difficult. Bloomington area police agencies prefer applicants with college experience. The best way to improve your chances is to enroll in college. The IU police department has an excellent cadet program for full-time IU students. Cadets are hired in their sophomore year then work for one year before attending the academy. Upon completing the academy they are commissioned as fully empowered police officers. The program has produced 19 and 20 year old officers but 21 year old's are rarely hired off the street, so to speak.

[Hoosier_Boy]

Well I am still enrolled in school but I'm in business style classes. And to be honest I would really like to get one with a PD around the area and become a part time student to finish my degree.

[Ten Six]

Well I am still enrolled in school but I'm in business style classes. And to be honest I would really like to get one with a PD around the area and become a part time student to finish my degree.
The cadet program has people with a diversity of majors-Pre-med, medical, nursing, pre-law, law, English, underwater basket weaving, etc. Any major is accepted but you have to be a full-time student to apply. Your best bet is to stay in school and complete your degree. BTW, police departments like business degree.

[SW Indiana]

BTW, police departments like business degree.

COOL BEANS! I just received my BS in Business from Indiana State this past December!

PD's don't like people with broken collarbones though ;)

[WPD820]

I would highly recommend starting off as a reserve officer. Although I am not a full time officer, it has been my experience that PD.'s will often higher from their reserves first.

[nadster011]

I would highly recommend starting off as a reserve officer. Although I am not a full time officer, it has been my experience that PD.'s will often higher from their reserves first.


OFTEN? BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH

[towncop]

OFTEN? BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH
Well, he should have said fairly often in most parts of the state, except NORTHEAST!!!! Am I right, or am I right Nadster???

[Drummadude12]

It will be extremely difficult. Bloomington area police agencies prefer applicants with college experience. The best way to improve your chances is to enroll in college. The IU police department has an excellent cadet program for full-time IU students. Cadets are hired in their sophomore year then work for one year before attending the academy. Upon completing the academy they are commissioned as fully empowered police officers. The program has produced 19 and 20 year old officers but 21 year old's are rarely hired off the street, so to speak.

Ahh, I always wondered, as my sister's friend is an IU police officer, and they are both taking classes there.

[lemmein71]

I agree with a lot of the advice on this board.

If you can get enrolled in the Cadet program. If you already certified, you save the PD about $6500 to hire you.

If you can't do the Cadets for whatever reason, being a reserve also makes you more attractive.

[Ten Six]

I agree with a lot of the advice on this board.

If you can get enrolled in the Cadet program. If you already certified, you save the PD about $6500 to hire you.

If you can't do the Cadets for whatever reason, being a reserve also makes you more attractive.A degree coupled with certification and experience makes one extremely attractive. A degree oftens means more $$$ too.