LEO's with IT background

[rjs3484]

I am 28, married with a 21 month old daughter and another one on the way in 5 weeks. I have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and currently work as a Network Specialist and do some programming on the side. I am getting sick of the office gig. My wife and family would support me if I decided to pursue it.

I am looking at applying for the Oregon State Police. The PT and written test shouldn't be a problem and neither should the BI, of course that doesn't mean I am a shoe in by any means. The benefits of the position I am looking at would be comparable to what I make now (no huge increase or decrease) either way.

An outsider might say I am crazy for considering it because as it is now I telecommute from home 2 days a week (working at the office 3 days a week), but it is just getting hard to get up to go to work and I really don't enjoy it. I realize that LEO positions can become tedious but some of the excitement appeals to me. I realize starting out I would get night shifts etc. Another downside is I live on the other side of the state of the academy so I would be away from home for months at a time.

I know the decision is ultimately going to be mine but any of you ever come from an IT/Tech background to a career in law enforcement? Even if you don't have an IT background I would welcome your thoughts.

Thank you in advance.

[TheKansan]

I am 28, married with a 21 month old daughter and another one on the way in 5 weeks. I have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and currently work as a Network Specialist and do some programming on the side. I am getting sick of the office gig. My wife and family would support me if I decided to pursue it.

I am looking at applying for the Oregon State Police. The PT and written test shouldn't be a problem and neither should the BI, of course that doesn't mean I am a shoe in by any means. The benefits of the position I am looking at would be comparable to what I make now (no huge increase or decrease) either way.

An outsider might say I am crazy for considering it because as it is now I telecommute from home 2 days a week (working at the office 3 days a week), but it is just getting hard to get up to go to work and I really don't enjoy it. I realize that LEO positions can become tedious but some of the excitement appeals to me. I realize starting out I would get night shifts etc. Another downside is I live on the other side of the state of the academy so I would be away from home for months at a time.

I know the decision is ultimately going to be mine but any of you ever come from an IT/Tech background to a career in law enforcement? Even if you don't have an IT background I would welcome your thoughts.

Thank you in advance.

I am in kind of a similar position to you. I'm 28 years old and have a bachelors degree in telecommunications and an associate degree in computer science and I currently work for AT&T. Its not that I don't enjoy my job, it pays well (much higher than starting pay for LEO) and has excellent benefits, its that I want more than that. I want to make a difference. The excitement of police work plays a small factor as well. I decided last year to give up my old career and pursue my dream with all of my passion.

The more I look into it, the more I realize that this is what I was meant to do, much more so than IT, which I like, but don't have a true passion for.

[StateChamp]

I am also with both of you guys. I am currently an IT Specialist with the government. I HATE sitting in front of computer all day and answering calls too all day. The difference is that I just started my career not too long ago and I already dread going to work in the morning. I feel like a robot doing the same thing day in and day out. I know the pain and anguish you're going through. I wanted to go Federal but I just might take whatever comes my direction to get out of this forsaken job.

My advice to you is flood the market with applications and resumes. Try the three, four letter agencies as well. They take forever though, that's why I took this job. If either of you have any other questions feel free to send me a message. Best of luck to you guys!! :)

[P-51R]

Moving from the private sector to the public has been a real good move for me. I graduated with an MIS degree in '04 and went into the high tech world and made lots of money. Something was missing in the corporate world, I felt as if I was a number and could be easily replaced. I have always had an interest in LE, but never knew that computer forensics was going to explode like it has over the past few years. Well, I was the perfect canidate for my local ICAC unit and I must say, awesome move. I am involved in training and R&D for our program. Of course the pay is lower, but I am never bored and like the people I work with and all the perks that come with the job. If this becomes too much, I guess I could go back. I would also be taking a LE background with me which makes me more competitive. Hope you can find what truly makes you and the fam happy.

[Phreaxer]

I am trying to get the process started from moving for Drafting (associates in CAD) to LE. I will be taking a pay cut and the hours are not going to be as nice, but I just have a passion to do LE and help better to society in which i live. Sitting at a desk just isn't making my life meaningful. Good luck and keep us posted.

[TheKansan]

Common theme, we take a pay cut for a career we are more passionate about.

[Snuffy65]

Wow, I am almost in the same boat as all of you. I too have a nAssociates in IT. Before I met my wife I had 3 years of criminal justice studies under my belt but changed majors cause my wife didn't like the idea of me being an officer of the law.

Well, I am 31 now and she makes more then I do and her job wants to move her down to Florida. I talked with her and we agreed if I am going to make the change back to LE this would be the time to do it.

Right now I am a network admin and have gained a few pounds and badly out of shape. I will be moving in August to join her and desperatetly trying to shave these pounds off and get fit.

[Good_to_go!]

Moving from the private sector to the public has been a real good move for me. I graduated with an MIS degree in '04 and went into the high tech world and made lots of money. Something was missing in the corporate world, I felt as if I was a number and could be easily replaced. I have always had an interest in LE, but never knew that computer forensics was going to explode like it has over the past few years. Well, I was the perfect canidate for my local ICAC unit and I must say, awesome move. I am involved in training and R&D for our program. Of course the pay is lower, but I am never bored and like the people I work with and all the perks that come with the job. If this becomes too much, I guess I could go back. I would also be taking a LE background with me which makes me more competitive. Hope you can find what truly makes you and the fam happy.

P-51R,

I can never seem to find state or local LE job openings for "entry-level" computer forensics positions. How did that work out for you, and is there a job opening source you can turn me on to?

Thanks!

[P-51R]

Info sent.

[Phreaxer]

Common theme, we take a pay cut for a career we are more passionate about.

I feel as if it's a calling for God in my case. I have been interested in being a cop since I was 3-4 years old but then it faded away when I got married the first time since she forbid me to be a cop or in the military. my new and inproved wife (upgraded model than the first) is actually encouraging me to persue my dream.

It's funny. I sit here all day reading the forums and wishing I could be out running or training so I can take the test sooner.

Good luck to all you guys. :)

[P-51R]

I can't encourage you enough than to go chase that dream. I almost didn't. Especially that you have a new supportive wife. It's more of a team when u think about it. Oh, btw, Phoenix is awesome. Great place you live. I took a computer forensic class at the Phoenix Anit-Terrorism office. That was one of the nicest labs I have ever seen.

I feel as if it's a calling for God in my case. I have been interested in being a cop since I was 3-4 years old but then it faded away when I got married the first time since she forbid me to be a cop or in the military. my new and inproved wife (upgraded model than the first) is actually encouraging me to persue my dream.

It's funny. I sit here all day reading the forums and wishing I could be out running or training so I can take the test sooner.

Good luck to all you guys. :)

[TheKansan]

I feel as if it's a calling for God in my case. I have been interested in being a cop since I was 3-4 years old but then it faded away when I got married the first time since she forbid me to be a cop or in the military. my new and inproved wife (upgraded model than the first) is actually encouraging me to persue my dream.

It's funny. I sit here all day reading the forums and wishing I could be out running or training so I can take the test sooner.

Good luck to all you guys. :)

I agree with you completely about it being a calling from God. When it comes to this decision, I have absolute clarity of vision, it just feels right. All of the motivation to get out there and test and do whatever it takes to be a cop comes so easily. Its like I have someone pushing me to move forward.

Anyway, good luck to you.

[Helo_Leo]

I am 28, married with a 21 month old daughter and another one on the way in 5 weeks. I have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and currently work as a Network Specialist and do some programming on the side. I am getting sick of the office gig. My wife and family would support me if I decided to pursue it.

I am looking at applying for the Oregon State Police. The PT and written test shouldn't be a problem and neither should the BI, of course that doesn't mean I am a shoe in by any means. The benefits of the position I am looking at would be comparable to what I make now (no huge increase or decrease) either way.

An outsider might say I am crazy for considering it because as it is now I telecommute from home 2 days a week (working at the office 3 days a week), but it is just getting hard to get up to go to work and I really don't enjoy it. I realize that LEO positions can become tedious but some of the excitement appeals to me. I realize starting out I would get night shifts etc. Another downside is I live on the other side of the state of the academy so I would be away from home for months at a time.

I know the decision is ultimately going to be mine but any of you ever come from an IT/Tech background to a career in law enforcement? Even if you don't have an IT background I would welcome your thoughts.

Thank you in advance.

How far are you from Portland? PPD has a sworn reserve unit, might want to check that out to see if you'll REALLY enjoy this type of work... It's a lot of fun, but there also those moments when nothing, and I do mean nothing is happening, and of course let us not forget about the paper work side of the house...they go hand in hand, the more you do of one, the more you'll do of the other, thank god for shorthand and adobe!

Just a thought, since you have your degree- I'd look into the federal side of the house (it is a lengthy process-your tax dollars work very slowly), the larger LE agencies all have cyber divisions and in the long run top out higher than your local/state agencies so you'd be having your cake and eating it too so to speak. Along with that you'd be going to FLETC or the respective agency's academy which for the most part are located on the East Coast (something to consider with a family and all) whatever you decide, I wish you well and follow you heart!

[Helo_Leo]

I am also with both of you guys. I am currently an IT Specialist with the government. I HATE sitting in front of computer all day and answering calls too all day. The difference is that I just started my career not too long ago and I already dread going to work in the morning. I feel like a robot doing the same thing day in and day out. I know the pain and anguish you're going through. I wanted to go Federal but I just might take whatever comes my direction to get out of this forsaken job.

My advice to you is flood the market with applications and resumes. Try the three, four letter agencies as well. They take forever though, that's why I took this job. If either of you have any other questions feel free to send me a message. Best of luck to you guys!! :)

Since you're already a staffer, have you considered applying for a 0083/0080 position? I'm sure it would be a pay cut for you (unless you work for USCP and no its no glamor detail but at least it'll get you down to Glynco, its LE (although most 83/80 work is security oriented) and you can still process for whatever 1811 position you're interested...beats looking at a screen all day- just a thought:cool:

[StateChamp]

Haven't thought about that yet. But I will considerate it. What do I got to loose. A computer. :p thanks for the suggestion


Since you're already a staffer, have you considered applying for a 0083/0080 position? I'm sure it would be a pay cut for you (unless you work for USCP and no its no glamor detail but at least it'll get you down to Glynco, its LE (although most 83/80 work is security oriented) and you can still process for whatever 1811 position you're interested...beats looking at a screen all day- just a thought:cool:

[Up_On_Base]

I know FBI and USSS have very good cyber units but w/ the Feds you might end up in DC.

I am sure there are plenty of other agencies on the Federal side that also have similar units. You might make more money going federal but in many cases state and local agencies offer better retirement packages.

Good luck and follow your dreams.

[Helo_Leo]

I know FBI and USSS have very good cyber units but w/ the Feds you might end up in DC.

I am sure there are plenty of other agencies on the Federal side that also have similar units. You might make more money going federal but in many cases state and local agencies offer better retirement packages.

Good luck and follow your dreams.


Damn right they do... I'd say about ALL cases aside from your smaller jurisdictions, state/local retirement packages are sweeeeeet:D especially those high 3/5 deals. There's a very good chance one will end up in DC or other larger city, but on the flip side you can always submit for an office closer to where you want to be after that initial assignment, its a trade off -some of this for more of that or, more of this and slightly less of that...

DHS is pretty strong out there, I know Customs was hiring throughout Washington State, ICE and FPS of course is out there- speaking of ICE they have a cyber unit as well... the choice is yours... You've got a lot of options!:D

[rjs3484]

How far are you from Portland? PPD has a sworn reserve unit, might want to check that out to see if you'll REALLY enjoy this type of work... It's a lot of fun, but there also those moments when nothing, and I do mean nothing is happening, and of course let us not forget about the paper work side of the house...they go hand in hand, the more you do of one, the more you'll do of the other, thank god for shorthand and adobe!

Just a thought, since you have your degree- I'd look into the federal side of the house (it is a lengthy process-your tax dollars work very slowly), the larger LE agencies all have cyber divisions and in the long run top out higher than your local/state agencies so you'd be having your cake and eating it too so to speak. Along with that you'd be going to FLETC or the respective agency's academy which for the most part are located on the East Coast (something to consider with a family and all) whatever you decide, I wish you well and follow you heart!

I actually live on the opposite side of the state with no reserves.

At this point I am going to schedule a few ride-alongs and go through the application process and see what happens.

Thanks for everyones thoughts. If anything happens I will update.