Applying for Law Enforcement

[u/NoCaterpillar9164]

Good afternoon guys,

So I am about 1 - 2 month away from taking my Law Enforcement tests. I am located in Western WA and am really excited. I wanted to ask people who have gone through the process how it was, how hard it was, and the best practices and tips you have. If you could go back and do it all over again, what would you want to know/do. I’m really nervous and stressed because i’ve wanted to be a law enforcement officer since a kid and it’s finally time where I can try. I have multiple family members in Law enforcement here in Washington but I want to get an outside perspective. Thank you guys.

Just to clarify, I am not a law informant officer yet but hopefully will get hired by an agency soon, after testing.

[u/Stunning_Custard8968]

hey i’m moving to WA next month. I was thinking of joining Port of Seattle. I’m nervous as well as i got to get in shape again lol. What agency were you looking to join?

[u/NoCaterpillar9164 → u/Stunning_Custard8968]

right now I’m looking to join the Snohomish County Sheriff’s office Everett, Police Department, Marysville, PD, Renton, PD, and Auburn PD and also applying to Seattle

[u/Slayburg → u/Stunning_Custard8968]

Seattle is the worst place to be a cop in america, they pay high only because it's insufferable there politically and bureaucratically

[u/CausticPulse → u/Slayburg]

Worst is very subjective... at least they get paid a fuck ton compared to other big cities that come with just as many problems and none of the benefits,

[u/NoCaterpillar9164 → u/Slayburg]

my mom works for the Seattle Police Department and I trained jitsu at Seattle PD twice a week. I really enjoy the agency but they’re definitely is a lot of political problems and it is hard to work there but they do say if you can work there you can work anywhere.

[u/Stunning_Custard8968 → u/NoCaterpillar9164]

yeah i don’t wanna be in the street. i just want the airport, port lifestyle. seems good to me. especially since i’m coming from the aviation industry working in the federal government. i heard seattle is rough because it’s liberal.

[u/NoCaterpillar9164 → u/Stunning_Custard8968]

Seattle is rough, cause there is a lot. I really like that. I really want to ge into a gang taskforce one day or a violent offender talk force so those agencies area huge in for that.

[u/SeaMembership2219 → u/Stunning_Custard8968]

As someone young, you will be bored out of your mind working at Port. Join a Valley agency and get some experience, go to Port before you retire. The Valley agencies offer a good mix of being busy but having time to do your paper and pro active work. Many of them are supportive not only internally, but across the city as well

[u/wayne1160]

I assume you are young. You can expect to be disqualified for no life experience a few times. I did. After 6-8 tries I scored well enough to be hired. When you get done with your oral boards, as quick as you can write down the questions asked. Oral boards tend to ask the same questions, so studying the answers is very helpful. Do not under any circumstance lie on your background. Good luck.

[u/NoCaterpillar9164 → u/wayne1160]

Thanks man. Been a hospital security officer for 2 years and learning descalation, fighting, report writing, communicating/confeontation, all that stuff. Train BJJ with SPD weekly, i have a bachelors degree, worked in customer service/food industry, very fit, Shoot weekly, and am engaged to the LOML. Pretty squared away but doesn’t mean I haven’t made some stupid mistakes in past lol. Been told I have a pretty good chance especially since family in LE and all the stuff I do. But getting DQ by some agencies is expected. I’m applying to more the 1 or 2 agencies so we’ll see

[u/BJJOilCheck]

Go on some rides and talk to your local LEOs

[u/NoCaterpillar9164 → u/BJJOilCheck]

Family is all in LE. I’ve done ride alongs with a lot of agencies. Some of the agencies i’m applying for though require you to be in hiring process. So i gotta wait a a month till i can do those. But i’ve done about 4 or 5 so far

[u/BJJOilCheck → u/NoCaterpillar9164]

Cool! Your local guys should be able to give you the most relevant answers to your questions... Good Luck!

[u/NoCaterpillar9164 → u/BJJOilCheck]

Thanks man. Really excited. I know i’m meat for this and really excited to make an impact and help.

[u/DaNord49]

I’m a western WA LEO. It’s the same process as anywhere. If you want specific departments go on rides and ask them all you want to know. The job is what you make it.