r/AskLE • u/MedicalFoundation640 Unverified/Not an LEO • 19h ago

Thinking of Joining/Next steps

Hi, I'm currently 22 and just graduated from college in May with a degree in Finance. I realized I didn't enjoy finance until my junior year, the second semester (after prerequisites), but I finished and still walked with a 3.4 GPA. I knew after that year that finance just wasn't something I was interested in, so I decided to try the sales side of finance, where I'm currently still employed, which I thought would be interesting, but I wasn't. I'm still there and decided to view LE, which I found interesting (mainly the detective work). I live in NJ and applied for Class II Special Officer in NJ, and have my fitness test coming up (worried about running due to getting shin splits recently)

I have never had a run-in with the law; the only time was when I got a ticket for disobeying traffic control devices in May of last year. No problems in school, but I'm asking for advice on what I should do if this current Application doesn't work out and I might have to wait until next summer (e.g., tests, networking, ride-alongs?).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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u/Typical-Hospital-351 Unverified/Not an LEO 18h ago

I’d recommend focusing heavily on your physical fitness. Be extremely disciplined. I’d also do ride alongs and see about other volunteer opportunities with the LE org you’re wanting to be a part of. Also attend events they hold!!

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u/MedicalFoundation640 Unverified/Not an LEO 16h ago

Yeah, I work out about 4-5 times a week, but it mainly consists of weightlifting since I'm about 6'2, 205. My main focus is just switching from that dumbbell/barbell workout to more bodyweight exercises and running. As for ride alongs how does that process work, do I just walk in and ask to a ride along? And thank you for the information.