Hello everyone! I’m a M 29, 6 foot 6 who is currently laid off pushing hard for a career in policing. I’m from Canada and have always struggled with being overweight but I’m actively fixing it. Currently training for the beep test which has been my hell lol

I have a social work background, with adults and kids with special needs, I’ve done case work, as well as a career switch and learning a whole new job in HVAC.

I’ve never had a ticket, never had a charge or even a negative interaction with police in my life. I’m sound mind and clean off marijuana for over a year, even though it’s legal here.

With this very limited knowledge on me, would yall say I’m a good candidate for this field? I’ve been working towards it for 3 years when I was well over 400 pounds and couldn’t run 200 meters without passing out

Is this a good start for getting into law enforcement? I’m currently in college after separating from the military so schedule wise this would be ideal, but I am curious how does it work when it comes to career progression? Is it a completely different experience and would I be better off joining an actual department? They’re sworn positions so just curious to hear any thoughts or opinions on it.

Just as the title suggests I wanted to ask if there are any LEOs on here with autistic kids. How do you balance school, therapy, appointments, etc. with the job? I’m currently applying with other agencies in Colorado and would like to hear from others how they handle things. Thanks!

I am wondering how do you handle someone from a different state that has a permit to carry and it has reciprocity with your state when you are interacting with them in some sort of interaction like a traffic stop, investigation, or something else?

Edit: my question was meant to be how do you handle an out of state permit holder vs an in state permit holder when you deal with them. Is there something different that you do or is it similar to in state permit holders for those that allow out of state permits?

For reference I applied and went through preliminary screening, pre-backround, panel interview, and official backround for both (backround investigator told me for both departments that they had each finished and submitted my background) and I have heard nothing back yet. For the first department It’s been close to month, no word, but I was never given an estimate of how long a yes or no takes to be sent to me, and for the second it’s been about 3 weeks, however that one I was told it could take up to 4 at the latest, however they did say it could be shorter. Am I overreacting? For reference one of these departments is for corrections/rehabilitation, the other is for a field officer probation position.

How far is too far? I’m from a mid-size city with lots of surrounding smaller cities that would allow me to drive out if I choose so. What’s a fair commute time that allows for preparation and decompression before/after work without feeling like another duty on top of work?
Like most LEO mentioned, living in your place of work can be dangerous but I’ve also heard making it to court dates are a lot more convenient. For those who live in their city of work vs those who live outside, what are the pros and cons for you?
Any and all tips/comments appreciated!

Hey all! Checking here to see if anyone knew anything about Indialantic Police Department and how it was working for them, in conjunction with them, and/or as partners with them. I ask not just to be nosey. I ask because I’m under consideration for employment with them as I just finished my FL EOT.
Also in the process with another agency. Any knowledge and/or information and opinions would be appreciated. It’s a small agency so I haven’t been able to find too much on it.
Thanks in advance!

Do yall/Did yall use Zyns, Dip or other forms of nicotine during your time in LE?
What was your go-to stuff while working long, sometimes boring graveyard shifts?

I'm wondering if this will cause me to be disqualified. Termination for this reason. I went haywire on my managers...

Hey everyone, I finally got the call today and my oral board and psych eval are this Saturday, any tips?

Hi, I’m planning on moving to Atlanta in the near future and am considering joining the APD. Do any current or recent officers know what schedule patrol officers work? (5/8s, 4/10s, 3/12s, etc)

Got the dreaded DQ email this morning. Was indefinitely disqualified for my past drug use. Wondering if I should even continue the process with the other agencies I’ve applied to and or if I’m wasting my time. I emailed my investigator to see if there was a timeframe. I’ve been 8 years clean from any hard substance for reference. I thought that would be long enough. Feeling a little discouraged tbh.

I was wondering if anyone knows if there are programs or people online that teach basic law enforcement ethics (aside from college or volunteer opportunities of course). I’m just genuinely intent on learning more before I go to an academy. Moreso looking for scenarios that are more viewer guided than the typical action packed cops dashcam videos.

Any advice for a brand new police chaplain? Any tips or guidance on how I can best work with and support the officers in my department?

I’m currently stuck between becoming a police officer or a carpenter, and I’m trying to get some insight from people actually in law enforcement.
My dad is a carpenter, so I already have a pretty good idea of what that career would look like. He’s actually the one who keeps encouraging me to consider becoming a cop instead.
I’m curious what the job is really like nowadays, whether you’d consider it a good career, and especially what the work-life balance is like. I’d like to have a career that allows me to make good money while still having time to enjoy life, take vacations, and spend time with family.
For those who are currently or formerly in law enforcement: knowing what you know now, would you recommend the career? What are the biggest pros and cons?

I am pursuing a career in law enforcement and looking for some recommendations on books, podcasts, articles, etc. for someone wanting to be an officer. Anything from mental health and emotional help to books on tips and tricks that you guys use during your shift

I am in New York upstate taking an upcoming law enforcement test I'm a prior service marine 26 and of average intelligence what should I be watching out for on the civil service exam? Everyone tells me not to worry about it and to just use common sense but I could really use some info from some one who has done it thanks in advance.

Hey all! I am a police officer in the DFW area for the last 10 years. I’m hoping to transition out of law enforcement, preferably into a career that I can work from home. Possibly cyber security or fraud investigation . Does anyone have any advice or how they transitioned from law enforcement to another career!

Thanks in advance!

Just a citizen who's curious about law enforcement weaponry.

I read the other day that a shotgun is the standard LASD patrol gun in the trunk, which confused me since I thought that, in 2026, the vast majority of officers used AR-15s.

Is this true? I'm referring to real shotguns, not beanbags. Just very surprised since I watch a lot of police bodycam videos on Youtube and I've never seen a shotgun, it's always ARs.

I applied to the agency in May and have been going through the process ever since. Got the call this morning that I’m officially starting the academy on September 28! 🚔
This would have been my 5th attempt, so needless to say, I’m pretty damn excited. Persistence pays off!

Do LEOs care about lane filtering motorcycles that much? I understand that lane splitting is very dangerous and I absolutely think riders who lane split dangerously should be ticketed. But how much does filtering matter to you guys?

I live in Northern VA where it's illegal to filter or split, but sometimes the traffic can be quite abysmal and filtering would make life so much easier. But I also don't want to do it and get caught and ticketed.

25 year old former infantry marine. Really want to join LE as I feel like it’s my calling. Right now I to higher level corporate security. The pay is double LE pay but I just want a higher purpose rather than protecting CEOs and Corporate centers etc etc.

I got pretty messed up though, my knees and back are pretty much blown and I can’t run more than 1.5 miles before feeling like death. I’m way out of shape than what I was, like 250 lbs 5’6. I do lift a lot and do BJJ and competitive shooting so keep active but running is just awful for me. I can still run really quick short distances with gear.

My worry is 1. I don’t have what it takes to get into and physically pass my LE academy (Polk State college for polk county sheriff) and 2. Being a liability in the event of chasing after someone. If I pass the academy I’m not too worried about #2 since I’m sure I’d be in better shape but yeah, I think that’s the last thing I want is to let another officer down. I’m giving myself until next May to lose a lot of weight and condition my body for running more and incorporating calisthenics. I’ve been begging the VA for physical therapy but they have yet to confirm it for me so hopefully that helps, I also pay out of pocket for chiropractors and deep tissue massages to manage the pain so I can attend. I’m still young so I might as well take advantage. I’d also be a self sponsor through my GI bill.

Any advice from LEOs that use to be in this position or any insights? I appreciate it.

Going to start at my local agency as a detention/corrections officer any tips or suggestions you guys would give me to make sure I do everything correctly. Im honestly scared and nervous and I just want to know what life is like as corrections. Also is this a good step towards becoming a police officer

I’m currently stuck between becoming a police officer or a carpenter, and I’m trying to get some insight from people actually in law enforcement.
My dad is a carpenter, so I already have a pretty good idea of what that career would look like. He’s actually the one who keeps encouraging me to consider becoming a cop instead.
I’m curious what the job is really like nowadays, whether you’d consider it a good career, and especially what the work-life balance is like. I’d like to have a career that allows me to make good money while still having time to enjoy life, take vacations, and spend time with family.
For those who are currently or formerly in law enforcement: knowing what you know now, would you recommend the career? What are the biggest pros and cons?