My 18th birthday was a few months ago in May and I have been wanting to go into law enforcement, what opportunities do I have for police/becoming an LEO as an 18 year old?

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Retired in 2018 from sheriffs department. My advice to you is go into the military first. It will open doors for you, especially in law enforcement. Spent 4 years in military (Air Force).
Good luck! If you’re in California you’ll have good pay, benefits and a good retirement.

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I've thought about military also because my family is all military or LEO, my dad was stationed at Camp Pendleton so if I do join back in the early 2000s, I'll try to get sent there

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Law enforcement is a demanding career, and I wouldn’t recommend starting too young. In my opinion, waiting until around 25 gives you time to gain valuable life experience and maturity. In the meantime, consider earning an associate degree in criminal justice, and get involved in volunteer work—such as helping the homeless, assisting at hospitals, or supporting domestic violence shelters. These experiences will give you a realistic understanding of the challenges officers face daily. If you were a family member asking me for advice, this is exactly what I’d suggest. Best of luck on your journey.

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Greetings, Did you graduate from high school, and if you did, attend a college of criminal justice!!!! Get some knowledge of criminal law and familiarize your self with police work.!!!! P.S.I am a retired NYS OMH officer, MentalHealth and New York State, civil service tests are a way to go.!!! Go to the NYS.Civil service website.

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You’ll have to complete police academy training to get a POST license, for the state of MO you’ll need to finish the academy at the earliest age of 21 (I don’t know if that’s for all states so I’m saying for my state specifically). School would be 6 months to 1 year depending on whether you want an associate's degree with your license. The higher the degree the higher the pay for some departments. Some departments can sponsor you through the schooling, and there are law enforcement scholarships available. The field itself pays very well, and is a very rewarding job, however, it isn’t for everyone since it’s more of a calling than a job. Benefits are something to look out for the most as insurance and how much goes out of your paycheck for that said insurance (my last department provided insurance that could have taken out 75% of my paycheck if I applied for it). If you want to go into law enforcement I suggest asking yourself what you are going into it for, if it’s for pay then I don’t indicate the career since no money is enough when you are putting your life on the line but if it’s only for the desire to serve and protect your community then go for it. Good luck on your journey towards law enforcement.

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I’m a deputy and here’s some advice. You have several different routes you can take. I started off working in a prison and eventually a jail. I recommend a TECHNICAL college that offers law enforcement. There were several in my area. Not only do they give you college credit but also certain law enforcement certifications. lots of departments want a 2 year degree or a certain amount of credit hours. Go for the technical school. If you go to a liberal arts school you will pay a lot for courses that are worthless. I also hesitate recommending a 4 year degree. I’ve known tons of officers with lots of debt for something that is not needed at all. I’ve had instructors and professors not recommend it. I started off with schooling then got my foot in the door with working in a prison then a county jail for a sheriff’s dept. I suggest doing a ride along with a few types of agencies and see what you like and ask what they require.

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It depends on where you live. You can check with your local sheriffs office. Some hire at the age of 18. City police you must be 21 due to the positions being civil service. State police is 21 as well.

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The sky is the limit.

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Migh I suggest corrections to you it’s the same kind of work. on another note consider why you want to go Leo . What is your motivation?

What city and state do you reside?

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Start working as a security guard! And work on your armed certification and qualifications as well with canceled perm!
And good luck 👍

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