[big shrek]

Another direction you might wish to consider, is Military Police in the Army Reserve.
Best training you'll ever get, plus some SERIOUS weapons training

They'll make a Tackleberry out of you

[PSmitty1]

Sounds like your on thee right track. If you can, try to get a couple ride alongs. Riding with different officers and on different shifts can give you a good idea of what to expect.

[Sniper03]

Smokin,

One thing you want to do is check your state or any states that you are interested in working. Some states have a state retirement program like Indiana. The State Police and Fire Pension Program requires you to be appointed prior to your 35th. birthday. While others will accept regardless of age if the person can pass all the requirements.

03

[TelstaR]

I am not a LEO but I do see that kind of job as a honorable and at times a rewarding one. However, I am not sure that I would spend my free time being exposed to violence-element of danger/possible injury, violence/possible costly-lengthy legal liability, violence/poss exposure to disease, violence/ stress related health implication- if I were not being paid a full time salary package.

Is 28 too old? If you spend alot of time being a reserve and not building actual senority-merits and training portfolio, it could be. If you are 28 you are probably 5 years behind patrolman your own age. These are the people who you would be going up against for promotions and specialized units. If you want to be a LEO, great! Again, I am just a joe citizen nobody, if I were 28- I wouldnt wait around too long thinking about it.

[smokinbunta]

Originally Posted by TelstaR

I am not a LEO but I do see that kind of job as a honorable and at times a rewarding one. However, I am not sure that I would spend my free time being exposed to violence-element of danger/possible injury, violence/possible costly-lengthy legal liability, violence/poss exposure to disease, violence/ stress related health implication- if I were not being paid a full time salary package.

Is 28 too old? If you spend alot of time being a reserve and not building actual senority-merits and training portfolio, it could be. If you are 28 you are probably 5 years behind patrolman your own age. These are the people who you would be going up against for promotions and specialized units. If you want to be a LEO, great! Again, I am just a joe citizen nobody, if I were 28- I wouldnt wait around too long thinking about it.

well i dont think doing it as volunteer work would be waste of my free time at all. cause i'll be learning alot of useful knowledge/ training. sure theres the danger in dealing with possible criminals or just some crazy person, sure theres possibility of injury or death. But everything i've been into since i was 12 has been dangerous 1 way or another, and to this day my hobbies include, motorcycles(sport bikes), racing cars, and maybe someday try some sky diving. So i think if i turn out to enjoy it and have the time for it, why not. It'll be exciting and rewarding at the same time. And later down the road if i want to go full time i think the reserve experience would put me at a good spot with the department.