Any tips for an MP with 2 years thinking about transitioning into civilian law enforcement?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 23:19:47 -0400

In the 3 years I've been an MP in the Army I've worked in different areas. I've done criminal investigations, field cycles, and Army Law Enforcement. I discovered that I really love straight up law enforcement. UNfortunately I can't do this 24/7 in the Army so I'm thinking about ETSing and going civilian Police. Also I have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Any tips on how to make this transition?

Response by SGT James Hinch made Oct 2 at 2019 11:30 PM

SGT James Hinch — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 23:30:02 -0400

Since you already have a degree, I would definitely recommend state or federal level law enforcement. Better pay and benefits than a local department. If you do go to a local department, they'll be happy to hire you, but your MP time will pretty much amount to just good experience. I've had to go get recertified on everything I had in my 9 years on active duty.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Oct 2 at 2019 11:47 PM

CPL Gary Pifer — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 23:47:38 -0400

I would also go Reserve as many of your law enforcement brothers will belong to many of these units..doing many different MOS' It's sort of like a club or go talk with a Reserve or NG unit during weekend drill. or PD as many who followed in your same path can offer you advice... and tell their tale. Many times the First Sgt or Sgt Maj.. will be law enforcement.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Oct 3 at 2019 12:42 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 00:42:08 -0400

Use your degree and go make money. You might say I would rather work the streets than make money but I am nearly in your shoes. I love prehospital care and probably could be happy to never go back to nursing. That being said, I make way much more money as an RN but the lifestyle has allowed me to volunteer as a paramedic and continue serving my country. There are reserve LEs out there you could volunteer with while using your education to make $$$. I have easily spent $2K volunteering what I love and would not be able to do that if I was not making what I am.

Response by SGT Kyle Mullen made Oct 3 at 2019 5:55 PM

SGT Kyle Mullen — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 17:55:03 -0400

My advice to you is apply now to as many departments you can in the location you're interested in. The hiring process is roughly 6 months on average and you might not get selected to your top choice. So I'd apply now

Response by 1SG Joseph Yorski, MHS made Oct 3 at 2019 9:49 PM

1SG Joseph Yorski, MHS — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 21:49:58 -0400

Have you thought about staying in and going CID?

Response by SP5 Danielle Young made Oct 4 at 2019 8:38 AM

SP5 Danielle Young — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 08:38:40 -0400

Have you considered applying for a Special Investigator with civilian employers?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2019 11:40 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 11:40:25 -0400

The transition is actually fairly easy; however, do not let your time in the military go waisted.. Go into the Reserve, get your 20 year letter so you are eligible for retirement from military service as well as civilian. I'd take the civil service tests before getting out though so you have somewhere to go as soon as you come off AD. It can take up to a year or more for the entire civilian process (test to hire). Go talk to someone at the Soldier for Life office (formerly ACAP), they should have leads for you and test dates.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Oct 5 at 2019 3:49 PM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 15:49:52 -0400

My two pennies…

Regardless of what you decide to do, just keep your options open. You might have to take an entry-level position just to get your foot in the door. Experience is good, but it isn’t everything.

Response by MSgt James Slawson made Oct 16 at 2019 3:44 PM

MSgt James Slawson — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 15:44:58 -0400

First know what you are getting into. Military police is totally different than civilian police. As a Security Forces member in the Air Force carrying a weapon for 21 years I did not want to step out and be a target in the civilian world. Carrying a gun and wearing a uniform makes you a target 24/7. Use your skills and youth to go finish school and be what you really want to be. Do not be a Security guard somewhere look into physical, personnel, information, or industrial security in the federal government.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2019 8:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 08:46:56 -0400

I would test the waters and submit an application so you can see the in depth background questions they ask you Be honest as you will be given a polygraph. Make sure you are in shape and study the national police test. Once complete talk over your background form with the recruiter to make sure your good to go If all checks out I would say go for it. The sooner the better as some police departments have sweet retirement plans. Understand that you will do police academy and star from the bottom again, but your experience will show and you will promote quickly. If you have a GI bill you can use it, ask recruiter, while in police academy and while under probation, if its the 911 then thays a bah payment monthly for the area your in at the e5 without dependents rate. I hope this helped.

Response by SGT Brad Watts made Nov 13 at 2019 9:35 PM

SGT Brad Watts — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 21:35:06 -0500

Unless you simply live the city life and the daily driving around a town I would strong look into becoming a State Trooper. Not saying local LEO duty is a bad move. Either way you can check when and where the next recruitment exams will be held for either State or local. There are more laws a civilian LEO has to have knowledge of that an MP but the transition isn’t all that difficult.