Is it possible to switch from Military police to civilian police?

2021-04-28T04:09:51-04:00

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2021 4:18 AM

2021-04-28T04:18:00-04:00

I’ve never heard of a transfer program to an actual civilian police department. I know that a bunch offer veterans preference.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Apr 28 at 2021 5:13 AM

2021-04-28T05:13:10-04:00

I don't know of any direct hire programs but given the situation with the civilian police right now and the shortage, some police departments might be willing to do that. It would be on an individual basis. Contact the ones you are interested in and see what they say.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Apr 28 at 2021 7:56 AM

2021-04-28T07:56:08-04:00

The short answer is no. I don't know of any department that will not require you to go either through their training program or one that is ran by their state. Most will give you points for being a Vet, but MP and Civilian Police don't really translate as well as many people believe.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 28 at 2021 8:21 AM

2021-04-28T08:21:29-04:00

Regardless of military background Law Enforcement has training/certification standards. You need to be POST certified for your Region/State. Once you have that you are on your way. But you can't just walk up and expect a job because you were an MP.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2021 9:05 AM

2021-04-28T09:05:09-04:00

Yes.
Several States accept MP training as equivalent to their academy. Completing MP OSIT now meets the MO state POST standard as well. Of my MP Soldiers when I was a Platoon Leader about half went into Law Enforcement.

MPs also qualify for credentials under the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act LEOSA.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2021 11:06 AM

2021-04-28T11:06:11-04:00

The only correct answer to the question asked is "Yes" regardless of whatever else you put in your post that may or may not be true.

Response by SFC Terry Wilcox made Apr 28 at 2021 10:17 PM

2021-04-28T22:17:07-04:00

I came out of Vietnam (via the Army Hospital in Japan) landed in California and they were grabbing anyone with MP Patches and trying to recruit them for California Highway Patrol. So the answer is YES.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Apr 29 at 2021 12:50 AM

2021-04-29T00:50:29-04:00

Sure can. All you have to do is complete your state's approved Peace Officer's Standards and Training (POST) course and find a department willing to hire you. Some will waive parts or all of the Basic Academy for trained/qualified military police personnel, some don't. Never hurts to ask them though.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Apr 29 at 2021 1:13 AM

2021-04-29T01:13:15-04:00

Short answer is YES. Long answer: It depends on the city. "Who-thought-it, Missouri" love hiring police with military experience [they don't have to train you]. Now, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles is a different story. Most of them will require a degree or academy training from that state.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 29 at 2021 8:12 PM

2021-04-29T20:12:27-04:00

No such thing as switch. There is a certification process which includes all of the requirements before you can sworn. In the beginning all the states had identical requirements but over time the good ol boy system destroyed that. The are some federal schools which lead to certification but most Federal Officers are not qualified for the states they work in.
When you decide where you are going to apply, find out what the requirements are.