Military Police to civilian LEO transition (What are your experiences?)

CPT Chris Loomis — Tue, 19 May 2015 08:18:26 -0400

Q: What are your experiences transitioning from the military police/AF security police/master at arms-shore patrol to civilian law enforcement in any state?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 8:59 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 08:59:06 -0400

When I made the transition, MO did not recognize military law enforcement training, so I had to go through academy all over again. I thought it was cake. I found it to be pretty similar. I do have a qualifier, though. When I went through tech school, the Air Force still separated Law Enforcement from Security & I went through Law Enforcement Specialist school. The most difficult thing was learning the state specifics about statutes. The rest was all the same.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 9:22 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 May 2015 09:22:36 -0400

I would highly recommend going through a civilian police academy. Even if you have 20 years of of military police experience. The two jobs are similar, but not the same. Everyone can benefit from additional training. And from a legal perspective this will reduce the liability of the Agency. If something bad happens and the opposing legal team starts looking into your training, you want to have the same training standards. I went through a Civilian Police Academy back in 1994. And when I retire, IF (BIG IF) I decide to go back into LE work, I would not be opposed to going back through. A lot has changed since 1994.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made May 19 at 2015 1:42 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Tue, 19 May 2015 13:42:20 -0400

In most States, if not all, you have no choice on whether or not you are going to go to the Police Academy. It is a requirement and you will want to anyway because you need to learn and know all of the State's Laws.

Response by TSgt Ralf Berger made May 21 at 2015 6:25 PM

TSgt Ralf Berger — Thu, 21 May 2015 18:25:24 -0400

I have been in civilian law enforcement since 1979. Every state I know of requires you attend a state civilian academy. Am trying for a federal police job now and they require you attend fletc, federal law enforcement training center, they would not accept military police training either. Good luck !!

Response by SPC Phillip Jackson made Jun 21 at 2015 3:04 PM

SPC Phillip Jackson — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 15:04:48 -0400

I got out in 82 at Ft. Hood. I ended up in south Texas. It was not easy to get into civilian law enforcement at that time. Where I was you had be related to someone or know someone. Small town politics.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Nov 17 at 2015 4:53 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 16:53:15 -0500

It was an easy transition. I did it 30 years ago. However, remember that what you did in the military has little bearing to civilian law enforcement. Agencies are looking for a certain set a values and characteristics in its applicants. Most military members, regardless of MOS/AFSC have those qualities. By California law, you will have to attend a POST certified police academy. All state and local departments will send you to it and pay you while you attend. The biggest issue for most military members is the hiring process. Calif has state wide standards in regards to the hiring process. At the minimum, applicants need to pass a written test, oral examination, PT test, background check, 2 medical exams, a psychiatric exam, and a lie detector test. Passing the very rigid background can be tough. Generally, in California, only 5 out of 100 police applicants get hired. Most agencies in Calif are on a big hiring push now, so it is a great time to apply. The bigger agencies tend to have more lax standards then smaller agencies because they need more volume. Each agency has its own standards and are looking for folks that fit the culture of that agency. Just because you are turned down by one agency doesn't mean that you are not qualified for another agency. I tell anyone looking to work law enforcement in Calif to apply to as many depts. as possible. If your background is clean then you should have no problem getting hired by someone.

Response by SGT Christopher Lachcik made Aug 31 at 2017 8:36 AM

SGT Christopher Lachcik — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 08:36:31 -0400

I decided to do Corrections and not too much of my experience really carried over. If anything, it's the environment in the military that helped make this job easy for me.

Response by CMSgt John Owens made Aug 29 at 2020 3:00 PM

CMSgt John Owens — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 15:00:46 -0400

The problem with military law enforcement officer going civilian is, IMO is too black and white.. I was police and deputy in civilian life, we had a prior MP, he arrested our town Mayor for DUI, guess what never came to court, and the former mp was looking for a job not too long after the fact.. Military police are told everyone must obey, civilian side very few obey.. I think you can be a great police officer, control the situation with as little force as necessary. Look at all your opinions, dont have to give a ticket every time you stop a car.. Good Luck..

Response by SPC Gerry Walker made Oct 10 at 2023 3:02 PM

SPC Gerry Walker — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:02:48 -0400

Easy transition experience, the MOS will definitely assist on a variety of levels. Take care of yourself in every way (physical/ mental/ spiritual).