Posted on Jun 18, 2015
MP to Civilian Law Enforcement; what do civilian departments think of hiring MPs?
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I have heard some law enforcment agencies don't prefer hiring MPs, is this true and how come? Just curious since I am set on going into civilian law enforcement.
Posted in these groups: 
Military Police Officer (MP)
Civilian Career
Law Enforcement
95B: Military Police
Military Police Officer (MP) Civilian Career Law Enforcement 95B: Military Police
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 28
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I left the Military Police and was hired by the State of Oklahoma Police within a year of separation.
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I think that no matter what department that you apply for, each one will evaluate differently. Some are more pro military than others. While it shouldn't be a negative factor, you are more likely going to be competing with current and former law enforcement children and friends. If you are thinking of joining the military reserves, there are usually quite a few LE that drill. Or if you have some LE friends, feel out the organization first.
If you want to be a cop, apply. Don't worry about stupid rumors from people who didn't get hired because they have something hiding in their past that caused them to get disqualified. Then they claim that they were discriminated against because they were military.
If you want to be a cop, apply. Don't worry about stupid rumors from people who didn't get hired because they have something hiding in their past that caused them to get disqualified. Then they claim that they were discriminated against because they were military.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
You are correct MSgt Emery, the Department I went to was pro Military and 90% of the Police Officers were veterans including the Police Chief. Don't put all You eggs in one basket either, apply to as many place as You can, when I accepted a job with one Department I had to turn down another one in an adjacent state who was going to hire Me. I also though had a BS degree in Criminal Justice which also helped. My Military background did nothing but help Me and the department was a semi-Military type operation with haircut and uniform standards, spit shined shoes etc. I was a SSgt when I left active duty and while on the Police Dept became active in the Reserves and retired from there as a SMSgt. The Police Department also allowed up to 14 days paid leave to attend Military annual tours which our Police Union contract allowed for.
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Police departments nation wide are having a hard time finding qualified PEOPLE. They don't care where you came from they care if you are qualified. Its a tough process to get through. Test, Oral board, background check, psychological, academy, coaching trip.
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SPC (Join to see)
Understood, my question wasn't really asking if being an MP would get me an advantage. I've just heard stories about some departments not wanting to hire MPs and I wanted to clarify if that was true and what is the reasoning.
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I am a Chief of Police, 47 person department in Florida. I would take any Military Police (Army, Navy, USMC, USAF or any military person) they receive hiring points due to any military experience.
All military have an advantage, they know chain of command, follow orders, show up on time, do the job, give 110% and put service before self above all else. I am always looking for former military come to Florida.
All military have an advantage, they know chain of command, follow orders, show up on time, do the job, give 110% and put service before self above all else. I am always looking for former military come to Florida.
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SGT Gerald “Jerry” Harrell
The Navy?…..Really? Just kidding. I agree with you 100%. With few exceptions, the Military Vetrans have a work ethic that suits Law Enforcement.
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What I was told is that the Military Police have habits that some civilian departments don't want to have to train out of you. The rules of evidence, probable cause, and search and seizure are not the same.
This is especially true, I am told, of departments that do not have their own organic academy. I was also told tat getting your AA in Criminal Justice can help in a large way.
hope this helps.
This is especially true, I am told, of departments that do not have their own organic academy. I was also told tat getting your AA in Criminal Justice can help in a large way.
hope this helps.
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Suspended Profile
I've heard both sides - it appears that it depends on the LE agency and it's leadership, the way the run it! During TRS, I've had quite a few of MP's with me, and ALL were going to be a LEO after they get out, and I've talked to them about the whole stigma, and for the most part, they had a positive experience. One particular PD told one of the guys he needed to wait a bit after getting out to be normal again - something along those lines, don't quote me. Personally, if I was a hiring official I'd prefer veterans with those skills, as long as he/she isn't unstable or crazy.. :D
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It honestly depends on the Agency. A decent sized Law Enforcement Agency won't dismiss the training you've already had and find a way to utilize it. Also, you have Veterans Preference, which will help you get the job.
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Spread the wealth....
What you learned in the MP Corps has great value. If a department is too narrow sighted to see that, it's not an agency you want to be a part of.
What you learned in the MP Corps has great value. If a department is too narrow sighted to see that, it's not an agency you want to be a part of.
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I know some departments that are heavily staffed with MP vets and reservists. Lately they have become cautious because of the heavy deployment of guard and reserves, leaving them unable to fully protect their communities. So one captain has described being a little gun-shy about guys in the guard and reserves - the department can't survive if half of its staff deploys.
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From speaking with local law enforcement in the past, they do prefer hire veterans, especially combat arms, BUT Military Police are difficult because they have to be retrained. The things you take for granted in the military just do not fly in the civilian world.
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SGM Steve Wettstein
MSG Brad Sand I have heard from departments that like to hire MPs and those that says what you just said.
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SSG Jesus Sijalbo
I was told by the recruiting police officers the same thing, while applying to become one. We all are wired differently?
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
i would disagree about the retraining Military Police, my career was with the USAF Air/Security Police mostly in Law Enforcement. What I learned in the USAF and the training there helped Me a lot in My transition to a civilian Police Department. My wiring wasn't any different as a civilian Police officer than My Military Police and the Police Department I entered was 90% US Armed Force's Veterans from the Police Chief on down.
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MSG Brad Sand
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter -
I was only repeating what I was being told. Of course, Air Force may be different from what a Army or Marine MP brings to the civilian law enforcement community too?
I was only repeating what I was being told. Of course, Air Force may be different from what a Army or Marine MP brings to the civilian law enforcement community too?
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