My department has MD-500's. Except that our great city government can't control the budget and our flight department is on stand by for the time being. We have to call CHP and their response time is arond 30 minutes and sometimes never. Doesn't help when your in a footcase.
Aviation and Law Enforcement
- Thread starter FLY_BOY
- Start date
Blame Pelosi.
Hootie
Old Skool
I know you have always had an interest in LE. But I am curious about your thought process....if you were to actually make the jump, is it because you just have a stronger desire to be in LE or is it because aviation doesn't provide the security, home life, something else, that you want long term?
FlyChicaga
Vintage Restoration
Honestly, it's a combination of a lot of things. I really love flying, and I feel like I could succeed in this career. I just know that LE is something I've always wanted to do, and I need to decide whether I'll kick myself for never doing it, or kick myself for leaving aviation. At least with LE the job comes with better benefits and retirement, even if the money might not be as attainable.
Talking with a CP here who has done both, he said the lifestyle of both careers is very similar, except you're home every night in LE. That, and the "physical" side of being a cop.
Ah well, lots of things to consider.
BillErvin
Peddling as fast as I can
Can't say I'd change any of the last 30 years! I love aviation, grew up in it, but LE was where I felt at home.
You might look into the Border Patrol I hear their looking to hire a bunch again this year. At least you're in a position to fly with CBP after three years on the line. http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/careers/customs_careers/border_careers/
scramjet
Well-Known Member
I'm taking an internship in LE right now and it's really making me think about it as a career. There's a lot of departments in my county that consist of sometimes 50% part timers, I'm trying to determine if I could juggle a part time job and an airline job at the same time (love the flying benefits and that's what's holding me back from committing to any job outside of the airlines...right now). But in my county, practically all of the departments except the Sheriff's department require you to take the municipal police academy on your time and expense before getting a job.
FlyChicaga
Vintage Restoration
I have, but I'm not sure I have the time available to maintain my airline career and commit to the training program, especially on my own dime. I have done a bunch of ride-a-longs and I worked for the campus police in college, plus my Dad was career Federal LEO. I've kinda grown up around police work, so I guess you could say it's in my blood.
I've bookmarked the Phoenix PD as a department I'm looking at applying to when they finally hire. Most departments are using this economic downturn to shed officers, even though they're understaffed. Many "nice" Chicago suburbs feel they don't need as many police, which is unfortunate.
I just don't think I could work for the Chicago PD, though. Too many scandals, old equipment, and they're talking about dropping the entrance exam to entice more minority applicants. What a mess.
Do, where did you apply? You still looking that direction? You can PM or FB if you don't want to post...
JeffMSU
New Member
We might not be opening the applications till late this year, there is a large backlog of applicants going through all the steps to get to the academy and theres a lot of applicants that are waiting for "the phone call" to get to the academy in Artesia, NM.
If you're or anyone is interested in the BP let me know and i can answer any questions. They do still have the transfer from BP to CBP Air and Marine but to my knowledge there has only been a few that have made the switch. I have not met anyone who has had previous flying experience before becoming a BP agent or even while being an agent, so just having your private would be looked at in high regards if you're ultimate goal is to fly. BP has been know as a stepping stone to many federal careers and agents are encouraged to find something they enjoy doing.
kellwolf
Piece of Trash
One of my students at Skymates was a BP agent. He had his private, and came to us to get his CSEL. A few months later, he even came back to knock out the rest of his instrument.
N826AW
Well-Known Member
I tested for City of Mesa. They have an aviation unit but you need to serve in patrol before you can apply. It seemed pretty tough to get a spot with the aviation unit so I went in with the attitude that if I got it great if not, well that's great too. From perusing different web forums and talking to police officers in the valley, I was told the city has chronic budget and leadership issues and lower QOL than other departments. That combined with my lack of running skillz led me to drop the process.
Moving forward, there are a number of career avenues that I think I will be happy with. What appeals to me with a career in law enforcement beyond my general interest is the ability to dabble in my other endeavors.
First and foremost I am looking to involve myself with the military in some way. I am going to drop a few NG and Reserve pilot packets. If I don't get any bites I will look into some type of ground-based officer slot. I have always wanted to serve in the military, especially as an officer and I need to just work on pulling the trigger already. From what everyone tells me, law enforcement is very military friendly and compatible with guard/reserve duty. This applies especially departments in the DC/NoVA area which where Jenn and I are actively planning our move to. In fact I just put in an application with the Metro Washington Airport Authority police department. I figure it is a combination of the two interests somewhat.
I think it would also allow me to have some type of side business that combines my love for internet marketing, the automotive industry and real estate. I could see myself running a company that helps dealers and real estate agents market in addition to wholesaling cars and doing some real estate stuff here and there.
As for aviation, I'm pretty unplugged from the whole regional deal. Hopefully the military aviation route works out, if not I will probably get my CFI or buy a 152 to putt around in.
As you can see I'm all over the map. But it's time to start get things accomplished. I feel like I've put my life on pause. The side effect of a crappy economy and a budding relationship I guess.
BillErvin
Peddling as fast as I can
Thanks for the invite Jeff, but been there done that, Class 199
Yuma station, the academy & Spokane Sector. I have thought about the Rehired Annuitant instructor jobs at the Academy though, GS-12 and no mandatory AUO:beer:What station do you work out of?
What class number are they up to now, last I heard it was in the 600s. Makes me feel old
I took the Florida CJBAT two days ago. I need a stable job after I graduate this summer and I think it's something I'd enjoy. A lot of the agencies down here have a 12h schedule so you get a couple of consecutive days off. Should be plenty of time to pursue my ratings in a steady and financially responsible manner.
I wonder how difficult it is to get into a marine unit? That looks very appealing.
I wonder how difficult it is to get into a marine unit? That looks very appealing.
JeffMSU
New Member
Thanks for the invite Jeff, but been there done that, Class 199
What station do you work out of?
What class number are they up to now, last I heard it was in the 600s. Makes me feel old
Haha, That invite was to flychicaga and the others looking for a possible federal LEO positio. I saw your post about your 30 plus years as a LEO and i thank you for all those years.
I graduated in Class 905 and just made it out to the field. Currently at Santa Teresa in the El Paso Sector then up to Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit Sector.
I think class number 926 or so just arrived. So late 600s were 2-3 years ago now.
They're cutting back on the FROGs at the academy sadly. It is a great gig if its still available though, it looked like they all enjoyed it and they have some amazing stories.
LE is a great route. You can make more than enough money to pay for training. If your with a good department you will have a bunch of days off in a row to do flying, whatever. I was able to fly approx. 140 hrs last year with LE being full time. 3/12 hr days is what we have.
Yeah, apparently you can make some serious money by doing security details.
BillErvin
Peddling as fast as I can
God, 926 Now I do feel old:bandit:
Santa Teresa is a good station, you'll stay busy unless you're on an X. I go to a Vans Aircraft Flyin at Santa Teresa every fall, I'll give you a shout when I come down.