PoliceLink

I live in south florida, I'm a bit confused as to how to go about becoming a LEO. I know that Miami Dade College offers a Police Academy Program that consists of 3 months after which you take the state test to become certified. Or I can apply to a department, go through the hiring process and go into their academy while getting paid. My Background is squeky clean (no felonies, misdemeanors or even a traffic accident). I'm wondering which is the best way to go (any florida LEO's please share how you did it, and what should I look out for) thanks!

OUCH.....TV, be nice now.

I did both. I put myself through an academy in Michigan. I put out a few application in MI and one in Illinois. I got hired by the department in IL first and they put me through another academy (different states different laws...whatever). It's a whole lot better getting paid while you are getting yelled at. Thats all I have to say.

yup there it is: April 14
kenn22 received the Quiz result of "Closet Firefighter".

Anyway if you spend the money and can't get hired you're out all that time and money for nothing you still have to go through the hiring process, you might as well save your money and go through regular channels.

There are two community colleges by me that have academies in which you can become state certified peace officers. It is two semesters long and is more common with people who are already working and don't want to take chances of not making it all the way through a traditional academy. It is a longer academy but it teaches the same stuff any other academy does and you can get hired by just about any department. If your job gives you any education benefits then you might not need to pay for all of it since it is the same as taking college classes.

Actually the academy here is longer than 3 months. I teach at our academy (part time) as my road schedule permits. Matter of fact I think I am scheduled to teach Riley86 on tuesday.... but anyways the academy is almost 6 months basic. Then for my agency we have 8 weeks orientation then 3 1/2 months of field training. I agree that if you are gonna get yelled at and put thru PT it is much easier to get PAID!!!!!

thanks a lot, it's been very helpful, I will heed the prevailing advice to apply direct to the different departments.

In Louisiana, paying your own way to an academy isn't an option. I wasn't aware officers, cadets rather, could even do that anywhere. In LA, one of the requirements to attend a POST certified academy is that you: are a full-time law enforcement officer. Here you would have to get hired first. I know you didn't ask info on LA, but I found it interesting those options existed.

SInce I was certified in another state, all i had to do was take an Equivalance of Training course, which is a 2 week class, or 112 hours...then i took the state test. Once you pass the state test, you got 4 years to find a job.

If i had to do it, I would get paid while going to the academy, but most make you sign a 3 year contract, or you have to pay the money back. If you wanted to work for my agency, you have to be certified, or don't waste your time, unless you wanted to be a turn-key, they will put you through the academy...corrections academy

Better to get paid and have a job when you graduate. However, If your in my situation and dont meet college hour requirements for local departments, going at it on your own may be more beneficial.

Pt is secondary to what all you have to learn in the few months you are there.  There is a whole lot of class room time and I mean a whole lot.