How much does military service help with getting into Law Enforcement?

I am currently a student at a four year university. I have my associates degree already and working towards a bachelors degree. My career goal is to get into Law Enforcement, either a Police Department or the CHP. For some time now I have been considering joining the military. I am just interested in some feedback on how military service is weighed when applying to police departmentsHow much does military service help with getting into Law Enforcement?Our department, in accordance with state law, gives preference points for prior military service. I'm sure many other states do the same.



They also look favorable on honorable military service for several reasons including discipline, knowledge of rank structure, being able to work under pressure, ability to take orders, and many other attributes that are similar between the two professions.How much does military service help with getting into Law Enforcement?In short, it is very helpful.



Many law enforcement officers have previous millitary experience. How much that experince helps is going to vary by department.



In some agencies you simply get what's called veterans preferance on a civil service test which can be anywhere from 5-15 extra points depending on the agency and your particulars. As you probably know the higher the points the better your chances of advancing in the process.



It also helps you to transition from the millitary and go to law enforcement because you will be in shape and able to deal with the physical demands of the job and the academy training.



Many departents such as mine will only hire one of three people



1)Someone with a college degree

2)Someone with prior police experinece

3) Someone with a millitary background



Stick it out in college and then enlist in the millitary, this will give you a really good chance of getting hired. The degree itself will help you get the job but isn't really that relevant for law enforcement...most of your knowledge comes with time and training.



The degree does however help for advancing later. You won't won't to be a patrol officer your whole career.



Good LuckHow much does military service help with getting into Law Enforcement?Very smart move. When I got into law enforcement over 30 years ago, ALL new hires were veterans.



With your military experience and educational background, you are the ideal candidate for hiring.



Keep your nose clean, stay out of trouble and you can get nearly any LE job you desire after discharge.



Good luck from one who's been there.How much does military service help with getting into Law Enforcement?
People from the military would get job preference over non military candidates. You start from the bottom up. The police is not academic. Your bachelors degree would not gain you any points at the start. You would still need to pass test for promotions. You have to start with the union, so that's the way it works.