Considering a possible future in law enforcement after military service. Do police departments prefer hiring vets, and what advantages do veterans have when applying for police jobs?
Absolutely, police departments often welcome veterans with open arms. Military veterans bring a lot of skills and experiences that are highly sought after in law enforcement.
Firstly, veterans are known for their discipline, respect for hierarchy, and capability to work in a team, which are all highly valuable in police work. They often have practical skills gained from their military experience that translate well to policing, such as extensive tactical training, knowledge about firearms, and experience dealing with stressful situations.
Moreover, many police departments offer preference points to veterans during the hiring process. This means that, all other things being equal, a veteran would be chosen over a non-veteran due to these extra points added to their application. This advantage is especially significant in departments that use civil service exams for hiring, as even a small bump in scoring can make a sizable difference in ranking among applicants.
In addition to veteran hiring preferences, the benefits of the GI Bill can also be put to use. This bill allows veterans to further their education by providing financial assistance for school, which can be used towards obtaining a degree in criminal justice or a related field.
To benefit further from your veteran status, make sure to highlight particular skills in your application and interview that directly relate to police work. These could include leadership roles, experience in chaotic or hostile environments, crisis response, and so on.
Just keep in mind that while being a veteran can definitely help your application, it's not a guarantee of employment. Like any other job, you'll need to meet all other requirements of the role, like passing a background check, having a valid driver's license, and meeting physical fitness standards, among other criteria.
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