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[calvert]

Hello I'm looking to get a little insight on this topic. Right now I'm 21 years old and I'm completing my associates degree at a community college it's a 2 year transfer degree. I have been looking at joining the military because I want to serve and do something memorable. I was looking at the Navy and their Master at Arms program which is a police officer. My friend who is in the Navy tells me he knows a guy and he likes it. Now the thing holding me back from this is that I'm reading online that some Police Departments do NOT like to hire former MPs because they have to unteach what the learned in the learned in the military. I want to be a police officer someday and was hoping I could get some input from People who KNOW what they are talking about. I also plan to complete a bachelor's degree and take online courses in the service. Any advice would be terrific also no bashing of law enforcement. I'll hit the abuse button if you do.
Thanks!

[bernd]

No..

[adin55]

It is not "not like" it is being an MP does not make you ready to be a cop. The problem, mostly with Army MPs is they think they are the same a civilian cops, they are not.
Yes you have to learn new stuff, such as how to handle people who are not in the military and not subject to military rules, discipline and laws.
Street cops have completely different rules of engagement than do military cops,
The biggest problem is the attitude. They know what they did and do not seem to understand that civilian life is different, especially now that MPs are serving as trainers for Iraqi and Afghan police. If the military says they are qualified to train police they must be better than street police in the states. That is the main attitude that causes problems.
Military service, no matter what branch, no mater what the MOS, does help expand your universe, something cops need. Also most departments are quasi military in structure, in that when a superior gives an order you follow orders. On the other hand police officers are called "officer" for a reason. They make decision, policy and otherwise, on the street, by themselves, with no superior telling them what to do, often.

So do not sweat it. If you want MP go for it. If you are doing MP because you think it will make you a better cop or give you a leg up in hiring, forget it, if you are applying to major departments.
Another piece of advice. Forget "police" type majors for college. You will get up to date info and classes in the academy. go for whatever interests you, expand your universe, learn to use your natural critical thinking skills, that will help you pass tests, be a great cop and get promoted if you want more than any criminal justice or police science classes will.
"no bashing of law enforcement. I'll hit the abuse button if you do."
If your skin is not thick enough to ignore idiots than perhaps LE is not for you.

[beacher]

Not true,departments like military experiance and with your degree you make a good candidate. When you apply just don't go in thinking you know it all, military and civilian Law Enforcement a very different.

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