Airline to law enforcement
 

I noticed there are a few guys who left the police / sheriff's department to become pilots. When asked they all told me that their heart just wasn't in it and they always wanted to fly airplanes for a living.
Is there anyone out there that has done the opposite and left the airlines for a career in law enforcement? If so how did it go? Any regrets?

Why would anyone leave the best job in the world for the worst?

My dad did it a couple times. AF to PG County police, then to airline for 15 years, back to police VSP, then 747's, and finally back to VSP.

All he talks about is the tickets he's written to some smoking chick and the L-1011. If I hear one more Tristar story and its "innovations", I'm gonna cut my ear drums out!:eek:

Job security, pension, home every night, job satisfaction, career progression, serving the community, etc.

If your company is the best job in the world, who is it and are they hiring?

My point to this thread wasn't to compare the 2 professions, more to test the water to see if anyone has done this and whether they regretted it or not.

Where do you live Light?

Law Enforcement the worse profession in the world?

Ultralight - probably one of my other 'wishes' was to be law enforcement so I can certainly understand your interest in the transition. Probably the job I would have wanted the most was CBP Air/Marine after getting out of ther military, but I would not have physically qualified, and even during the military I've often said how much I would have liked to have flown for the USCG for both of their missions (SAR/LE) would have provided such satisfaction that it is certainly a career that you could hang your hat on (as the song goes :))

I'm interested if something is waiting in the wings for you to have brought this question up - a job announcement, you know people in law enforcement, you have an application in and got a hit of interest, etc....

ERJF15 I live in AZ.

I always wanted to be a cop as a kid. My father was a police chief and retired young with a nice pension. He loved every day of it and misses it dearly.
I love flying but I don't really enjoy being a pilot if that makes sense. I've done the airlines (was captain at a regional for 5 years) done the corporate, and now fly part 135.
The local Sheriff's office is opening their application window early next year and I'm contemplating sending my app. I'm sure it won't all be roses and I could earn more money staying in aviation, but it looks like a very rewarding career. There's no guarantee I would get in or even make it to the end. I read that in the last class, 29 made it out of the 44 that started training. Some were let go, others just quit. I have prior military experience so I'm not worried about tough training regiments.
The Sheriffs office has its own aviation department too. I see the guys in the FBO at night. They circle the city in modified cessnas with PT6 engines with advanced imaging equipment. They always have interesting stories to tell.

Airline to law enforcement
 

I have always yearned to fly, join the military, and be involved in Law Enforcement.

After spending thousands of dollars on flight training, I decided in my mid-twenties that flying in the military wasn't the best route for me.

After making Captain at the regionals at 33, I decided to make all my career aspirations come true. I enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserve as a Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist. Couldn't have been happier with my decision to do so. I get to conduct law enforcement in a military environment when not flying for a living!

Gruder - what a great step to take to include all of your interests!
Before joining the military, I looked into the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol because I knew they have an aviation department. You had to spend 5 years minimum in a cruiser before even applying. I did apply to a could of local police departments before getting selected for OCS. The one that I miss the most though was an interview set up with the US Marshals Service. I still wish I had taken the opportunity to interview prior to leaving just for the experience.

Ultralight - I wouldn't worry too much about why others dropped out of the training program. I'd be willling to bet that many found the training a little too tough for the 'hand me everything on a plate' crowd that would be applying for positions right out of school. With your previous experience and background - to include the military - I'm sure that you've seen most of what they would throw at you. If you decide to pursue the path - best of luck!

I transitioned from a regional to law enforcement about three years ago. No real regrets. Sure I sometimes reflect on my high school career dream of being a wide body captain with two overseas trips a month, auto pilot on, FA in one hand, mint julep in the other and 300K annually but I think those days have passed. I am fortunate to be flying full time with an aviation section in a state agency. The “make a difference “ aspect is certainly there. Whether you find a lost boater or provide air support to a team serving a high risk warrant, it’s rewarding. I enjoy being home most every night and the take home police interceptor with a trunk full of guns is a bonus. :D

Police aviation. You can have the both of both worlds.

If you have the desire to be a cop be a fire fighter instead.

That's like saying if you have the desire to be a pilot be a attorney instead... that adds nothing to the original post.

To the original Op, being a LEO is different and the same as being a pilot at the same time. It's paramilitary in structure, there is a uniform, and there is a command structure. Pilots and LEO's always prepare and train for worse case scenarios. Stress is part of both jobs. I've met more cops who became pilots than pilots that became cops...

Biggest advantage with being an LEO is the retirement, different experiences every daily and money can be pretty good depending who and where you work. And if you like guns, there is nothing like free ammo and range time whenever you want. Every agency is different so experiences can vary (just like the airlines).

If you just want to get your feet wet try and find a local PD that has a reserve program. Either that or join the USCG like one of the other posters.

This is what I have noticed too which makes me think I may regret my decision. I guess I could always do 2 or 3 years, try and stay current, then if I miss the airline life I could always go back to it. Its not like I'm giving up the left seat at Southwest to take a gamble right now and the hours in my logbook won't suddenly disappear.

Someone suggested a ride along one Friday night. Visit a few alcohol fueled domestic violence episodes, then decide.

My biggest thing is staying in hotels, eating junk food, and the whole commuting hassle which is getting worse as capacity increases. I wondered if any of the say Comair guys who were kicked to the curb through no fault of their own decided to take the route I'm talking about rather than starting at the bottom of another regional all over again?
If so, how did it go?

Customs and the DEA flying, but also law enforcement. Best of both worlds.

Sure there may be more cops that became pilots, but I would also argue that a lot of pilots aren't cut out to be cops either. Hiring standards for LEO's is way harder than being a pilot. Background, physical, psych, written, oral and experience all play into getting hired. Then its onto the Captain's interview and an academy (6-10 months). It takes months, even years to get picked up at some agencies. Check out officer.com they have forums that are state specific and can answer more about the hiring process.

If you're at the bottom of a regional or lets say 5 years in and looking at a furlough or starting at the bottom again I'd say become a LEO. It really depends where you are in life. If your in your 20-30's you could do 20 years as an LEO and retire with a great pension. Go fly whenever you want without worrying about eating ramen nightly. You'd still have decades to go fly professionally after too.

In the end some people enjoy slinging gears, others enjoy gunslinging. Or better yet like someone said join the feds or local PD that has an aviation bureau and your set. Great pay, pension, and get to fly on someone else's dime.

Home everyday and a good QOL are something no amount of pay can make up for.

Interesting web site you mentioned. I read on there that more police officers commit suicide than are killed by felons.
I agree being home almost every night, no commuting, and the job security trumps any airline out there. My resume, along with 10,999 others are on United's airline apps, no bites. nothing from Virgin, Spirit, etc. 6,000 TT, 2 types, 3,500 turbine PIC.
The agency I am looking at opens its application window early next year. In the mean time I'll work on my fitness and study the multiple choice test prep. I have a clean background, ex military, and excellent health so I should check all the boxes. Very competitive though and most don't make the cut.
Nothing to lose by trying.

Would you share what agency that may be?
In a previous post you mentioned a local Sheriff's department, but I doubt you'd be looking at direct entry into an aviation unit.

Well, one thing you won't be able to do as a airline pilot is use your department issued TASER!!!!! "Don't tase me bro….".

Yes I'm looking at the Sheriff's department where I live. I think deputy's need a minimum of 2 years service before transferring to the aviation side. It could well be longer.

Three greens, I believe police officers get zapped with the taser during training. Awesome!:eek:

Hello,

I made the transition from airline to law enforcement if anyone has any questions. I've worked for a federal agency for almost three years and it has been pretty good.

Mish

Thanks.

I sent you a pm with a few questions of you have the time.

I did see a posting for a helo spot on the east coast last year that was direct entry. With that said, those are few and far between. Best chances are joining a PD, working the road for a bit and then moving into a spot.

I know LAPD required(my info may be dated) 5 years of patrol then you can apply to aero bureau. A pilot I spoke to over there said he got his Comm Multi in a fixed wing on his own and then they trained him on the Aerostar. He loved his gig.

Agree. My information is very dated, but when I looked into the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol - it was minimum 5 years on the road before able to transition/apply to the aviation unit, but I'm sure the same 'needs of the service' is the overriding factor.

Mish - if you are able, I'm sure many would like to hear of your flying to LEO experience on the open forum.

USMCFLYR, and Everyone

I can certainly speak a bit about my transition to law enforcement from the airline world. When I got furloughed from United the second time, I applied to some airlines, and also focused on law enforcement agencies. This career was an interest I had since a child that I wouldn’t necessarily have pursued except for the need of looking for a new job. The way I looked at it, the barrier to entry in the field was a reasonable period of time(a 4 to 6 month academy) for a decent living and retirement. I had other interests, too, but all would have required graduate degrees and the corresponding financial and time commitment during a time when I had a small child at home. I like interesting and exciting work, and this would provide that, as well as fulfilling a desire in serving the people of the United States. I had always wanted to serve the United States in the military, had earned a pilot slot in the USAF in the mid 90s, and was denied at the physical due to mild asthma, so I had pursued a commercial pilot career since then, in case any one wonders.

My law enforcement interests were in an agency or department that also had an air wing, so as to have some further options at a later date. Additionally, I found drug enforcement particularly interesting. I decided to apply to just the federal agencies, and pursued Customs Air and Marine, FBI, ATF(which does not have an air wing, anymore), and DEA. I was picked up by DEA and that has been a good fit. There are many options in police departments/federal agencies. I would recommend thinking about what one’s interests are, and applying to those agencies. A large city’s police department will provide many different opportunities such as SWAT, aviation, marine, K-9 handler, detective, you name it. Federal agencies such as the one I’m at allow foreign assignments, aviation, SWAT, various city transfers in the U.S., etc. The one thing I can say is that he/she who applies has to be interested in doing police work/investigative work. If someone applies to a department/agency in the sole hope of flying airplanes or helicopters, that is a foolish choice. The mission of the department/agency are the primary focus, and everything else exists to serve that mission, and there are no guarantees that anyone will get in the air wing. With that said, one who gets in the air wing will most likely be provided training for certificates and ratings, and access to complex equipment with possibly low experience.

The hiring process is certainly competitive, but very doable for a pilot type. College degrees are required for some agencies, and not for others. Good work experience is always celebrated. My academy class was probably 70% ex-police with the rest ex-military, and a few special cases like me(pilot, lawyer, intern, etc.). It took me 2.5 years to get hired, so be prepared for a lengthy hiring process. This process will include background checks, interviews, writing exercises, drug tests, fitness tests, psychological tests, polygraph, amongst others.

The Academy will be challenging, and include shooting, fighting, law classes, practical exercises, and physical training. I always have been fit, and involved with sports, but never was a fighter. I found it challenging, but also very surviveable with a good attitude and a good sense of humor.

I was assigned to a border office, and have worked cases from street level to international cartel cases. The personalities in law enforcement are colorful and there is never a day where I don’t laugh very hard. I’m not the most refined individual and this fits me pretty well. I am constantly impressed by the state/local/federal officers and agents I work with, and that part is no different than the airline business. There are complaints over here, but they are different than the usual union politics or contract talks. We work very hard. I average 60 hours per week, lately, and for 6 months last year, averaged 70 to 80, and 7 days per week of work. There are hazards associated with this job just like flying, and depending on the department/agency, that may run from 2:00 am traffic stops, auto-accident coverage, to search warrants, and drug buy-busts, and the bullets and blood are real(I watched someone get shot a few months ago). Law enforcement deals with unsavory individuals every day that wouldn’t be found in an airline cockpit, and I am constantly put in uncomfortable situations/stressful situations. The stress of doing raids/arrests is similar to difficult weather and crosswind landings, and in other words, fun. I think anyone reading this would like that part. The main stresses of the job for me are pressures from my many bosses, prosecutors I work with, and constant time constraints.

The pay and benefits can be quite good, depending on the employer. We still have a pension here, and there is healthcare coverage for those who stay for 20 years. I don’t know if I will stay that long, but I am happy to be here now, and happy to be serving the people of the United States. My co-workers are something else, and would do anything for me or my family, and the air wing is always an option. I have weekends and holidays off, generally, but there is no guarantee, and the phone rings at all hours, sometimes. For state and local officers, the schedule is 365 days per year like the airlines.

I hope this answers some questions. I have worked with many different departments and agencies, so hopefully can answer other questions that some may have.

Mish

Your early goals mimic mine to a tee Mish and our paths were very close in the beginning so I understand where you are coming from. I had a friend getting out of the USN that was on the path to the DEA too, but as you mention, the eventual timeline was just to long and he bailed for another job.
Thanks for you service and I wish you the best of luck.

Thank you, USMC, and thank you and all other veterans for their service. I read you had pursued a job with US Marshals once upon a time. I work with those guys and gals all the time. They do great work and it is a great job.

Mish

"If you have the desire to be a cop be a fire fighter instead."

I agree. As a former LEO and current pilot, being a FF can be the best of both worlds. FF have an enormous QOL being off 2 out of every 3 days. Every FF I know has an extra job that makes more money than his FF job. Most FF do the job just for the retirement and medical benefits.
If you wanted a job that could ensure you future needs AND have the free time to fly either professionally or for fun, then take a look.

Any age limit for LEO positions, DEA, FF, etc.?

Federal is 37.

Some of that has recently changed in the last few years - for example CBP pilots. Not sure if that was extended to all federal LEOs. Now there were some limitations on the CBP too. This was only for prior LEO or military. Joe off the street still needed to be 37 max I understand.

Hello,
Prior FLEO or Military can exceed 37 on initial hire, but straight civilian cannot from what I've seen. The mandatory retirement age is 57 for the 1811(Criminal Investigator) crowd, and 20 years is the minimum for a retirement so that is what the 37 entry age is based off. I've seen higher maximum age limits for hire at some police departments, but can't speak for them.
Mish

Current 6(c) somewhere else, age 37 does not apply. Non-6(c) applicants, 37 does apply. Some sort of exception for up to age 40 exists(ed) for CBP but I believe this was for "Border Patrol" portion of CBP, and not direct into CBP cockpits. I believe that went away when legacy "Customs" went away.

Unless this has changed recently as in the last 2-3 years - you can be over 40 (think retired military pilot) and find yourself in a CBP cockpit. I know of a few that have done it. Shortly after I retired the rules were changed. When I first started looking in '08 timeframe - the age was still 37 max - no exception. By 2010 - it had been changed to up to 40 with prior experience as mentioned earlier and then the age went up even higher.

if anyone is interested in law enforcement in the SF bay area, PM me. I work for a local agency and fly for one as well...I left the airlines in 2009 and would never go back. in law enforcement there is more then enough off time to fly on your days off.

+1, only change I would add is I would go back... after I retire from being an LEO and subsidize any pilot pay with my gov. pension.

I made the airline to LEO transition in 2007. I am now in the process of transitioning back to aviation.

What type of law enforcement were you in Xdash?
Any why the change back to aviation? Did you just miss flying or do you think that now is a much better time to get back into aviation as a business?

I was at a local PD. I had specialized in accident investigation and impaired driving enforcement over my 6 year period there. Why back to flying? Well, I left flying to spend my son's youngest years with him at home and build stronger family relationships. I found that police work can take its toll on family relationships too, but in a completely different way. I spent most of the last year at the PD looking up at the sky trying to figure out how to get back in the air. Flying was my dream since I was 8 years old, and I never waivered from it except out of necessity. My wife and I came to the conclusion we could make the family thing work, and probably better if I was flying. She was tired of police work too (when one member of the family is a cop, the whole fairly becomes a police family).

It just so happens that we are currently starting a hiring upswing in the aviation world so that makes it a little easier, but I need some recent experience to be attractive to most outfits, so that is currently what I am working on. Getting caught up!