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after how Many years or working can I start to look for higher up jobs and or higher pay?
Im athletic and I'm hard working
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4 answers
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Kim’s Answer
Elliezer,
Thank you for your interest in law enforcement!
Usually after about a year and a half most officers have a pretty good feel for the job- that is, they are knowledgeable and have self-confidence gained from having handled a variety of calls. This of course varies depending upon how busy the department is, the types of calls they get, the shift assigned to, etc. By the time you hit the 2-year mark, you should be applying for positions as an FTO - that's a Field Training Officer. These are the officers who help other officers to transition from the academy to the streets. They also have a responsibility to the department - it is up to them to report back to the Training Department which officers might need remedial training , which ones they have reservations about, and, which ones are catching on at a faster pace than normal!
Numerous opportunities come your way. In a larger department, you may have opportunities to work with at-risk youth, for example. In smaller departments you may find yourself handling very complex cases, while larger departments often call on specialized investigator units. you may get to teach at the academy! Any time someone asks you to consider doing a different role, give it due consideration before saying no - the more exposure you have, the more you learn. And the more your higher ups start to hear about you!
After 2 years, things start happening pretty quickly. Promotional opportunities often depend upon a combination of education and experience. So, although you may be able to get a patrol officer job with an Associate's Degree, a Bachelor's would likely help if going for Sergeant. In large departments it is extremely competitive. People even take time off just to study!
Do well, and opportunities will be there.
As for pay, most departments offer things such as increased pay for working odd shifts, bilingual pay, certification pay, and degree pay. They also tend to offer automatic step raises, yearly or every 2 years when first starting out. And clothing allowance. And tuition assistance. If considering different agencies, it is very important to evaluate the benefits package.
Best of luck!
Kim
Thank you for your interest in law enforcement!
Usually after about a year and a half most officers have a pretty good feel for the job- that is, they are knowledgeable and have self-confidence gained from having handled a variety of calls. This of course varies depending upon how busy the department is, the types of calls they get, the shift assigned to, etc. By the time you hit the 2-year mark, you should be applying for positions as an FTO - that's a Field Training Officer. These are the officers who help other officers to transition from the academy to the streets. They also have a responsibility to the department - it is up to them to report back to the Training Department which officers might need remedial training , which ones they have reservations about, and, which ones are catching on at a faster pace than normal!
Numerous opportunities come your way. In a larger department, you may have opportunities to work with at-risk youth, for example. In smaller departments you may find yourself handling very complex cases, while larger departments often call on specialized investigator units. you may get to teach at the academy! Any time someone asks you to consider doing a different role, give it due consideration before saying no - the more exposure you have, the more you learn. And the more your higher ups start to hear about you!
After 2 years, things start happening pretty quickly. Promotional opportunities often depend upon a combination of education and experience. So, although you may be able to get a patrol officer job with an Associate's Degree, a Bachelor's would likely help if going for Sergeant. In large departments it is extremely competitive. People even take time off just to study!
Do well, and opportunities will be there.
As for pay, most departments offer things such as increased pay for working odd shifts, bilingual pay, certification pay, and degree pay. They also tend to offer automatic step raises, yearly or every 2 years when first starting out. And clothing allowance. And tuition assistance. If considering different agencies, it is very important to evaluate the benefits package.
Best of luck!
Kim
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Elizer: I am a fellow New Yorker. Growing up I played baseball and football on a number of teams. Was pretty good. Some of the guys I played with and against became pro ballplayers.
The reason I tell you that is because I am now a semi-retired lawyer. I did civil trials in New York City for 39 years. I had no intention of doing that went I started law school but found that trial work was like sports in a lot of ways. Your fighting for your client in a Courtroom instead of on a field or on a court. You need to train, you need to prepare, you need to be on your best game. It's you against others to get your point across for your client.
I tell young lawyers all the time - clients hire you not only for your brain but for your heart. You need to believe in their cause.
As an athlete you know what hard work is. I will tell you when I first started doing trial work at the end of a trial I was exhausted. Sporting events always left me tired but never as tired as at the end of a trial. On trial you need to use your mind and body. Pay attention to what is going on, be ready to object, enter things into evidence, it's a tough job. As an athlete you inderstand all that.
Go down to 60 Centre St. See if you can sit in and watch a trial. If nothing else it's entertaining.
Good luck with your sports and career!
The reason I tell you that is because I am now a semi-retired lawyer. I did civil trials in New York City for 39 years. I had no intention of doing that went I started law school but found that trial work was like sports in a lot of ways. Your fighting for your client in a Courtroom instead of on a field or on a court. You need to train, you need to prepare, you need to be on your best game. It's you against others to get your point across for your client.
I tell young lawyers all the time - clients hire you not only for your brain but for your heart. You need to believe in their cause.
As an athlete you know what hard work is. I will tell you when I first started doing trial work at the end of a trial I was exhausted. Sporting events always left me tired but never as tired as at the end of a trial. On trial you need to use your mind and body. Pay attention to what is going on, be ready to object, enter things into evidence, it's a tough job. As an athlete you inderstand all that.
Go down to 60 Centre St. See if you can sit in and watch a trial. If nothing else it's entertaining.
Good luck with your sports and career!
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Elliezer,
You can always look for new jobs because you have the ability to decide what you want to do in life. It can be difficult to find jobs because of things like experience, certain requirements and there might not be opportunity for some jobs. It is good that you want to keep growing and keep advancing your life. It may time depending on what exactly you want to get but keeping believing in what you want to accomplish and everything will work out how it is supposed to. Best of luck to you on your journey!
You can always look for new jobs because you have the ability to decide what you want to do in life. It can be difficult to find jobs because of things like experience, certain requirements and there might not be opportunity for some jobs. It is good that you want to keep growing and keep advancing your life. It may time depending on what exactly you want to get but keeping believing in what you want to accomplish and everything will work out how it is supposed to. Best of luck to you on your journey!
Updated
Myeshia’s Answer
Hi Elliezer, You don’t need to wait a certain number of years to start aiming higher—you can start positioning yourself for better opportunities from day one. Being athletic and hardworking already gives you a strong edge: you likely have discipline, stamina, and a team mindset. Here’s how to think about your timeline and next steps:
0–6 months- Learn fast, show up on time, be reliable Builds trust and proves you’re dependable
6–12 months-Take initiative, ask for feedback Shows leadership potential and growth mindset
1–2 years Ask about promotions or new responsibilities Many employers start considering raises or advancement around this time
2+ years-Look for bigger roles or better-paying jobs You’ll have experience and references to back you up.
How to Stand Out Sooner:
Be the go-to person: Learn every station, help others, and solve problems before they become issues.
Ask smart questions: Like “How can I improve?” or “What does it take to become a shift lead?”
Ask smart questions: Like “How can I improve?” or “What does it take to become a shift lead?”
Track your wins: Keep a list of things you’ve done well—like handling a rush, training a new hire, or getting great customer feedback.
Your only competition is YOU.
0–6 months- Learn fast, show up on time, be reliable Builds trust and proves you’re dependable
6–12 months-Take initiative, ask for feedback Shows leadership potential and growth mindset
1–2 years Ask about promotions or new responsibilities Many employers start considering raises or advancement around this time
2+ years-Look for bigger roles or better-paying jobs You’ll have experience and references to back you up.
How to Stand Out Sooner:
Myeshia recommends the following next steps: