Applying for police (Pittsburgh, West Mifflin, Washington: apartment, credit, loan)

[okaydorothy]

Hi there,

You guys have been wonderful with advice so here I am again.

We have a son who is 19, in college fulltime (will have 33 credits this year), is also in national Guard (infantry) and has always wanted to become a policeman. So he threw a curveball at me last night and said he dosnt really like college and so would like to start applying to be a cop. That is all very fine but I would rather he stay in college for at least another year to gain more college credits. From what I am reading, 60 credits is the min. He does work part time, has a clean record and his grades are decent. As we are moving to a different part of PA, if he is still on college, we will help pay for an apartment. But if he is working full time, it would be difficult for us to help anymore than half of the rent.

He is a very active kid ; plays rugby and takes good care of himself.
Any ideas, opinions etc please.

[UKyank]

I don’t know the specifics of the hiring process but I do know that West Mifflin police has or will shortly have half a dozen openings to fill

[Copanut]

I would encourage to get at least 2 yrs under his belt or an Associates degree. If he wants to advance, I'm sure an education would come in handy. My longtime friend who retired as a Detective had a degree in Criminology. I know in the Great White North, specifically McCandless, a college degree for officers is mandatory.

[guy2073]

PA state police are always recruiting PA Trooper the pay starts around 60k a year, he can apply while he is still taking classes.

[gg]

There are two around there that I know of and this is the route most would take.

https://www.alleghenycounty.us/polic...emy/index.aspx

I can't remember the other place, but it is around Shuman Center off of Washington Blvd.

Here is more information.

https://www.how-to-become-a-police-o.../pennsylvania/

I know people that graduated from both of these places. To get hired it is all about who you know, but if you don't mind working in the city they are almost always hiring it seems. Then there are little boroughs that hire "part-time" cops and don't pay very well, but you get your feet wet that way.

Good luck.

[charisb]

Having a degree will greatly help him as a police officer. He may get hired without one, but he will be more competitive for promotions and work in certain divisions with a degree. Majoring on something like criminal justice, psychology, or sociology will help him excel in his job, too.
As a police officer he is also likely to qualify for loan forgiveness programs. Getting that BA seems like a no-brainer, especially since he is already part of the way there.

[robrobrob]

Have him finish school. A degree will be very beneficial/necessary if he wants to get a job in one of the better suburban districts.

[okaydorothy]

Hoping he stays in school as long as possible. He is afraid of the debt, and the fact that he is not really a party goer.

[gg]

Originally Posted by okaydorothy

Hoping he stays in school as long as possible. He is afraid of the debt, and the fact that he is not really a party goer.

I think college isn't for everyone. No need for all the massive debt.

[SteelCityRising]

Heh. I’m in my 30’s and still have thousands in student debt. It’s why I struggle to live here.

I know the Pittsburgh Police Department is always hiring, and they have rescinded the city residency requirement.