Virginia Police Officer wants to Lateral Transfer to a Police Dept. in/near Buffalo NY/ Erie County. (license, degrees)

[1ChaseCop]

I've lived in Southern Virginia for almost 8 years now. I was born in Buffalo NY, raised in Lancaster NY.
I worked in the Va. Dept. of Corrections for almost 6 years and have now been a Police Officer for going on 2 years.
I looked at some sites for the PD's in the Buffalo area (Lancaster,Depew,Cheektowaga) and there sites are kind of Vague on the subject. The Elmira PD site was interesting though. Possibility there maybe.
I would like to find a Police dept. in the Buffalo/Erie County area that will hire an out of state lateral transfer.
I dont have a college degree. Im 31 yrs. young and in excellent physical shape.
After 8 years away from the only place I would call home, I feel the need to go back.
Any info. on the out of state lateral transfer will be appreciated, thnx.

[Golfinnova]

Have you checked on officer.com? You can look at forums for each state. It's a very good forum for the LE community.

[texdav]

I have friends that have been in law enforcement and they all say that most areas want a minimum of three years as a licensed police officer.Many also want a minimum of 60 hours of college and a degree is a plus also. If I were you I would check for the cities police Depts website as to their requirements.Most also require that the person hold a license in that state as I am told.

[kingtodd]

I thought officers have to hold a degree...I was thinking of going into law enforcement but the degree requirement has stopped me from pursuing a career in that field.

[ckhthankgod]

What about working at a college or university? There might be similar positions with one of the universities or colleges in the area.

[joecorbi]

College is normally not needed, it varies from Agency to Agency. Lateral transfer is frought with many issues. Waivers?, Pay, seniority. Many Depts try to avoid those headaches. Good luck to you.

[Donn2390]

It must be a lot different on the east coast than in California. Agencies here are rarely fully staffed, and always looking for good men. Lateral transfers are more than welcome, and no degree required. Of course a degree is a benefit, but many get the degrees while working. If you have been through the academy, you're set...
The extensive background check eliminates most headaches....

[1ChaseCop]

Thank You all for the feedback. Kingtodd you would be mistaken if you thought you needed a degree. It is helpful but not usually required. I dont believe there is a more fulfilling line of work out there. But you truly must want to do it. Thnx again to everyone. Im still on the lookout.

[Former LE]

I have 17 years in law enforcement and supervisors experience. I am currently certified as a police officer in North Carolina. I also have an associates degree in criminal justice. Any takers?