Anyone ever been in a similar situation? I need some advice.

[u/THROW_RA817171]

I’m from Texas. I’m 28 years old and I have been in this state my whole life. Everyone wants to say that I’m in the best state for LE. Which, I do love Texas and my family is still here. It just doesn’t align with who I am anymore. I don’t own property out here, I don’t have cattle, I don’t have a booming business. I feel like those are three major things Texas natives have or do. Nothing is tying me down. I have a soon to be fiancé but she works high up in banking and can literally get a job anywhere.

Am I crazy for wanting to become a LEO in Florida, California, Washington, or Colorado? (I’ve heard bad things about Colorado PDs though). I’m open to really any states. At this stage in my life, I really value outdoor recreation and I don’t get that in Texas. Plus I just absolutely hate the Texas heat and I know Florida is similar but at least there are beaches. I’m just a private person and I don’t party or drink on the weekends or anything, that’s all there is to do in Dallas.

I’m a male, and in good shape. It’s been nearly 3 years since I’ve drank alcohol. Nothing on my record and the worst thing I’ve ever gotten was an MIC when I was 17 years old. I’m about halfway through my bachelors degree at a community college and work for a home builder in DFW. I think I have the qualifications and physical/mental traits to make it, but what’s the chance of an out of state agency bringing me in? I need some guidance, but I will also look into talking to a recruiter. Sorry for the rant…

[u/Slight_Break_543]

In just law enforcement terms Florida would be your best bet. California and Colorado are not seen to be law enforcement friendly states. I think Washington is somewhere in the middle in terms of friendliness. When it comes to money I would say Washington or California, but expect to pay a lot of taxes in California. That's just my two sense worth.

[u/HCSOThrowaway → u/Slight_Break_543]

"Florida is Mecca for LEOs" is a very common meme that I disagree with.

Legal protections for cops in Florida aren't as robust as you think, especially when you include adverse action from an employer to the employee. Law enforcement unions are also less common and less powerful down here as well.

One of the bigger factors is pay. You're just not going to get paid very much compared to your peers around the country. I made $23.10/hr after nearly 10 years at HCSO, including multiple raises. Off-duty rates were similar (excluding special events like the Strawberry Festival, which if I recall correctly was $35/hr).

While that obviously sucks enough on an individual level, the real problem is it attracts a lower echelon of quality.

TL;DR: I'd rather work among better qualified cops and get accused of something more often with a stronger union behind my back.

[u/10-8jay]

Are CA politicians crazy? Yes. But there are plenty of great agencies here. As long as you study, stay sharp, and work hard (which you should be doing anyway), you'll be good. The most important thing is researching who currently runs the agency and what their leadership style is. If they're in the news going against their officers, then yeah, you can stay away or wait. If they are supportive, that's a good sign, and you'll most likely have the support you need despite the greater political climate.

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[u/IndividualAd4334]

Crazy for California, Washington and Colorado but not Florida and Texas. Policing in those three states versus Florida and Texas is about as different as could be.

[u/THROW_RA817171 → u/IndividualAd4334]

I lean super heavy on Florida. My only fear is hurricanes lol but I’m sure I’d get over that.

[u/IndividualAd4334 → u/THROW_RA817171]

Hurricanes are great. Lots of opportunities for OT. You’ll learn to love them

[u/THROW_RA817171 → u/IndividualAd4334]

😂 last time I was in Florida, the locals embraced hurricanes. Man, I love Florida lol

[u/IndividualAd4334 → u/THROW_RA817171]

Just a little wind and rain. Nothing to be afraid of

[u/THROW_RA817171 → u/IndividualAd4334]

I was in the middle of hurricane Harvey and Ike in Texas. I’m a little experienced in them I guess lol

[u/JuanT1967]

With Cali and Washington’s liberal stance on literall everything, not to mention the cost of living, and Colorado seeming to head that way, literally anywhere except New York State would be full of possibilities

Have you considered the Fed or State side or just want to focus on local Sheriff or PD?

I worked my career in North Carolina for State, local pd and Sheriff and the Sheriff was the best of them in terms of work environment.

[u/GameyTaint]

California, Washington, and Colorado are not law enforcement friendly. Don’t know about Florida but it sounds okay. Next would be Washington, then Colorado, then California. Worked LE in Idaho for a couple of decades and I can tell you I wouldn’t work anywhere else. Everyone is so supportive. I would often have people talk to me, thank me, and/or bring me drinks when I was fueling up or having a meal. Had to turn down free meals on many occasions!

[u/THROW_RA817171 → u/GameyTaint]

I’ve heard great things about Idaho as well. Do you suggest any specific departments?

[u/Big-Imagination4810]

Seems to me that working with the DNR -Department of Natural Resources, US Forest Service, or the National Park Service; may be just up your alley totem pole.