Are There Any Illinois State Troopers out there on this Board?

[SMR]

I am Looking at making a Career change from Computers to LE and have applied to the Illinois State Police. Looking for any insight on if this move makes sense and also looking to get other questions that I may have answered. A little back Ground on me..
I Just turned 30 2 mo. ago. I Have a BS in Computer Information Systems and have been working in the Computer field as a programmer for about 5 yrs. Prior to going back to school I was a 911 dispatcher for 4 years and also worked as a Community Service Officer (non-sworn police department Employee) for 4 years. Want to return but not sure if it makes sense at this point in the game

[Toad]

I live in Florida now, as of March of this year..... I came from a LEO job in IL and one of my best buds back home is a K - 9 for IL state police. They are an outstanding agency, very professional and highly respected in IL. As for the pay..... Your base salary after 5 yrs. is around 56 K. That's not counting all the perks. Awsome retirement and bennies. I believe the starting pay is around 35 or 36 K. Any other Q's I'll try to answer.

[SMR]

Thanks Toad for the Input. Although Salary is not what I type of Info I was looking for it does help let me know how I will need to change my Budget if I get Hired. One thing that I am courious about is how Competitive I will be in applying to state with a BS in Computers and all of my Previous Experience? Also Does my age put me about the average age of the Newer Troopers? (w/ less then 2 yrs. exp.) I know when it comes to the PT test that my Requirements are lower and will that effect my Competitiveness for the Job...

Thanks SMR

[Toad]

It is competitive, no doubt. I do think that you would have just as much of a chance as the next guy if not more because of your "real life experience". My friend was hired at the age of 22 with a B/S and never held a full time job prior. Some time there is no telling what they are thinking when they hire. We have all asked ourselves, How this guy got hired and that guy didn't. There is no ryme or reason to it. 6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other. I know my friend went through the Academy w/ a 45 year old retired college Prof. Age means nothing ! In your case, I believe it is a plus. You show great work history...... You have nothing to loose. Again, it IS competitive, but I would damn sure go for it !!! I don't think PT will have anything to do with it. Pretty much pass / fail is all they are looking for. With a B/S degree, you will be equal to probably 80 % of the other applicants, What will put you over alot of them is your age and work history. Alot of young College kids apply. I would give it a shot. Anything else ?

[SMR]

Thanks Toad you have been Helpful... I know they are testing in January. I have already started preparing for the Power test. So that I can be Ready..

[AndyShank]

Go for it! I worked for a year after college in NYC in computers/consulting and now I'm in the Indiana State Police Academy. The worst that can happen is they say no and you go back to making the big bucks in computers! I wondered frequently whether I'd regret giving up the big checks to make this drastic change and I haven't at all. It has become so apparent to me that having a job that is actually satisfying and makes you happy is far more important than getting rich. I may not be able to retire at thirty with a yacht, but I'll be happy and I'll have a lot better more exciting stories to tell about my job!

Andy

[augiedare]

I too am leaving the computer field and trying to get into LE. ISP has a fanatastic computer lab if you still want to do computers and LE. My goal is computer forensics.

Since you have a BS and want to go into LE have you ever thought about the FBI? I have friends that are in the Chicago office and they've mentioned that the feds really need computer people. The FBI is starting up different computer forensic labs around the country.

[SMR]

Thanks -

AndyShank - I agree with you. If your not happy in the job you are doing you are not in the right career. LE was the main reason I went back to school so late in life in the first place. Get BS and Persue FED or State LE. But After getting my Degree I had to try the field out a bit.... 3 Jobs in 5 yrs and non have kept me from wanting to go back to LE.

Augiedare - I have thought about going FED even to the point of down getting the APP but, still undecided at this point in the process. With FBI for Example you only get 2 shots at passing a phase of the test....

[mikemac64]

I too entered this field at an older age (33). I have been on 4 years now and would not do anything differently.

You may make less money, but you cannot beat this job. It is the best.

Remember, you can always go back to computers!!!! But navigating your way through a PD hiring process is an accomplishmene in iteslf!!!!

Good luck....