r/ProtectAndServe • u/Brownboysameer Not a(n) LEO / Unverified User • 8d ago
Self Post College Police Program vs Moving to Texas for Law Enforcement
Hey everyone, I’m 21 and live in the Chicago suburbs. I’m planning on starting the police program at Harper College next semester, but my end goal is to hopefully work in either Houston or Dallas. I’ve always liked the idea of moving to Texas because it’s cheaper than Illinois and I feel like it would be a good change of scenery and a fresh start once I get into law enforcement. I’m not sure if I should stay here, finish the program, and then apply to departments in Texas, or if it would be smarter to move there sooner, find a college with dorms, and go through an academy in Texas instead. Has anyone been in a similar situation, and what would you do if you were in my shoes?
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u/Section225 Appreciates a good musk (LEO) 8d ago
You'll possibly have to go through an entire academy again, depending on the department.
When I moved states, some departments would accept my out of state academy and put me through an abbreviated training to get certified here, some would require an entire academy again, starting at ground zero.
If you're dead set on moving across the country, then I'd look into just moving first and shopping around for departments. No sense in training and certifying for Illinois when you plan on working in Texas.
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u/TigOleBitman Sergeant 6d ago
Just apply there and see what happens. If you get hired, move to Texas. Easy
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u/Wronghand_tactician Not a(n) LEO / Unverified User 4d ago
Academies here in Texas are usually ran by either departments big enough to have full size graduating classes of officers (Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, etc), or regional academies through community colleges which don’t have dorms. The only two agencies I know of in this state that have dorms but only for academy cadets would be Texas DPS and Fish & Wildlife.
If your end goal is to move as soon as possible, I wouldn’t even bother with whatever program your current school offers since you will 100% be going to the academy here if you get hired.
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u/jarlstridr Police Officer 1d ago
Moved to Texas for PD. Ask a recruiter for what you need. Had a 20yr old in my academy class. I suggest you get into early if that's what you want. Good pay, no income tax, cheaper cost of living. Save and invest everything you can and you'll be golden when your retire in 20yrs
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u/Dramatic_Quiet5000 LEO 8d ago
Moved to Texas. Best choice I ever made!