Military to Law Enforcement - The Vet's Advantage
"It's just the easiest thing, going from the military to law enforcement. I don't understand why more military personnel don't do it," mused California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Yolanda Wright, as she stopped a weaving motorist on a busy California highway. After she conducted a field sobriety test and took another impaired driver off the road, she reflected on choosing a career in law enforcement after her military service.
"As a former Marine," Officer Wright, a nine-year veteran of the CHP, related, "I understand the difficulty in deciding what to do when one's military service ends. I loved being in the service, I just didn't want to do it for twenty years."
She had been interested in pursuing a career with the police department in her home town of Chicago, "but I decided to look closer to my final duty station on the west coast, and the California Highway Patrol sounded great." She applied a year before her separation date, and started the CHP Academy one month after she was discharged.
Wright feels that veterans have a huge advantage going into law enforcement over those without military experience.
"Since law enforcement agencies are generally paramilitary organizations," Wright added, "as veterans we can identify with them. We're used to structure, discipline, and being responsible. Changing from the military to the California Highway Patrol was like being on leave between duty assignments. And you're used to training before a new assignment, so it's all familiar."
Officer Wright paused for a moment, and added with a laugh, "Law enforcement just isn't as intense, you can walk outside without your cover and not get put on report."
One thing Wright likes about the CHP is the flexibility.
"If I get tired of the city, I can transfer anywhere throughout the state, from the mountains to the seashore and desert. If I get tired of driving a patrol car, there are opportunities for other jobs, such as motorcycle patrol, bomb dog handler, mounted and bicycle patrol, air operations (helicopter and fixed wing) and SWAT."
She does, however, look forward to "working the road" for some time to come.
"If you like to drive a lot, this is a great job. Even if you don't like to drive a lot, it's a great job," says Wright, who puts an average of 150 miles a day on her patrol car in downtown Los Angeles.
"You have a lot of flexibility as to what you do, it's like being your own boss. The camaraderie, the great salary, the benefits and retirement of law enforcement are just icing on the cake."
Her parting thoughts were, "If you truly love what you do, it's like you're not even working. I can't wait to start every day to see what it brings. I'd tell everyone who will be leaving the military to give the California Highway Patrol a good look. It just might be what you're been looking for. And don't forget the veteran's advantage. After all, you've earned it."
For additional information and applications, contact the CHP at:
1-888-4A CHP JOB
(1-888-422-4756)
TT/TDD
1-800-735-2929
EOE/ADA
or by e-mail