I dropped off my application for auxiliary police membership at a local PD just yesterday. This is a volunteer position of course. From what I understand and have observed this department uses their auxiliary guys like regular officers. Same loadout and full arrest powers.
A little about myself. I am 30 years old. Been employed in Public Safety and Security for the last 9 years. I've been in pretty high profile positions for what it's worth. 6 years at a medium sized community college where I was 2nd in charge and the last year has been in a hospital setting with multiple psych units that have us hands on with violent patients daily. It's not like I've spent the entire time sitting in a box at gate somewhere. I feel like the life experience I have gathered at these jobs has been valuable but I don't know if police departments see it the same way. I've jumped on every opportunity for training along the way. I am qualified with firearms, handcuffs, batons etc. As well as technique based disciplines like defensive tactics, verbal deescalation, crisis prevention, and even hazmat/decon operations.
I have finally decided to start trying to make the jump to LE in the last year. In this time I have mostly been focusing on my fitness. I'm not in terrible physical shape but my cardio sucks. 5'8" and 200lbs. The Illinois required 1.5 mile run kills me and I still can't make time. I've gone to a few testings but the amount of young 20's in peak physical condition is very discouraging to me. I went to one police orientation that had about 100 candidates. Out of that I'd say maybe 10 of us were over 30. The rest looked like they just got back from Afghanistan. I have sense stopped applying to police openings as I do not want to burn bridges with a history of rejection.
I wanted to pursue a career in LE straight after high school. But I fucked up. When I was 19 I plead guilty to a DUI. Which was of course no contest due to being under 21. I gave up the LE dream initially a started working odd-ball labor jobs but was miserable. That's when I decided that I still wanted to take a run at LE... eventually. Which is how I got into what I do now. My hope is that with enough time and life experience the right Chief would forgive my teenaged DUI.
So that's where I'm at. I'm trying to get my foot in the door somewhere but the competition in my area feels impossible. Assuming that they even call me, the auxiliary police gig seems like a good start. Even though it's volunteer I think it would at very least provide some good professional networking. What I am wanting to know from you all, is it actually worth it? Did any of you get your start that way? What was your experience like?
If I am accepted I do intend to continue working my 40hr job at the hospital. Figured I could offer my days off to the PD.
I appreciate what you guys/gals do and hope to join you in service one day. Thanks for taking the time to read this and any words you may have for me.