Combat Veterans & Law Enforcement: A Transition Guide for Vets Beginning or Continuing Careers in Law Enforcement

Military veteran? You’ve served your country, now serve your community!

Military service can be a perfect entrance into a law enforcement career. While military police and security forces may have the most directly applicable skill set, service members from a variety of occupational specialties are also well suited to police service.


Additionally, your law enforcement training may allow you to take advantage of the Veteran’s Administration (VA’s) On-The-Job-Training (OJT) program. This program allows veterans to use their G.I. Bill benefit as an income supplement while attending the academy. This can add hundreds of tax-free dollars on top of your trainee pay. Some agencies will even help process your paperwork with the nearest VA office.

If you're a military veteran, visit DiscoverPolicing.org's Veteran Page (where the above text is taken from) to learn more about why a law enforcement career might be right for you.

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 The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), has published a guidebook for servicemembers who are transitioning out of the military and are considering a law enforcement career. Developed from interviews and focus groups with military veterans serving in law enforcement, “Combat Veterans & Law Enforcement: A Transition Guide for Veterans Beginning or Continuing Careers in Law Enforcement,” shares experiences and tips for veterans as they transition from deployment to a law enforcement career. A comprehensive list of support agencies and networks available to veterans is also included.

Download the guidebook: 1MB Quality or 4MB Quality





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Ready to take the next step? Consider the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, who have open positions in all areas of law enforcement.