Unlocking A New Career Path: Why Veterans Should Consider Law Enforcement

For veterans of the armed forces, making the transition to civilian life can be a daunting task. The prospect of starting a new career can be especially intimidating, but there are opportunities out there for those who have served their country with honor. One career path that veterans should consider is law enforcement. In this blog post, we will explore why veterans should consider working in law enforcement, specifically in the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff. We will look at why this can be an exciting and rewarding career path while also providing veterans with invaluable skills and abilities that they can use to succeed in their lives.

First and foremost, working in law enforcement can be an extremely rewarding career path. As a law enforcement officer, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on your community every single day. You can help to keep your community safe by enforcing the law and responding to emergencies. You can also serve as a role model and mentor to young people in your community, helping to shape their values and attitudes towards law and order.

For veterans, the skills and abilities that they have acquired during their time in the military can be a valuable asset in law enforcement. Veterans are trained to work in high-pressure environments and to make quick, sound decisions. They are also highly disciplined, and have a strong sense of duty and responsibility. These skills are directly applicable to the job of a law enforcement officer, and can help veterans to excel in their new career.

In addition to these skills, veterans also bring a unique perspective to the job of a law enforcement officer. They have a deep understanding of the sacrifices that are required to maintain law and order, and they have a strong sense of camaraderie and brotherhood. This perspective can help veterans to connect with their fellow officers and to build strong, effective teams.

Working in law enforcement also provides veterans with a sense of purpose and direction. After serving their country in the military, many veterans struggle to find a new sense of purpose in their civilian lives. Working in law enforcement can help to fill this void, providing veterans with a clear mission and a sense of pride in their work.

Finally, a career in law enforcement can provide you and your family a lifelong and stable career. The average starting salary for our deputies ranges from $102,641 – $151,648 (2023-2026). On top of this, recruits are also paid during their training at the Basic Academy. 

Veterans who have received an honorable discharge and disabled veterans may be allowed an additional 5% of their total earned score (providing the exam is otherwise successfully completed). To obtain this credit, veterans MUST provide a DD214 that indicates the applicant received an honorable discharge or proof of disability. 

If you have what it takes, we want to meet you. Please visit https://www.joincocosheriff.org/ to speak with a recruiter today!