Returning Troops Retool For L.A. Opportunities In Law Enforcement
In this Hollywood glamorous tinsel town atmosphere everyone is a star. Sadly, when our troops come home from the battlefield they often feel their skills don't fit into our complicated city lives. With returning vets coming home every day, Officer Carmona, who is a Military Veteran and started his career with the Los Angeles Police nearly seven years ago, was able to give his perspective.
Officer Carmona served 6 active years in the US Army and was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After he successfully completed his military service, earning a B.A. from Life Pacific College in Theology, he became a LAPD Officer, and since then, earned his Masters of Science in Leadership and Management from the University of La Verne.
Currently, Officer Carmona has a unique assignment with the LAPD where he is trusted by the department to go out and look for qualified candidates whom will become the future leaders of the Los Angeles Police Department. Sitting down with Officer Carmona, we discover more about how he has utilized his many skills and get his valued opinion relating to the opportunities with the LAPD.
What preparation do returning troops need to be a valuable asset in civilian life?
"Returning troops need to understand that they are returning to civilian life with a variety of skills that are valuable to any organization. Military troops are taught from day one the importance of teamwork and accomplishing the mission regardless of the situation. Those are traits that every organization is desperate to have on their team."
Do you think that there's a place in the LAPD for returning troops?
"Yes! The LAPD is a good transition for troops because of its paramilitary environment. Values like honor, integrity, personal courage, loyalty, duty, and selfless service are values that are emphasized on a daily basis as a LAPD Officer. The discipline it takes to become a LAPD officer is something that military troops can easily adjust to."
What jobs are available with the LAPD?
"The LAPD is the 3rd largest department in the nation. Whatever your interest is in, you can find it in the LAPD as an officer. We have an array of positions. Some examples: patrolling the streets of Los Angeles, administrative positions like training, and working with youth in the Cadet program. The LAPD also has several specialized units like SWAT, gangs, narcotics…. The possibilities are endless with the LAPD."
Why would having a degree benefit troop's job eligibility?
"To promote to a Sergeant, or Detective, the applicant needs 60 units; Lieutenant or higher 90 units; for Captain, you will need a Master's degree. Having a degree teaches you how to be a lifelong learner and how to be a critical thinker. Both those characteristics mixed with the military values (honor, integrity, personal courage) sets you up to conquer anything you put your mind to."
As a creative professional in Los Angeles, Cat West brings versatile skills to any topic. Whether freelancing as a writer or designing digital art from her studio, Cat provides excellent creative product with content driven artwork and photography. Examiner.com.
