What attitude should a LE pilot have?

[zippiesdrainage]

So let me start by giving a bit of background about myself. I'm currently a CFI at a civil flight school building my hours. Ultimately I would love to become a LE pilot. The reason I would love to become a LE pilot is because my father was a police officer and I like many kids wanted to grow up to be like him. My dad and his cop-buddies were all cops in a relatively small city without much crime, as a result, my father and none of his friends were very "gun-ho" types. The cops in our town weren't they types where they would harass people or have an attitude where they were waiting for some action; they were instead laid-back fun guys who simply were cops. I've noticed many cops out there seem to have a serious ex-military attitude and are simply waiting for some excitement; I however am not like that. I wouldn't consider joining the military simply because I'm not interested in that mentality (although I can understand and respect those who do). Before becoming a helicopter pilot I considered joining the police force, however I always imagined myself as the easily approachable friendly police officer, helping people (think the DARE cops) rather than a beat-cop in a rough neighborhood with a hand always ready on my sidearm.

 

I'm concerned about the type of mentality that they look for when hiring a helicopter pilot to become a Law Enforcement Pilot. Would they rather have Mr. No-nonsense ex-military trained and ready to resort to a firearm, or can I still have my want to help people attitude without the militaristic mindset?

 

What do the departments look for attitude-wise when they consider a pilot for a Law Enforcement position?

[OneCoqui]

Zippie, here some advice.....

 

First your dad and his buddies had it good working in a small town where the crime rate was small. The criminals did not want to commit crimes in this small town because they had no real interest or they did not want to deal with the police officers in that town... It's called community policing and having a tight community that cares! Either way I hope your dad and his partners are enjoying their retirement.

 

As for the attitude... Your kind of putting the cart ahead of the ox! Your worrying about something that develops over time with experience in doing the job! The only attitude you need to worry about at this point, in your anticipation of becoming a law enforcement aviator, is keeping a positive attitude for the amount of work and commitment it takes to become a police officer first!

 

There are six phases of a year long process a candidate(s) must pass: Written, Physical agility, Psychological Assessment, Medical, Polygraph, Background Criminal Investigation, and the Oral Board interview. Barring any issues, your name is then placed before the hiring board to be considered for employment...

 

Now comes the fun part... If and when they call you for employment, you'll enter the police academy where you will learn how to be a police officer and develop the proper attitude for the job.

 

Then if you pass the grinder of a police academy and graduate... You'll enter the Field Training Program for an additional 14 to 16 weeks. If you pass that; then you must complete the probationary period of employment with the agency.

 

Believe me Zip, Your FTO's and supervisors will know everything about your "attitude" (negative or positive) before you will! Especially, if the agency is considering giving the candidate a badge, gun and the authority.

 

After all that, you pay your dues on the street as a patrol officer... usually five to seven years before they will allow a candidate to put in for a specialized unit. Especially, a specialized unit where you'll be flying the agency's multi million dollar helicopter. Displaying the proper attitude of course! RP

[edspilot]

Zippie:

 

Let me first say that OneCoqui has provided a well thought out and correct response to the police officer pilot process.

 

For the most part, it applies to almost all city, county, state, and federal LE agencies. I say almost because there are a few (compared to the masses) agencies that have aviation units that do not require you to be on-the-street before flying with them.

 

The hiring process however, will be the same, it is just you will not have to spend years on-the-street before flying. This number is small, really small.

 

Having said that, you need to decide the type of LE flying you want to do. If you want to fly the same area at a low level then city, county or state is for you. However, if you want to travel the country, with a wide range of missions and equipment, then the federal may be the way to go.

 

Seems to me you are a perfect person to attend the HeliSuccess 2011 Seminar in Vegas in November. I go into great deatil on the differences between all of the major agencies to include the application process, work activities, training & pay.

 

Back to your question:

 

"Desire comes first, attitude will follow!"

 

Best of luck & hope to see you in Vegas.

 

 

edspilot

 

 

So let me start by giving a bit of background about myself. I'm currently a CFI at a civil flight school building my hours. Ultimately I would love to become a LE pilot. The reason I would love to become a LE pilot is because my father was a police officer and I like many kids wanted to grow up to be like him. My dad and his cop-buddies were all cops in a relatively small city without much crime, as a result, my father and none of his friends were very "gun-ho" types. The cops in our town weren't they types where they would harass people or have an attitude where they were waiting for some action; they were instead laid-back fun guys who simply were cops. I've noticed many cops out there seem to have a serious ex-military attitude and are simply waiting for some excitement; I however am not like that. I wouldn't consider joining the military simply because I'm not interested in that mentality (although I can understand and respect those who do). Before becoming a helicopter pilot I considered joining the police force, however I always imagined myself as the easily approachable friendly police officer, helping people (think the DARE cops) rather than a beat-cop in a rough neighborhood with a hand always ready on my sidearm.

 

I'm concerned about the type of mentality that they look for when hiring a helicopter pilot to become a Law Enforcement Pilot. Would they rather have Mr. No-nonsense ex-military trained and ready to resort to a firearm, or can I still have my want to help people attitude without the militaristic mindset?

 

What do the departments look for attitude-wise when they consider a pilot for a Law Enforcement position?

[Zurban]

So let me start by giving a bit of background about myself. I'm currently a CFI at a civil flight school building my hours. Ultimately I would love to become a LE pilot. The reason I would love to become a LE pilot is because my father was a police officer and I like many kids wanted to grow up to be like him. My dad and his cop-buddies were all cops in a relatively small city without much crime, as a result, my father and none of his friends were very "gun-ho" types. The cops in our town weren't they types where they would harass people or have an attitude where they were waiting for some action; they were instead laid-back fun guys who simply were cops. I've noticed many cops out there seem to have a serious ex-military attitude and are simply waiting for some excitement; I however am not like that. I wouldn't consider joining the military simply because I'm not interested in that mentality (although I can understand and respect those who do). Before becoming a helicopter pilot I considered joining the police force, however I always imagined myself as the easily approachable friendly police officer, helping people (think the DARE cops) rather than a beat-cop in a rough neighborhood with a hand always ready on my sidearm.

 

I'm concerned about the type of mentality that they look for when hiring a helicopter pilot to become a Law Enforcement Pilot. Would they rather have Mr. No-nonsense ex-military trained and ready to resort to a firearm, or can I still have my want to help people attitude without the militaristic mindset?

 

What do the departments look for attitude-wise when they consider a pilot for a Law Enforcement position?

 

 

Just to give you the heads up, being a police officer is a very very dangerous job. You have to be a glorified d*ck because every person you pull over, talk to, etc while in uniform can possibly kill you. My Uncle (who is a cop) always said " Rather be an a**hole than Dead. " One of his best friends was killed by a young man dressed in a suit walking out of church, who would have thought...

[OH58A]

Speaking from 30+ years of being a LE officer and an LE pilot as well, you will meet more people who are d*cks at your agency than you will ever encounter on the street.

[HeliMark]

Just to give you the heads up, being a police officer is a very very dangerous job. You have to be a glorified d*ck because every person you pull over, talk to, etc while in uniform can possibly kill you. My Uncle (who is a cop) always said " Rather be an a**hole than Dead. " One of his best friends was killed by a young man dressed in a suit walking out of church, who would have thought...

 

 

Wow. 28+ years as a cop, and a LE pilot for a major department, a fair amount as a street cop working in some of the worst area's (think area's rap songs are about), people I dealt with had to earn the "A-hole" attitude. By no means does it mean you let your guard down, and some earned the "attitude" in a split sec. Treat them kindness, you get more compliance even with the "A-holes". And a funny thing also happens, you can meet some really good people in the worst area.

 

Now off my soap box.

 

My department only has pilots that have worked through the "ranks" of being a street cop then observer. The mindset we look for is being a good cop with a great work ethic. Can you be a good cop? Go on ride-a-longs, talk to people and determine if you can. Then take it from there.

[rjl2001]

I always start with the disclaimer I'm not an LE aviator, but I have researched it a lot as it is the path I plan to pursue. First, like someone else said I was going to recommend trying to talk with someone in the aviation unit at a department or agency you think you might be interested in working for. Naturally some of them may be busy at times or you might speak to a less than helpful individual, but as a whole I have found most are quite helpful and friendly towards an interested pilot. I've even been lucky enough to be offered a 'fly-along' with a department I've visited, and plan to take them up on it when I can.

 

That is a transition to my second point, I've found that most TFO's/Pilots are friendly people and I rarely encounter someone with one of the attitudes like you describe. However, I'd bet that some of these people are a lot more serious or intimidating when they are working. The nature of LE work can require a more aggressive or Type-A personality. In my opinion one doesn't have to have that attitude at all times. I know when I was involved in LE, we all knew how to have fun and get along but when a mission came up you put your game face on and went to work. As far as worrying about your demeanor or coming off as strict vs. approachable, I think that might work itself out pretty quick. Your training will influence how you handle situations, and if your own officer safety is ever in jeopardy you will resort back to that training and experience to handle it.

 

Lastly, since you are already building hours as a CFI you may want to research the civilian route to LE flying. I'm just thinking for someone who loves flying and is used to flying everyday, it would be a pretty big adjustment and investment to commit 5-10yrs to being a LEO first. Even then there is never a guarantee you will make it to the aviation unit. I'm sorry if I was stating what was obvious to you, but merely offering my opinion. Again, you may already be familiar with them but some great resources are: 1. Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) and 2. www.policehelicopterpilot.com

Best of luck whatever you decide!

[gary-mike]

I'm a little concerned about the stereo type the military seems to have within the civillian community. However, if it helps me get a LE job someday I guess I will deal with it.

[Flying Pig]

Speaking from 30+ years of being a LE officer and an LE pilot as well, you will meet more people who are d*cks at your agency than you will ever encounter on the street.

 

Man...aint that the truth! I went to a retirement party where a seasoned dope cop was retiring after about 25 yrs. He said "Ive spent a career dealing with people trying to cut my throat and stick a knife in my back around every corner. And then after briefing was over, I had to go out on street and deal with the criminals too!" The room got really quiet after that. But I was a new guy so I knew its wasnt me!

 

Anyway....

 

 

If an agency is hiring civilian pilots, they are looking for a pilot, not a cop. If your a cop first and your trying to get into your LE Air Unit, you'll have plenty of time to figure out what type of attitude (lets call it mind-set) your particular agency is looking for. You can have 3 separate air units at the same airport and each one will be completely different in what they are looking for and 3 completely different ways of getting in. The advice someone gives you here is "general". Your particular agency will (could) be nothing like what one of us tell you. Good Luck

 

Let me add, by reading your initial post, you know nothing about law enforcement, regardless of whether your father was cop. You have to have the ability to be everything. Officer friendly, and a no-nonsense cop. If your one or the other exclusively, you have no business in the profession. There is a quote that I have survived by for my past 13 years.

 

"On every vehicle stop extend the olive branch of peace while having a tactical plan to kill everyone inside the vehicle."

 

Im not sure what you think "DARE cops" are? Ive known DARE cops who were also the snipers on their departments SWAT team. I was a DARE cop for while and was the #3 man on our SWAT entry team. The people we encounter determine our "attitude". If you looking to be everyones friend, find another career.

Edited November 25, 2011 by Flying Pig

[Spike]

Man...aint that the truth! I went to a retirement party where a seasoned dope cop was retiring after about 25 yrs. He said "Ive spent a career dealing with people trying to cut my throat and stick a knife in my back around every corner. And then after briefing was over, I had to go out on street and deal with the criminals too!" The room got really quiet after that. But I was a new guy so I knew its wasnt me!

 

 

Unfortunately, this has been, and remains to be, my experience…

 

Having spent a number of years as a civilian pilot flying ALE and twice that number flying sworn, I can attest the civilian gig is far better and far less stressful…

 

How bad is it? Believe it or not, I have to be careful what I say in this post because I could easily find myself in-front-of-the-man with brass bars explaining why I’m not being a “team player”…….. This only after someone took aim and pulled the trigger on me… Team player??? How could this happen you ask? Easy, these spots is either highly sought after, or highly detested….. In the end, it’s doom-on-me and eyes-n-ears wide open with thy mouth shut…..

Edited November 26, 2011 by Spike

[McGavin]

I think it has already covered very well, but I will respond because you sound like me about 15 years ago.

 

If you want one of those few non-sworn pilot jobs you will need a lot of experince. They are generaly difficult jobs to get. You better get some 206 or Astar time and know the right people.

 

As far as going the sworn route, you will need the mindset that you are a police officer first and understand that there is a possibility that you may never get a pilot position (or keep it) even if you do everything right. Ask yourself if you want to be a street cop or a pilot.

 

Don't ask who you need to be, but who you are willing to be. "a$$hole" is in the eye of the beholder. How do you think people view me as I take them to jail or write them a citation (even if I'm offer friendly and smile)? The job is 5% hero and 95% a$$hole with very little in between. Also ask yourself how many of those a$$hole cops have been changed by the job? Your dad was lucky that he worked in an environment that didn't change him. To put it in context, a cop in a major city probably sees more "action" in 6 months of training than you dad saw in his career (that's a good thing).

 

I will give my story in a nutshell. I was a "nice" guy pilot who did what it took to get a badge and a set of LE wings. My unit closed due to budget cuts and now I'm just a a$$hole street cop that wants to be a pilot. Having a taste of both worlds I personally think being a street cop is a $hitty job. The only benifit is that I get paid more than most pilots.