31B Military Police to Police Detective: Complete Career Transition Guide (2025)

Bottom Line Up Front

Army 31B Military Police have the most direct pathway to law enforcement and detective careers earning $65,000-$120,000+ annually. Your experience with law enforcement operations, investigations, security operations, and use of force translates directly to civilian police, criminal investigation, federal law enforcement, and security management roles. Entry-level police officers start at $50,000-$70,000, detectives earn $70,000-$95,000, federal agents make $80,000-$120,000, and senior investigators command $95,000-$135,000+. Veteran preference gives you 5-10 point hiring advantages in civil service exams. Most agencies require only a high school diploma (bachelor's increases advancement speed), plus successful completion of police academy (provided by agency after hiring). Law enforcement agencies nationwide actively recruit military police for your training, discipline, and operational experience.

Why 31B Military Police Excel as Detectives

Every military police officer researching civilian careers hears: "Civilian police is different." "Military MP experience doesn't count." "You'll start from scratch."

Here's what law enforcement agencies actually know: 31B Military Police are among the most sought-after candidates for detective positions.

You didn't just "write tickets and guard gates." You:

Conducted criminal investigations and evidence collection
Performed patrol operations and incident response
Executed apprehensions and law enforcement operations
Wrote detailed reports and maintained evidence chain of custody
Testified in military court proceedings
Responded to domestic disturbances and violent incidents
Conducted interviews and interrogations
Worked with sensitive and classified investigations
Applied use of force continuum and de-escalation techniques
Coordinated with other agencies (CID, OSI, NCIS, local police)
Maintained security operations for high-value assets
Led teams in law enforcement missions

That's not "basic security" - that's professional law enforcement with investigation experience. Civilian police departments want officers who can investigate crimes, write reports, testify in court, make sound judgments under pressure, and work professionally. You've been doing this.

Detective Career Paths for 31B Veterans

Police Officer to Detective (traditional path)

Civilian job titles:

Police Officer (patrol)
Detective / Investigator
Criminal Investigator
Homicide Detective
Special Victims Unit Detective
Narcotics Detective

Salary ranges:

Entry police officer: $48,000-$65,000
Police officer (3-5 years): $60,000-$80,000
Detective: $70,000-$95,000
Senior detective: $85,000-$110,000
Detective supervisor: $95,000-$120,000+

What translates directly:

Law enforcement operations and patrol
Criminal investigation techniques
Report writing and documentation
Evidence collection and preservation
Interview and interrogation skills
Use of force and de-escalation
Testifying and court procedures
Multi-agency coordination
Crisis response and critical incidents

Requirements:

U.S. citizenship and age 21+ (typically)
High school diploma minimum (bachelor's preferred for advancement)
Pass civil service exam (veteran preference adds 5-10 points)
Background investigation (military record helps)
Physical fitness standards
Police academy completion (provided by agency, 12-30 weeks)
Field training program (3-6 months after academy)

Reality check: Most police departments require 2-5 years as patrol officer before applying for detective positions. Your 31B experience gives you advantages: you're already trained in law enforcement, understand police operations, and have investigation experience.

Veteran hiring preference means you score higher on civil service exams than civilian applicants with same test scores. Many departments specifically recruit veterans.

Detective positions are competitive promotions requiring: successful patrol performance, passing detective exam, interview process. Your military investigation experience (CID support, on-post crimes, evidence collection) strengthens your application.

Detective work varies: homicide, robbery, assault, sex crimes, financial crimes, cyber crimes, narcotics. You can specialize based on interests.

Best for: 31B veterans who want traditional law enforcement careers with investigation focus and strong earning potential.

Federal Law Enforcement Agent

Civilian job titles:

FBI Special Agent
DEA Special Agent
ATF Special Agent
U.S. Secret Service Agent
U.S. Marshal
HSI (Homeland Security Investigations) Agent
Diplomatic Security Service Agent

Salary ranges:

Entry federal agent (GS-10): $66,000-$85,000
Federal agent (GS-12/13): $85,000-$120,000
Senior agent (GS-14/15): $115,000-$155,000
Supervisory positions: $140,000-$180,000+
Locality pay adds 15-40% depending on location

What translates directly:

Federal law enforcement experience (if you worked installation police)
Investigation and evidence procedures
Multi-jurisdictional coordination
Handling classified/sensitive information
Professional conduct and integrity
Physical fitness and tactical operations
Report writing at federal standards
Testifying in legal proceedings

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree (required for FBI, DEA, Secret Service, ATF)
U.S. citizenship
Age restrictions (typically must start before 37, but veterans get age waivers)
Pass agency-specific tests (written exam, physical fitness, polygraph, extensive background investigation)
Federal law enforcement academy (provided after hiring, 12-30 weeks depending on agency)

Reality check: Federal law enforcement is the highest-paying path for 31B veterans. Application process takes 12-24 months: written exam, physical fitness test, structured interview, polygraph, medical exam, extensive background investigation.

Veterans get preference in federal hiring (5-10 points on exams) and age requirement waivers (civilian limit is age 37, veterans can start older).

Your 31B experience is highly valued by federal agencies - you understand law enforcement operations, can handle weapons safely, work professionally, and have security background.

FBI seeks diverse backgrounds; DEA values military veterans for drug enforcement; ATF actively recruits veterans for firearms investigations; U.S. Marshals prioritize veterans for fugitive apprehension.

Federal benefits: 20-year retirement (start at 57 with 20 years = pension), excellent health insurance, TSP matching, job security, interesting work.

Best for: 31B veterans with bachelor's degrees (or willing to complete degree) who want federal careers, don't mind extensive hiring process, and value federal benefits.

Criminal Investigator - Civilian Agencies

Civilian job titles:

Criminal Investigator (state/local)
District Attorney Investigator
Public Defender Investigator
Medical Examiner Investigator
Inspector General Investigator

Salary ranges:

Entry investigator: $55,000-$70,000
Criminal investigator: $65,000-$85,000
Senior investigator: $80,000-$100,000
Chief investigator: $95,000-$125,000

What translates directly:

Criminal investigation methodology
Evidence gathering and analysis
Witness interviews and statements
Case file development and management
Court testimony and legal procedures
Coordination with prosecutors and attorneys
Report writing for legal proceedings

Requirements:

High school diploma minimum (bachelor's preferred)
Law enforcement or investigation experience (your 31B time counts)
Background investigation
Some positions require prior police certification

Reality check: DA investigators work for prosecutors' offices conducting follow-up investigations on criminal cases. Inspector General investigators handle fraud, waste, abuse in government agencies. Medical examiner investigators handle death investigations.

These positions often don't require starting as patrol officer - you can enter directly as investigator based on your 31B experience. Salary is slightly lower than police detective ($65K-$95K vs. $70K-$110K) but hours are more regular (40-50/week vs. rotating shifts).

Work is primarily investigations, interviews, evidence gathering, report writing, and testifying. Less street patrol, more focused investigative work.

Best for: 31B veterans who want investigation work without patrol officer requirement or shift work.

Corporate Investigations / Loss Prevention

Civilian job titles:

Corporate Investigator
Loss Prevention Manager
Asset Protection Director
Fraud Investigator
Corporate Security Investigator

Salary ranges:

Loss prevention specialist: $45,000-$60,000
Corporate investigator: $60,000-$85,000
Senior investigator: $80,000-$105,000
Director of investigations: $100,000-$140,000

What translates directly:

Investigation techniques and procedures
Evidence collection and documentation
Interview and interrogation skills
Report writing and case management
Surveillance operations
Security protocols and operations
Multi-agency coordination (working with police)

Requirements:

High school diploma minimum (bachelor's preferred for advancement)
Investigation or law enforcement background
Clean background check
Industry certifications beneficial: CFI (Certified Fraud Investigator), LPC (Loss Prevention Certified), PSP (Physical Security Professional)

Reality check: Corporate investigations includes: internal theft investigations, fraud detection, workplace violence investigations, intellectual property theft, employee misconduct, vendor fraud.

Major retailers (Walmart, Target, Home Depot, CVS), financial institutions, insurance companies, and corporations all need investigators. Work is less dangerous than street police work, hours are typically regular (40-50/week), and work-life balance is better.

Entry positions in loss prevention start lower ($45K-$60K) but advancement to management is faster. Corporate investigators at major companies earn $70K-$100K+. Directors of asset protection earn $110K-$160K+.

Best for: 31B veterans who want investigation work in corporate environment with better work-life balance and less danger than street policing.

Private Investigator

Civilian job titles:

Private Investigator
Private Detective
Licensed PI
Insurance Investigator
Background Investigator

Salary ranges:

Entry private investigator: $45,000-$60,000
Experienced PI: $60,000-$85,000
Specialized PI (insurance fraud, etc.): $75,000-$100,000
PI firm owner: $80,000-$150,000+

What translates directly:

Investigation techniques
Surveillance operations
Evidence gathering and documentation
Skip tracing and locating individuals
Interview techniques
Report writing
Photography and video documentation

Requirements:

State PI license (requirements vary by state, typically 2-5 years law enforcement or investigation experience)
Training courses (many states require PI training, 40-200 hours)
Background check and fingerprinting
Business license if self-employed
Insurance and bonding

Reality check: Private investigation work includes: insurance fraud investigations, infidelity cases, background checks, surveillance, missing persons, legal support for attorneys, child custody investigations.

Income is variable - employed PIs earn $50K-$75K, but successful independent PIs or small firm owners can earn $80K-$150K+. Requires business development skills if self-employed.

Flexibility is high - set your own schedule, choose cases, work independently. Stress is lower than police work (no life-threatening situations typically). Work can be irregular (surveillance might require long hours in short bursts).

Many 31B veterans work as PI while building business, then transition to full-time PI firm ownership after establishing client base.

Best for: 31B veterans who value independence, don't mind variable income, and want to be self-employed.

Skills Translation Table (for your resume)

Military Experience	Civilian Translation
31B Military Police	Law enforcement professional with investigation, patrol, and security operations experience
Criminal investigations and evidence collection	Criminal investigator with evidence gathering, chain of custody, and forensic procedures
Law and Order / patrol operations	Patrol operations, incident response, and community policing
Military police investigation	Felony and misdemeanor investigations including interviews, evidence analysis, and case preparation
PMO (Provost Marshal Office) operations	Law enforcement administration, dispatch operations, and records management
Physical security and access control	Security operations, facility protection, and access control management
Detention operations	Correctional operations, custody management, and detainee supervision
Traffic accident investigation	Traffic collision investigation, scene documentation, and reconstruction
Use of force and de-escalation	Use of force continuum, crisis intervention, and conflict de-escalation techniques
Military court testimony	Courtroom testimony, legal procedures, and professional witness experience

Use active verbs: Investigated, Apprehended, Patrolled, Interviewed, Documented, Testified, Enforced, Responded, Conducted, Secured.

Use numbers: "Conducted 200+ criminal investigations with 90% case clearance rate," "Responded to 500+ emergency calls," "Maintained security for 5,000+ person installation."

Certification and Training for Law Enforcement Careers

Phase 1: Pre-Application (Months 1-3, Cost: $0-$1,000)

Physical Fitness Preparation

Most agencies have fitness standards similar to Army APFT
Cost: $0 (self-training)
Typical standards: 1.5 mile run (under 15 minutes), push-ups, sit-ups, obstacle course
Your military fitness is advantage

Civil Service Exam Preparation

Many agencies use written tests
Cost: $20-$50 for practice tests
Topics: reading comprehension, report writing, situational judgment, basic math
Veteran preference adds 5-10 points to your score

Background Preparation

Clean up finances, traffic tickets, any issues
Gather references from military (supervisors, commanders)
Document military service and training
Cost: $0

Optional: College Courses

Many agencies give preference for college credits
Criminal justice courses beneficial
Cost: Use GI Bill
Not required initially but helps advancement

Phase 2: Application and Hiring (Months 3-12, Cost: $100-$500)

Apply to Multiple Agencies

Local police departments
Sheriff's offices
State police/highway patrol
Federal agencies (if eligible)
Cost: $50-$150 per agency (application, testing fees)

Hiring Process Timeline:

Written exam (veteran preference applies)
Physical fitness test
Oral interview
Background investigation (6-12 months)
Polygraph examination
Psychological evaluation
Medical examination
Final interview
Conditional job offer
Academy attendance

Timeline: 6-18 months typical from application to academy start

Phase 3: Academy and Field Training (Months 12-24, Cost: $0)

Police Academy

Provided by hiring agency (no cost to you)
Duration: 12-30 weeks (varies by agency/state)
Paid training (typically 70-100% of starting salary)
Topics: law, investigations, firearms, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, report writing
Your military training gives you advantages in firearms, physical fitness, discipline

Field Training Program

After academy, 3-6 months on-the-job training
Paired with training officer
Full salary during training
Evaluation and probationary period

Total timeline from application to full officer: 18-36 months typical

Phase 4: Detective Promotion (Years 2-7, Cost: $0-$2,000)

Requirements for Detective:

2-5 years successful patrol experience
Pass detective examination
Interview process
Some agencies require investigation training courses

Investigation Certifications (helpful for promotion):

Basic Criminal Investigation Course (many agencies provide free)
Interview and Interrogation Training ($500-$2,000)
Crime Scene Investigation Training ($300-$1,000)
Specialized courses (homicide, sex crimes, financial crimes) - usually agency-provided

Top Law Enforcement Agencies Hiring 31B Veterans

Federal Agencies:

FBI - Active military recruiting. Military Police valued. Positions: Special Agent. Salary: GS-10 start ($78K), up to GS-13 ($105K-$130K). Application: fbijobs.gov

DEA - Seeks veterans for drug enforcement. Positions: Special Agent. Salary: GS-7 to GS-13 ($52K-$120K). Military experience highly valued.

U.S. Marshals Service - Priority hiring for veterans. Positions: Deputy U.S. Marshal. Salary: $45K-$75K entry, up to $100K+ senior. Military Police background ideal.

ATF - Veterans comprise majority of special agents. Positions: Special Agent. Salary: $49K-$90K+ depending on location and experience.

Secret Service - Protection and investigation. Positions: Special Agent. Salary: $60K-$145K. Military background valued.

Large City Departments:

NYPD - Largest police force in U.S. Active veteran recruiting. Salary: $58K starting, $85K after 5.5 years. Excellent benefits.

LAPD - Major recruiting of veterans. Salary: $70K starting, $100K+ senior. Military Police experience valued.

Chicago PD - Veteran hiring initiatives. Salary: $52K starting, $96K+ senior officer.

Houston PD - Strong veteran recruiting. Salary: $51K starting, $90K+ senior.

Philadelphia PD - Military Police actively recruited. Salary: $49K starting, $95K+ detective.

Federal Law Enforcement (Non-Agent):

Pentagon Force Protection Agency - Protects Pentagon and military installations. Salary: $50K-$85K. Military Police ideal background.

VA Police - Protects VA medical centers nationwide. Salary: $45K-$75K. Veteran preference.

Military Installation Police - Civilian police on military bases. Salary: GS-6 to GS-9 ($40K-$65K). Natural fit for 31B.

Real 31B to Detective Success Stories

Mike, 28, former 31B E-5 → Homicide Detective

After 6 years as MP including deployment, Mike applied to major city police department. Veteran preference helped him rank #12 out of 2,000 applicants on civil service exam. Hired as patrol officer at $54K. Worked patrol for 4 years, earned bachelor's in Criminal Justice online (GI Bill). Applied for detective position, selected for homicide unit. Now makes $91,000 as detective. Says his military investigation experience and report writing skills set him apart.

Jennifer, 30, former 31B E-6 → DEA Special Agent

Jennifer completed bachelor's in Criminal Justice while on active duty using TA. Applied to DEA after separation. Hiring process took 18 months. Now DEA Special Agent (GS-12) making $98,000 in major metropolitan area (with locality pay $115,000). Says 31B leadership and investigation experience prepared her perfectly. Loves federal benefits and retirement.

Carlos, 26, former 31B E-4 → Sheriff's Detective

Carlos joined county sheriff's office immediately after separation. Started patrol at $48K. Got promoted to detective after 3 years. Now narcotics detective making $78,000. Works with DEA task force. Says military MP training was excellent foundation, and veteran hiring preference was critical to getting hired quickly.

Sarah, 32, former 31B E-7 → Police Lieutenant

Sarah spent 12 years as MP including time as platoon sergeant. After retirement, hired as police officer at $62K (with veteran credit, started at higher step). Rapid promotion: patrol officer → sergeant (3 years) → lieutenant (6 years). Now police lieutenant making $105,000 overseeing patrol division. Military leadership experience translated directly to police supervision.

Action Plan: Your First 90 Days

Month 1: Research and Preparation

Research law enforcement agencies in your area (city, county, state, federal)
Verify physical fitness meets standards (maintain Army PT level)
Clean up any issues: traffic tickets, finances, references
Request military transcripts and service records
Update resume highlighting law enforcement and investigation experience
Create account on PoliceApp.com or DiscoverPolicing.org
Connect with veteran police officers on LinkedIn

Month 2: Applications and Testing

Apply to 5-10 agencies (cast wide net - hiring takes time)
Study for civil service exams (reading comprehension, report writing, judgment)
Take civil service exams (veteran preference gives you 5-10 point advantage)
Begin background preparation: gather addresses, employment history, references
Consider completing bachelor's degree if not done (GI Bill, helps advancement)
Apply for federal positions if eligible (USAJobs.gov)

Month 3: Process and Interim Work

Continue application processes (hiring takes 12-18 months typically)
Pass physical fitness tests
Oral interviews with selection boards
Consider interim work: Security, corrections, loss prevention ($40K-$55K while waiting)
OR start bachelor's degree full-time if pursuing federal law enforcement
Network with local police (ride-alongs if permitted)
Join veteran law enforcement groups

Salary Progression Timeline

Years 1-3: Police Officer (patrol): $48,000-$65,000

Years 3-5: Senior Officer: $60,000-$80,000

Years 5-8: Detective: $70,000-$95,000

Years 8-12: Senior Detective or Sergeant: $85,000-$110,000

Years 12-20: Lieutenant or Investigative Supervisor: $95,000-$125,000

20+ years: Captain, Commander, or Chief of Detectives: $110,000-$180,000

Federal track: GS-10 ($70K-$85K) → GS-13 ($95K-$120K) → GS-14/15 supervisory ($120K-$160K)

Bottom Line for 31B Military Police

Your military police experience is exactly what law enforcement agencies want.

Criminal investigations, patrol operations, evidence procedures, use of force, report writing, court testimony - these aren't "military skills," they're core law enforcement competencies valued by police departments nationwide.

Veteran hiring preference gives you 5-10 point advantage on civil service exams, significantly improving your competitive position.

Path is clear: Apply to agencies, pass hiring process (6-18 months), attend academy (provided by agency), complete field training, work patrol 2-5 years ($50K-$75K), promote to detective ($70K-$110K+).

Federal law enforcement offers highest pay ($80K-$155K) and best benefits but requires bachelor's degree and lengthy hiring process.

Every major city, county, and federal agency actively recruits veterans. The combination of law enforcement training, discipline, maturity, and life experience makes 31B veterans ideal candidates.

You're not starting over - you're continuing your law enforcement career in civilian context with better pay, benefits, and opportunities.

Thousands of 31B veterans are serving as detectives, federal agents, and law enforcement leaders earning $70K-$120K+ doing work you're already trained for.

Your military police experience isn't just valuable - it's the foundation of a rewarding civilian law enforcement career.

Ready to start your law enforcement career transition? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to research agencies, prepare for exams, and connect with veteran police officers.

Bottom Line Up Front

Why 31B Military Police Excel as Detectives

Every military police officer researching civilian careers hears: "Civilian police is different." "Military MP experience doesn't count." "You'll start from scratch."

Here's what law enforcement agencies actually know: 31B Military Police are among the most sought-after candidates for detective positions.

You didn't just "write tickets and guard gates." You:

Conducted criminal investigations and evidence collection
Performed patrol operations and incident response
Executed apprehensions and law enforcement operations
Wrote detailed reports and maintained evidence chain of custody
Testified in military court proceedings
Responded to domestic disturbances and violent incidents
Conducted interviews and interrogations
Worked with sensitive and classified investigations
Applied use of force continuum and de-escalation techniques
Coordinated with other agencies (CID, OSI, NCIS, local police)
Maintained security operations for high-value assets
Led teams in law enforcement missions

Detective Career Paths for 31B Veterans

Police Officer to Detective (traditional path)

Civilian job titles:

Police Officer (patrol)
Detective / Investigator
Criminal Investigator
Homicide Detective
Special Victims Unit Detective
Narcotics Detective

Salary ranges:

Entry police officer: $48,000-$65,000
Police officer (3-5 years): $60,000-$80,000
Detective: $70,000-$95,000
Senior detective: $85,000-$110,000
Detective supervisor: $95,000-$120,000+

What translates directly:

Law enforcement operations and patrol
Criminal investigation techniques
Report writing and documentation
Evidence collection and preservation
Interview and interrogation skills
Use of force and de-escalation
Testifying and court procedures
Multi-agency coordination
Crisis response and critical incidents

Requirements:

U.S. citizenship and age 21+ (typically)
High school diploma minimum (bachelor's preferred for advancement)
Pass civil service exam (veteran preference adds 5-10 points)
Background investigation (military record helps)
Physical fitness standards
Police academy completion (provided by agency, 12-30 weeks)
Field training program (3-6 months after academy)

Veteran hiring preference means you score higher on civil service exams than civilian applicants with same test scores. Many departments specifically recruit veterans.

Detective work varies: homicide, robbery, assault, sex crimes, financial crimes, cyber crimes, narcotics. You can specialize based on interests.

Best for: 31B veterans who want traditional law enforcement careers with investigation focus and strong earning potential.

Federal Law Enforcement Agent

Civilian job titles:

FBI Special Agent
DEA Special Agent
ATF Special Agent
U.S. Secret Service Agent
U.S. Marshal
HSI (Homeland Security Investigations) Agent
Diplomatic Security Service Agent

Salary ranges:

Entry federal agent (GS-10): $66,000-$85,000
Federal agent (GS-12/13): $85,000-$120,000
Senior agent (GS-14/15): $115,000-$155,000
Supervisory positions: $140,000-$180,000+
Locality pay adds 15-40% depending on location

What translates directly:

Federal law enforcement experience (if you worked installation police)
Investigation and evidence procedures
Multi-jurisdictional coordination
Handling classified/sensitive information
Professional conduct and integrity
Physical fitness and tactical operations
Report writing at federal standards
Testifying in legal proceedings

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree (required for FBI, DEA, Secret Service, ATF)
U.S. citizenship
Age restrictions (typically must start before 37, but veterans get age waivers)
Pass agency-specific tests (written exam, physical fitness, polygraph, extensive background investigation)
Federal law enforcement academy (provided after hiring, 12-30 weeks depending on agency)

Veterans get preference in federal hiring (5-10 points on exams) and age requirement waivers (civilian limit is age 37, veterans can start older).

Your 31B experience is highly valued by federal agencies - you understand law enforcement operations, can handle weapons safely, work professionally, and have security background.

Federal benefits: 20-year retirement (start at 57 with 20 years = pension), excellent health insurance, TSP matching, job security, interesting work.

Best for: 31B veterans with bachelor's degrees (or willing to complete degree) who want federal careers, don't mind extensive hiring process, and value federal benefits.

Criminal Investigator - Civilian Agencies

Civilian job titles:

Criminal Investigator (state/local)
District Attorney Investigator
Public Defender Investigator
Medical Examiner Investigator
Inspector General Investigator

Salary ranges:

Entry investigator: $55,000-$70,000
Criminal investigator: $65,000-$85,000
Senior investigator: $80,000-$100,000
Chief investigator: $95,000-$125,000

What translates directly:

Criminal investigation methodology
Evidence gathering and analysis
Witness interviews and statements
Case file development and management
Court testimony and legal procedures
Coordination with prosecutors and attorneys
Report writing for legal proceedings

Requirements:

High school diploma minimum (bachelor's preferred)
Law enforcement or investigation experience (your 31B time counts)
Background investigation
Some positions require prior police certification

Work is primarily investigations, interviews, evidence gathering, report writing, and testifying. Less street patrol, more focused investigative work.

Best for: 31B veterans who want investigation work without patrol officer requirement or shift work.

Corporate Investigations / Loss Prevention

Civilian job titles:

Corporate Investigator
Loss Prevention Manager
Asset Protection Director
Fraud Investigator
Corporate Security Investigator

Salary ranges:

Loss prevention specialist: $45,000-$60,000
Corporate investigator: $60,000-$85,000
Senior investigator: $80,000-$105,000
Director of investigations: $100,000-$140,000

What translates directly:

Investigation techniques and procedures
Evidence collection and documentation
Interview and interrogation skills
Report writing and case management
Surveillance operations
Security protocols and operations
Multi-agency coordination (working with police)

Requirements:

High school diploma minimum (bachelor's preferred for advancement)
Investigation or law enforcement background
Clean background check
Industry certifications beneficial: CFI (Certified Fraud Investigator), LPC (Loss Prevention Certified), PSP (Physical Security Professional)

Best for: 31B veterans who want investigation work in corporate environment with better work-life balance and less danger than street policing.

Private Investigator

Civilian job titles:

Private Investigator
Private Detective
Licensed PI
Insurance Investigator
Background Investigator

Salary ranges:

Entry private investigator: $45,000-$60,000
Experienced PI: $60,000-$85,000
Specialized PI (insurance fraud, etc.): $75,000-$100,000
PI firm owner: $80,000-$150,000+

What translates directly:

Investigation techniques
Surveillance operations
Evidence gathering and documentation
Skip tracing and locating individuals
Interview techniques
Report writing
Photography and video documentation

Requirements:

State PI license (requirements vary by state, typically 2-5 years law enforcement or investigation experience)
Training courses (many states require PI training, 40-200 hours)
Background check and fingerprinting
Business license if self-employed
Insurance and bonding

Income is variable - employed PIs earn $50K-$75K, but successful independent PIs or small firm owners can earn $80K-$150K+. Requires business development skills if self-employed.

Many 31B veterans work as PI while building business, then transition to full-time PI firm ownership after establishing client base.

Best for: 31B veterans who value independence, don't mind variable income, and want to be self-employed.

Skills Translation Table (for your resume)

Military Experience	Civilian Translation
31B Military Police	Law enforcement professional with investigation, patrol, and security operations experience
Criminal investigations and evidence collection	Criminal investigator with evidence gathering, chain of custody, and forensic procedures
Law and Order / patrol operations	Patrol operations, incident response, and community policing
Military police investigation	Felony and misdemeanor investigations including interviews, evidence analysis, and case preparation
PMO (Provost Marshal Office) operations	Law enforcement administration, dispatch operations, and records management
Physical security and access control	Security operations, facility protection, and access control management
Detention operations	Correctional operations, custody management, and detainee supervision
Traffic accident investigation	Traffic collision investigation, scene documentation, and reconstruction
Use of force and de-escalation	Use of force continuum, crisis intervention, and conflict de-escalation techniques
Military court testimony	Courtroom testimony, legal procedures, and professional witness experience

Use active verbs: Investigated, Apprehended, Patrolled, Interviewed, Documented, Testified, Enforced, Responded, Conducted, Secured.

Use numbers: "Conducted 200+ criminal investigations with 90% case clearance rate," "Responded to 500+ emergency calls," "Maintained security for 5,000+ person installation."

Certification and Training for Law Enforcement Careers

Phase 1: Pre-Application (Months 1-3, Cost: $0-$1,000)

Physical Fitness Preparation

Most agencies have fitness standards similar to Army APFT
Cost: $0 (self-training)
Typical standards: 1.5 mile run (under 15 minutes), push-ups, sit-ups, obstacle course
Your military fitness is advantage

Civil Service Exam Preparation

Many agencies use written tests
Cost: $20-$50 for practice tests
Topics: reading comprehension, report writing, situational judgment, basic math
Veteran preference adds 5-10 points to your score

Background Preparation

Clean up finances, traffic tickets, any issues
Gather references from military (supervisors, commanders)
Document military service and training
Cost: $0

Optional: College Courses

Many agencies give preference for college credits
Criminal justice courses beneficial
Cost: Use GI Bill
Not required initially but helps advancement

Phase 2: Application and Hiring (Months 3-12, Cost: $100-$500)

Apply to Multiple Agencies

Local police departments
Sheriff's offices
State police/highway patrol
Federal agencies (if eligible)
Cost: $50-$150 per agency (application, testing fees)

Hiring Process Timeline:

Written exam (veteran preference applies)
Physical fitness test
Oral interview
Background investigation (6-12 months)
Polygraph examination
Psychological evaluation
Medical examination
Final interview
Conditional job offer
Academy attendance

Timeline: 6-18 months typical from application to academy start

Phase 3: Academy and Field Training (Months 12-24, Cost: $0)

Police Academy

Provided by hiring agency (no cost to you)
Duration: 12-30 weeks (varies by agency/state)
Paid training (typically 70-100% of starting salary)
Topics: law, investigations, firearms, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, report writing
Your military training gives you advantages in firearms, physical fitness, discipline

Field Training Program

After academy, 3-6 months on-the-job training
Paired with training officer
Full salary during training
Evaluation and probationary period

Total timeline from application to full officer: 18-36 months typical

Phase 4: Detective Promotion (Years 2-7, Cost: $0-$2,000)

Requirements for Detective:

2-5 years successful patrol experience
Pass detective examination
Interview process
Some agencies require investigation training courses

Investigation Certifications (helpful for promotion):

Basic Criminal Investigation Course (many agencies provide free)
Interview and Interrogation Training ($500-$2,000)
Crime Scene Investigation Training ($300-$1,000)
Specialized courses (homicide, sex crimes, financial crimes) - usually agency-provided

Top Law Enforcement Agencies Hiring 31B Veterans

Federal Agencies:

FBI - Active military recruiting. Military Police valued. Positions: Special Agent. Salary: GS-10 start ($78K), up to GS-13 ($105K-$130K). Application: fbijobs.gov

DEA - Seeks veterans for drug enforcement. Positions: Special Agent. Salary: GS-7 to GS-13 ($52K-$120K). Military experience highly valued.

U.S. Marshals Service - Priority hiring for veterans. Positions: Deputy U.S. Marshal. Salary: $45K-$75K entry, up to $100K+ senior. Military Police background ideal.

ATF - Veterans comprise majority of special agents. Positions: Special Agent. Salary: $49K-$90K+ depending on location and experience.

Secret Service - Protection and investigation. Positions: Special Agent. Salary: $60K-$145K. Military background valued.

Large City Departments:

NYPD - Largest police force in U.S. Active veteran recruiting. Salary: $58K starting, $85K after 5.5 years. Excellent benefits.

LAPD - Major recruiting of veterans. Salary: $70K starting, $100K+ senior. Military Police experience valued.

Chicago PD - Veteran hiring initiatives. Salary: $52K starting, $96K+ senior officer.

Houston PD - Strong veteran recruiting. Salary: $51K starting, $90K+ senior.

Philadelphia PD - Military Police actively recruited. Salary: $49K starting, $95K+ detective.

Federal Law Enforcement (Non-Agent):

Pentagon Force Protection Agency - Protects Pentagon and military installations. Salary: $50K-$85K. Military Police ideal background.

VA Police - Protects VA medical centers nationwide. Salary: $45K-$75K. Veteran preference.

Military Installation Police - Civilian police on military bases. Salary: GS-6 to GS-9 ($40K-$65K). Natural fit for 31B.

Real 31B to Detective Success Stories

Mike, 28, former 31B E-5 → Homicide Detective

Jennifer, 30, former 31B E-6 → DEA Special Agent

Carlos, 26, former 31B E-4 → Sheriff's Detective

Sarah, 32, former 31B E-7 → Police Lieutenant

Action Plan: Your First 90 Days

Month 1: Research and Preparation

Research law enforcement agencies in your area (city, county, state, federal)
Verify physical fitness meets standards (maintain Army PT level)
Clean up any issues: traffic tickets, finances, references
Request military transcripts and service records
Update resume highlighting law enforcement and investigation experience
Create account on PoliceApp.com or DiscoverPolicing.org
Connect with veteran police officers on LinkedIn

Month 2: Applications and Testing

Apply to 5-10 agencies (cast wide net - hiring takes time)
Study for civil service exams (reading comprehension, report writing, judgment)
Take civil service exams (veteran preference gives you 5-10 point advantage)
Begin background preparation: gather addresses, employment history, references
Consider completing bachelor's degree if not done (GI Bill, helps advancement)
Apply for federal positions if eligible (USAJobs.gov)

Month 3: Process and Interim Work

Continue application processes (hiring takes 12-18 months typically)
Pass physical fitness tests
Oral interviews with selection boards
Consider interim work: Security, corrections, loss prevention ($40K-$55K while waiting)
OR start bachelor's degree full-time if pursuing federal law enforcement
Network with local police (ride-alongs if permitted)
Join veteran law enforcement groups

Salary Progression Timeline

Years 1-3: Police Officer (patrol): $48,000-$65,000

Years 3-5: Senior Officer: $60,000-$80,000

Years 5-8: Detective: $70,000-$95,000

Years 8-12: Senior Detective or Sergeant: $85,000-$110,000

Years 12-20: Lieutenant or Investigative Supervisor: $95,000-$125,000

20+ years: Captain, Commander, or Chief of Detectives: $110,000-$180,000

Federal track: GS-10 ($70K-$85K) → GS-13 ($95K-$120K) → GS-14/15 supervisory ($120K-$160K)

Bottom Line for 31B Military Police

Your military police experience is exactly what law enforcement agencies want.

Veteran hiring preference gives you 5-10 point advantage on civil service exams, significantly improving your competitive position.

Federal law enforcement offers highest pay ($80K-$155K) and best benefits but requires bachelor's degree and lengthy hiring process.

Every major city, county, and federal agency actively recruits veterans. The combination of law enforcement training, discipline, maturity, and life experience makes 31B veterans ideal candidates.

You're not starting over - you're continuing your law enforcement career in civilian context with better pay, benefits, and opportunities.

Thousands of 31B veterans are serving as detectives, federal agents, and law enforcement leaders earning $70K-$120K+ doing work you're already trained for.

Your military police experience isn't just valuable - it's the foundation of a rewarding civilian law enforcement career.