VETS TO COPS

The COPS Office is committed to supporting military veterans and the law enforcement agencies that hire them. Military veterans have demonstrated a strong work ethic, and the ability to work in teams and in challenging situations. These skills make many veterans ideal candidates for police work.

Beginning in FY 2012, the COPS Office began supporting military veterans through the COPS Hiring Program (CHP). Currently, CHP allocates additional consideration to applicants committing to hire or rehire military veterans. Under CHP, a military veteran is defined as an individual who has served on active duty at any time in the armed forces for a period of more than 180 consecutive days, any part of which occurred on or after September 11, 2001, and who has been discharged or released from active duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions. Below you will find resources for both military veterans and law enforcement agencies in support of CHP military veteran hiring activities.

RESOURCES FOR VETERANS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Combat Deployment and the Returning Police Officer
Examines issues concerning police officers' transition back to work after combat zone deployment, exploring strategies used by police agencies to help officers returning back to work, their families, and communities

Discoverpolicing.org
A career center site for law enforcement agencies and applicants that includes resources for military service members transitioning from active duty

IACP's Employing Returning Combat Veterans as Law Enforcement Officers
A project to support returning combat veterans in law enforcement, their families, and their agencies

U.S. Department of Labor Hiring Veterans Employer Toolkit
Toolkit to assist and educate employers who have made the proactive decision to include transitioning Service Members, Veterans and wounded warriors in their recruitment and hiring initiatives

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
Services for veterans and employers and access to the Veterans Employment Toolkit

Vets to COPS Brochure
COPS Office brochure created for veterans as they think about and transition into a career in law enforcement

Vets to COPS