Want to Join Law Enforcement? Advice from a Seasoned LA Deputy

Essential Advice for Aspiring Law Enforcement Officers | Interview with Retired Deputy Sheriff Steve O'Neal

In this clip from episode 70 of 'Reasons We Serve,' I interview Steve O'Neal, a retired Deputy Sheriff, who shares valuable advice for those considering a career in law enforcement. Steve emphasizes the importance of doing your homework by engaging in ride-alongs, reading criminal reports, and becoming well-versed in traffic codes. He also highlights the significance of being observant and trusting your instincts when identifying potential criminal activity. Through personal anecdotes, Steve illustrates how his attentiveness and knowledge helped solve significant crimes.

00:00 Law Enforcement Advice
00:18 Importance of Reading Reports
01:07 Understanding Traffic Codes
02:58 Observational Skills in Law Enforcement
03:25 Real-Life Story
05:26 Final Thoughts

Clip from Episode 70 out now on all platforms

Years of Service: 1999-2022

Steve began his career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in 1999. Steve's father was a well-known Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Deputy and Steve attributes this as part of the reason he pursued a career in law enforcement. In this episode, Steve discusses working in the jail and then moving to patrol where he began working in a one-man patrol car focusing on cases involving stolen vehicles and dealing with gang members. Steve also discusses an on-duty shooting he was involved in where he took another man's life and the repercussions of the shooting.