TLDR; I want to become a Police Officer, many current Officers have encouraged me to apply, I have but I haven't heard back. Today an officer I know came and asked me why I haven't applied yet and I said I did but I don't have the education. He seemed disappointed. But said he would inquire about my application. I feel stuck and I want this so bad but I cannot go back to school in this economy or with my current financial situation.

I'm 31 Years Old, I have years of experience in Security and Bylaw, I know half the force and work with them daily as a Security Guard at the Local Homless Shelter.

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I feel like I'll never reach that career goal of becoming a police officer.

An officer came to my workplace today, on an investigation of sorts. Asking questions about specific people and after all the information was gathered he turned to me and said. "When are you going apply?" As if it was so obvious, as if I just had this opportunity waiting for me and all I had to do was say Yes and take it. Him, along with many other Officers have asked me the same question and encouraged my application.

Unfortunately life is never so simple. While I have the experience of being a Security Guard, and I'm in decent physical shape I''ll never have the formal education that the service looks for.

I've performed use of force 1000s of times, gone to court and testified, made reports every single day, performed CPR and First Aid, administered Narcan and saved dozens of lives from Overdose. I know most of the "troubled" community and persons of interest in this town. I have a clean criminal record and the worst marks on my license are parking tickets. I've applied to be a Special Constable which doesn't require a Degree but I can't even get an interview. Despite having 3 Constables as References, a Letter of Recommendation from the Executive Director of the Shelter (who knows the chief of police personally) and years of experience in all relevant fields. I've done security at this Shelter coming up on my 3rd year. I've done Bylaw enforcement and have experience with working for the city and dispatch, I'm generally well liked. I've always moved up in every position I've ever been in to the point of becoming one of, or the best at the job. I usually train new Guards and I did the same in my bylaw job.

But despite this officer asking me when I would apply, and a handful of others encouraging me to apply. I can't ever seem to catch a break. I don't even know why I can't get an interview. I've had my cover letters and resume looked over by people who hire others as part of their jobs and they seem to think it's fine.

In this economy and my financial situation I can't afford to go to college and get a degree.

I don't know where to go from here. I don't know what to do. I've peaked at my current job. I'm the top dog so to speak and yet I crave more. But there is nothing. No recognition, no motivation, no reward, no incentives. Just the same shit every day. Where do I go from here...