Police Officer at the Dallas Police Department
Infantry skills translate into successful law enforcement career with growing Dallas Police Department.
by Warren Duffie

Adrenalin surged through Kung Seng’s body. The former Army sergeant-turned-cop was in hot pursuit of a suspect who stole a firearm from a crime scene. After sprinting through twisting alleys and side streets, the suspect suddenly turned and pointed the pistol at Seng. The officer, who spent seven years as an infantryman, immediately dropped to the ground and fired, shattering his own glasses but still wounding the suspect’s leg.

“My Army instincts kicked in completely,” Seng says. “I knew I had to defend myself. That’s one incident where my military training saved my life.”

Seng, 32, is one of nearly 3,000 officers in the Dallas Police Department. He works in the city’s southwest division, patrolling an area equivalent to the area comprised by Arlington, Crystal City, and Fort Myer — for those familiar with the Washington, D.C., region. The San Diego native normally works from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., usually responding to 911 emergency hang-ups as well as family and domestic disturbances.

“One useful thing the military taught me was dealing with different types of people,” Seng says. “That’s crucial for success as a police officer because each situation and person is unique. You often have to step in and defuse a potentially deadly scenario, so effective interpersonal skills are a must.”

From Cambodia to California

Seng comes from an immigrant family familiar with terrifying situations. Born in Cambodia in 1973, his family escaped to the United States in 1976 when the Khmer Rouge ascended to power and began its reign of torture and murder. However, upon arriving in California, the Sengs faced new opponents — a strange culture and a foreign language. In addition, his parents had eight children. Money and resources were tight.

“We were on welfare for about five years after we got to the States,” Seng says. “America fed us and clothed us. So at a young age I decided to join the military as a way to show my thanks to this country.”

Upon graduating from high school in 1991, Seng wrestled over what branch of military service to join. Because he had served in the Army’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program, the Marine Corps offered to promote him to private (E-2) after basic training. But the Army dangled a promotion to private firt class. (E-3), sealing Seng’s decision.

After completing basic training and infantry school at Fort Benning, Ga., Seng served at bases in Germany, Kansas, and North Carolina. Although he loved the infantryman’s life, after a few years he yearned to embark on a new career path.

“As a kid, I wanted to be a soldier or a cop,” he says. “I accomplished the soldier part, so I decided to pursue law enforcement while I was still young.”

So Seng tapped into his network of friends in and out of the military, asking for advice and job leads. Almost immediately, one buddy mentioned that he heard the Dallas Police Department was hiring. Seng traveled to the Lone Star State, applied, and was tested on the spot. In March 1998 — three months after he officially separated from active duty — he was accepted into the police academy. Seng also enlisted in the Army Reserve that year.

Military and Law Enforcement: A Great Combination

Are you looking for a line of work that will keep your military skills sharp? Investigate a career in law enforcement, Seng says. You’ll work for a paramilitary organization that will value your physical fitness, discipline, commitment to teamwork, and knowledge of firearms. For entry into the Dallas Police Academy, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 19 years old, and have a minimum of 45 class hours from an accredited college. Recognizing the value of military training and experience, the department has waived the college credit requirement for those with four years of active duty service and an honorable discharge verified by a DD Form 214.

The academy lasts eight months — testing recruits with rigorous physical training as well as intensive course work in criminal law, report writing, self-defense, investigation principles, firearms training, and how to operate a police vehicle. Upon graduation, you’ll receive a one-time bonus of $1,000, and during the next five months you’ll work with a field training officer who will provide on-the-job training and evaluations.

As an academy trainee, you can make a minimum of $38,640 a year; during a 15-year career, you can make up to $69,000 annually. You’ll also receive health and dental benefits and up to 20 days of paid vacation a year.

“The pay is good,” Seng says, “but there are some things to consider. First, you have to pay for your health insurance as well as your family’s. Second, you have to pay for your rent and utilities. There are a lot of extra expenses that can eat up your salary increase. So if you’re planning to leave the military, save up some money and establish a budget.” Seng offers the following advice for those thinking about making a civilian transition:

Know what you want to do

“Determine what career you want and what you need to do to reach it. You might have to go to college or take some technical courses, but have a game plan in place.”

Develop contacts

“I would never have found out about the Dallas Police Department had it not been for a friend. That kept me from testing the waters in jobs I might have hated, which might have made my transition experience an unhappy one. You never know who might help you find a job.”

Have a back-up plan

“During the three months between my separation and acceptance into the academy, I worked as a security guard. Remember that you might not start your ideal job right away. I’ve known people who have had to wait up to a year before they were accepted to the police academy. Sometimes you have to be patient.”

For more information on the Dallas Police Department, visit www.dallaspolice.net.