re: Best route to take for an entry-level position

LSU has a vast amount of people in Emergency Preparedness school/training stuff. Why not sit in on a few classes over there. Seriously, just audit them for no credit or just sit in-gulp-without paying.

Be attentive. Seriously. Network with your classmates and find out if any of them are in law enforcement.

Better yet, talk to your instructors...see if they can give you a leg up.

Last but not least: Contact your State Senator & State Representative. Be really sweet & funny to their Legislative Aides on the phone. Be affable and tell them what you want and are after. Ask them for your Legislator's help in finding a job or getting a letter of recommendation.

I did that in college and found a slew of really cool student jobs working for the State each semester.

Just some suggestions. Take 'em FWIW.