Schutzpolizei

[rutle62]

Hello,

I'm trying to find info on the average German "cop" (Schutzpolizei) before and during ww2 My understanding is that before the war they would have been the "Schutzpolizei" which merged into the "Ordnungspolizei" by decree in 1936. What I'm trying to find is how one would have "joined the force" so to speak.

Was it an option to serve this way instead of military duty? If so, what would one do to apply/join? Were there any younger men in their 20's/30's, or was it comprised mainly of older men?

I couldn't really find any of this in searches, but if it has been posted before and I missed it, I apologize.

Thanks

Rob