Should I go into law enforcement?

Highly suggest going on a ride along. Burn out rate is really high right now especially in Southern California.

 

I have friends who are LEO’s and let me explain politics as I see them. Your either corrupt or your not. If I had the chance to start over, I would become a Game Warden or a wild life biologist. Big cities and all that concrete is not for me. I would much rather be out in the country surround by nature. I spent 12 years in the military as an aircraft mechanic, worked for Boeing, did carpentry, welding , sold cars, did IT (my bachelors is in IT), was a safety director, QA manager, And a Boat mechanic. I have volunteered with Law Enforcement and Fire Departments. And I prefer to to associate with, and make a difference with, wild life rather than crackheads.

 

For sure yeah. I’ve gone on a few ride alongs before on a swing(SDPD), watch Live PD every episode (my favorite show!), and know that most all cops are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, and will be your greatest enemy when shit goes sideways.

It’s always something I’ve thought about doing and something I could see myself doing from when I was little and through all the discussions with my grandpa and various other LEOs that I know. I’m going to be doing some more ride alongs now that we moved with the sheriff and local PD, and will be signing up for their citizens academy to learn more about the responsibilities of our local Pd.

I also think about the cons, shift stretches, odd hours, holidays and OT, and since my wife has similar hours as an RN i don’t know what challenges that will bring. She doesn’t wanna do that forever though once we decide to start a family.

I don’t wanna leave my family without a father, my wife without a husband, but I also want to make a difference.

 

Yes personally know two including myself, that’s three in a small circle of friends.

Stupidest statement I’ve heard today...

 

Most all jobs suck. If you work around good people then jobs can suck less. Ever heard of xanax? You will....

One of my former students went in LEO. First on patrol in a bigger city in KS, now with the a Sheriff's Office in MO. He's stuck in the jail and hates it, but hope he will get a car soon.

Best of luck in finding your calling. You have to try or else you will regret not trying.

 

Could you see the worst of society, and maintain professionalism? I found out I could not when responding to call as an EMT involving a child and an abusive parent. I quit when we got back to the garage. My brother-in-law is an officer and loves his job, but I have seen a change in him. Nothing negative, but he has seen the darkness. He knows I understand it and we’ve had some late night talks that involve sarcasm and dark humor.

On the positive side, my kids were having a lemonade stand this week, and the local PD rolled up and proceeded to purchase more than they needed too. Acts like this are common with our local PD.

 

I appreciate that, I will shoot you a PM soon. I’ve always thought of it as a career, not just a change. Being the sole provider eventually I want to make the best decision for my wife and future children. The pros and cons are very much on my mind

 

If you have a passion for law enforcement, then I say go for it. There are some people go into law enforcement for the wrong reason. As a result, they don’t do well in it. I strongly suggest that you go out on a few ride-alongs with your local law enforcement, before you go into the career. You’ll not become wealthy from being in law enforcement and doing all the right things. However, if you’re mindset on becoming a law enforcement officer, then, go for it.

There are lots of “PROS” and “CONS” with being in law enforcement. But, there are pros and cons in any career field, to include lawyers and doctors.

 

If I had to do it over again, I would have gotten a degree and went for a Federal Job. I spent 20 years in local government agency and should have done Federal. Their retirement and pay scales are better. Which ever you try, just remember you will be low man on totem pole and get shit details...

 

A lot of San Diego Agencies want college degrees. Most guys I see getting hired on either have college degrees or military experience. Neither is required as long as you have a solid background and haven’t done any serious crimes or continuous drug use.

 

Do what you love! If you are going into law enforcement do it for the right reasons. Years ago I would have said this was a great profession. Now the job is strictly political which is very sad. The job has drastically changed over the years. As Jim stated just realize you will be working crazy hours, holidays, weekends and typically 12 hour shifts. You don’t do this job for pay, just like teachers.
Doesn’t matter if you are looking into local, state or federal it has all dramatically changed over the years. Good luck in your endeavors!
Worked for a local agency for several years before getting into Corporate Security for a Fortune 100 company. Law Enforcement has provided me the opportunity to find a great job along with friendships that will last a lifetime.

 

It was this moment that I figured out what LEO meant law enforcement officer and not someone born in August

 

I agree with Jim. I’ve been in law enforcement for 24 years. Started local, went to the state patrol, and now federal for 16 years. You’ve got to have your heart in it or you will be miserable. Don’t chase a promotion, do your job and do it well. They will come.

 

I've been working in IT for 26 years. I don't work at a desk. I used for a while, but I specialized in a specific area. Became a subject matter expert in my area. Now I just give presentations, meet with customers and partners, and make more than any LEO in my area.

Yeah, it was tough for a while. Being on-call, working up to 48 hours straight at times. Yes, in IT. But you'll probably work long shifts in law enforcement. But you'll have to deal with more political BS than I ever did.

If you decide to stay in IT, specialize, get a ton of experience, get certifications (you can typically get your employer to pay for those, if not, find another employer), and eventually you'll be getting paid more, to do less.

 

Absolutely not. It’s understandable that you need or want to be out of the office environment but there’s many other occupations that might satisfy these days. Working remotely is very common and not even that unusual to find or request from an employer. my grandfather was a police officer and he was killed in the line of duty, a robbery. but that’s not even the reason I’m saying to avoid the occupation but it does make me think what an incredible risk you take given how the reward is very low these days. Too many other options to explore

 

I were in your position back in my late 20's. I even started attended college at night time to grab a degree in criminal justice. I also knew an officer that is retired now, but he warned me not to, with the state of affairs involving politics. That was 12-13 years ago. it is crazier now, and would never pat someone in the back for being one. Big city cops are looked as jackboots for the state nowadays, and I agree. Smaller depts and more rural areas are more freedom-loving and actually respect you, instead of just being a nuisance to society with pirate-like schemes to rob the citizenry. I sure as hell wouldn't also have been the one taking orders on violating others' constitutional rights as easy as today cops' like doing. Just doing your job isn't an excuse.

Long story short, I continued being a contractor and decided to work on my own.

 

I'm thinking the LEO's in Aspen, CO probably don't hate their jobs. Could be wrong. I think location comes into play big time as mentioned already. If it's not about the money but for the "want" to be a LEO there's lots of decent smaller towns in this country where law enforcement is appreciated and you are welcomed into and to be part of your community.

 

A lot depends on where you will work and what kind of person you are.

My brother is a retired officer from a small suburban town. The pay was good, very good, and he rarely needed to take his pistol out of his holster. He enjoyed it, for the most part, and had a good career.

His son wanted to be in law enforcement, got into the academy for a big city police organization, and quit after a couple of weeks because his wife didn't like the risk of him being shot at.

My cousin always wanted to be a state trooper like one of his uncles. He joined the army and became an MP. He seemed to like that. After the army he was not able to qualify for state trooper and joined a medium sized city's police force. He stuck it out until retirement, but I don't think he really enjoyed it as much as he thought he would.

From conversations with other law enforcement friends, most enjoyed it when they were younger, but the climate has changed, they have to be very careful about every thing they do and every word they say, every judgement they make is questioned, and, because of the way the media goes crazy whenever one bad apple is exposed, the police are no longer the respected members of the community that they once were.

 

Have you considered private security? Then, at least your Clients will (somewhat) value your service and level of training. I've heard from ex-military the pay can be pretty good.

 

If you aren’t 120% committed mentally, then don’t bother. If you are, go for it. Just be ready for a shitty work schedule, seeing the worst in people, and politics that can end your career in a blink. Otherwise, it is very rewarding and the benefits are great. Off-duty options are usually solid depending on your state, and you get to make a difference.. plus typically after 20-25 yrs, you have a solid retirement plan and if you’re young enough, can start another career with a sweet income.

 

If you have to ask, it's probably not for you.

 

Thats me. Retired at 46. The 3%@50 or 20 year plus options are gone. Most retirements in California mandate 55 or 57 now. Work afterwards is a challenge if your bored, and most guys simply move out of state.

Idk.. If the OP wants it, then go for it. Ride a longs don't portray the whole animal though. Reports, Court appearances, nightshifts, family complications, holidays and birthdays, office politics and California "social justice" and virtue/appearance promotions and assignments are maddening.

When it's 100F plus and your in full gear and the car smells like ass and urine and the calls are stacked, you realize that the pay is just.. Ok.

I miss the clowns, not the circus. Maybe he can be a reserve and get it out of his system? Lol

 

I wouldn't do it just because your hands are tied now a days.

I left The Army because we couldn't do anything and I just loved going into a FOB where I was told my boots weren't tied right.

I am in I.T. now and have been for a few years.

If you wonder how they pay look at my posts of buying a new Tundra pro

 

the only thing about being a cop that I've seen which would make me consider it is the pension. same for fire dept.

the part about working with a large number of assholes, seeing dead kids in car accidents, wondering if the next guy you pull over is gonna shoot you, etc etc would be enough to keep me from doing it.

 

The pensions in California average out at about 2.75% at 56 now. So.. Yes, 80-56= 24 yrs with a average 2% cola cumulative.. Its good money, but like nurses or refrigeration techs, if your making killer cash, you need to be dumping money into your investments.

My wife is a retired LEO too, now a dispatcher for AMR.. So it's comfortable BUT.. Are knees and backs aren't perfect and we'll always be doing something light to pay for medical.

We had a fire captain across the street who constantly bitched about the medical, saying it was essentially useless insurance and a source of frustration. He died after 2 years of retirement.

The job is for the young. You make it your identity, you'll likely live a shorter life. Do it and move on.

 

Starting with ride alongs is a great place to start, I recommend doing more than one with different departments that way you can see how each department operates. You will be surprised on the small differences in departments that makes a big difference. I have applied at several departments and I am going to start in a jail. I personally think working in a jail is a great start because you will get experience and a good understanding of everyday life. Another nice thing about working in the Jail is that if you put your time in with them you will usually get the opportunity to have them put you through the academy and into patrol. I was in the same boat as you and didn't want to be stuck at a desk all day and do something different. I hope this helps and feel free to PM if you have questions and good luck.