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Should I go into law enforcement?

Discussion in 'Public Safety Officers' started by kparrow, Apr 21, 2019.

?

Should I become and officer/deputy

  1. Yes

    37.4%
  2. No

    62.6%
  1. Apr 21, 2019 at 10:11 AM
    #1
    kparrow

    kparrow [OP] New Member

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    All law enforcement officers, I’m getting my butt in shape and considering pursuing a career in law enforcement. What are your thoughts? I currently work in IT and that’s what I went to school for. I already hate sitting behind a desk in an office with no windows all day long. My wife is an RN. I want to do something that makes a difference. My grandpa was a sheriff’s deputy for many years and loved it. My dad was as well until he got hurt. It was early in his career and they gave him two options, desk duty or medically resign. He resigned and now works in IT. Do you still like your careers or hate them? Do you dread going to work or do you enjoy it? Any and all advise is welcome. I thought about trying to start here in Great Falls and then lateral to Boise when we move there. How many years do you need under your belt to be taken seriously as a lateral officer? We don’t want to be here for many more years so I don’t know if I should wait till we move to try and get hired on.
     
  2. Apr 21, 2019 at 10:18 AM
    #2
    sdde4n

    sdde4n New Member

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    There are lots of LEOs on here and I genuinely hope one of them gets back to you before the smart-asses descend on your thread. Best of luck with your decision. Unfortunately, I have nothing to add (of value).
     
  3. Apr 21, 2019 at 10:19 AM
    #3
    teedubbya

    teedubbya I like fat booty

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    Ha ha ha

    Fuck no.

    Do what cops wish they could do - fight fires.
     
  4. Apr 21, 2019 at 10:20 AM
    #4
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Have you gone on a ride a long? Have you considered volunteering first? Some get into it and resign almost immediately following the academy. Some can’t, or just don’t understand certain things. It’s not for everyone. There’s a lot of politics involved and it sucks when you want to do something you can’t, because someone who has never walked in LE shoes tells them
     
  5. Apr 21, 2019 at 10:20 AM
    #5
    Sas

    Sas Humor is everywhere

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    I'm in IT and have been for a couple of decades now. If you're just starting out, it sucks. I now work from home and telecommute in every day. It's like anything. In the beginning it's going to suck, but if you keep at it things will get better.
     
  6. Apr 21, 2019 at 10:47 AM
    #6
    SoCalTundy

    SoCalTundy Member since 2017

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    I agree with sas ☝️ I’m also in IT. I graduated college shortly after 9/11 when the tech market crashed. I was going to get into law enforcement since IT jobs were hard to come by. I eventually found one and the pay sucked, but I stuck through it. Fast forward to now and I’m glad I stayed with IT. Not knocking law enforcement. I respect it and would have done it myself if my IT career hadn’t taken off. All this to say...do what you think will make you and your family happy. If it’s about money, you’ll probably be the same. Cops here in California are exceeding 100k with overtime. Specialized IT people are also.
     
  7. Apr 21, 2019 at 10:51 AM
    #7
    Haslefre

    Haslefre New Member

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    Not LEO, but I am military and my father was a sheriff and patrolman for years. He retired at 15 years in because it became too political for him. One wrong move, one bad captain or superior and your whole career can be flushed. These days you also have to watch every single thing you do as you could be filmed while doing it.

    On the other hand, it can be a very fruitful career for some, especially depending on location.
     
  8. Apr 21, 2019 at 10:55 AM
    #8
    Wutachampion

    Wutachampion New Member

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    What he said is the experience my family has had and also friends. I wouldn’t consider going into law enforcement if I were you. I’ve also had friends who said firefighters have pretty similar negative experiences in some departments they’ve worked.
    Would’ve loved to have been a firefighter as I do want to also be out in the field helping and it behind a desk like I am now.
     
  9. Apr 21, 2019 at 10:55 AM
    #9
    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    I'll echo what Sas and Jrod said - stick it out in IT. I've got a little over a decade under my belt. I started off in help desk and technician roles in the education system, moved to network and server administration, then caught a huge break with an IT security role. If you can find a decent security job, there are so many directions you can go that you'll eventually find the right fit for your aspirations.
     
    Sas and kparrow[OP] like this.
  10. Apr 21, 2019 at 11:03 AM
    #10
    marlin39a

    marlin39a I’m a dumbass.

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    Not these days, everybody hates your guts, and there's good reason. A lot has to do with the training they provide. I got on the job in the mid 70's. It was fun back then. Confiscate beer from the kids, and chase women. Do what was needed, and go home. A sense of humor was needed, and compassion for your fellow man. Today's cops are mean-ass dickheads with pure hatred for the public. I do believe that most are just itching to shoot someone. I'd say to become a Mail Carrier.
     
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  11. Apr 21, 2019 at 11:07 AM
    #11
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Sounds like you’ve had some bad experiences
     
  12. Apr 21, 2019 at 11:15 AM
    #12
    Flyinryank

    Flyinryank New Member

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    Maybe

    I’d stick it out in your field til your move. Then do a few ride alongs in the bigger city on swing shift. Ask the officers you meet real questions about the job.

    Tell your wife about what you see and make sure she is cool with it and the academy before you make the choice.
     
    Kerch71, Ostrich and kparrow[OP] like this.
  13. Apr 21, 2019 at 11:17 AM
    #13
    Silv333

    Silv333 Patriot

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    I’m a LEO. Use your IT experience and consider looking into federal law enforcement. FBI/ATF/HSI all have avenues regarding internet investigations of some sort, pay is decent, still making a difference, and don’t have to shag 911 calls. Plain clothes/business casual usually, and a take home car to boot!
     
  14. Apr 21, 2019 at 11:22 AM
    #14
    proROB

    proROB New Member

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    Being a cop is tough these days. I know a lot of cops who work for various police departments, essentially the new motto is “damned if you do, dead if you don’t”. Every action is watched, discriminated, and poked at from everyone from attorneys trying to find a a fault, to your sups trying to find a way to save their ass from public assassinations, usually by firing you. All these decisions about your fate are usually after your faced with a life and death decision. I have the utmost respect for all law enforcement, but sadly no cops I know suggests it as a career these days...
     
  15. Apr 21, 2019 at 11:23 AM
    #15
    Bheid

    Bheid It's not a toy, it's a Toyota.

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    No. Former dispatcher here and the politics are horrible. If you don't fit in with the department mentality you're out. I found out the hard way.

    I came from the manufacturing industry, jumped in with no experience and by the feedback from the chief and assistant chief I was doing exceedingly well and was going to be released from training 3 months early.

    Up until another dispatcher decided I was a threat to her. Made my life hell, until I filed a grievance. I was fired 2 days later.

    This dispatcher has a long storied career of forcing out those who threaten her position and has made herself the darling of all the Leo's so they have her back.

    During my exit interview the assistant chief said something without prompting that made me realize why I was out. He said, "this isn't a case of good ole' boys," which tells me it was.

    I was fired not because I was bad dispatcher I was fired because I went against the grain and filed a grievance against a fellow dispatcher and as we all know, you're either on one side of the line or the other, when really I was on the side of making sure my Leo's and the public were getting the best of their dispatchers not some pretty b/s that interfered with the job because of perceived but non-existent threat.
     
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  16. Apr 21, 2019 at 11:24 AM
    #16
    Silv333

    Silv333 Patriot

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    This is very accurate when it comes to local police work, I wouldn’t be a straight up local police officer, no way! I love all of them, but what this guy said above is spot on.

    Look into the fire service as well....
     
  17. Apr 21, 2019 at 11:41 AM
    #17
    joeyman15

    joeyman15 New Member

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    I worked for a sheriffs office in IT for about 10 years. The politics are there and if you stay out of them it's hard to get promoted(as a deputy). As a deputy you will never come close to earning what you will as a decent IT guy. When I left the sheriffs office I doubled my salary and after about 6 years I'm over 3 times what I made there.
     
    kparrow[OP], OR18TRD and 15Yota like this.
  18. Apr 21, 2019 at 11:47 AM
    #18
    kingpin3919

    kingpin3919 New Member

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    It can be a difficult job in todays's climate. I have 12 years on in my department. Also, every single thing you do is being recorded somewhere. It can also be a lot of fun and rewarding as well. I'd say it is still a good career if your heart is in it. Don't listen to the fool who generalizes how "most cops have a hatred towards the public and are looking to shoot people". That is just a ridiculously false statement and a terrible generalization. Most cops took the job to help people and do the best that they can with what they have to work with. I'd also suggest watching Live PD on A+E also to get some good glimpses of the job in real time. It's not a career for everyone but don't rule it out if you are passionate about it. Just my 2 sense.
     
  19. Apr 21, 2019 at 12:01 PM
    #19
    Jra8

    Jra8 New Member

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    I'm a firefighter and know a lot of officers. You hear a lot of them say they should have gone the fire route. You never hear firefighters say they should have gone into law.
     
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  20. Apr 21, 2019 at 12:02 PM
    #20
    teedubbya

    teedubbya I like fat booty

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    Something like that
     
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  21. Apr 21, 2019 at 12:05 PM
    #21
    Outbound

    Outbound SSEM #2.5, Token AmeriCanadian

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    Dad was a firefighter. Uncle is a cop (RCMP). Dad never said he wished he was a cop. Uncle always says he should have been a firefighter.

    I'm pursuing the firefighter career myself.
     
  22. Apr 21, 2019 at 12:08 PM
    #22
    Racingjohndeere55

    Racingjohndeere55 New Member

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    I don't know if I could deal with all the problems police have to deal with today. You endlessly patrol the same streets day in and day out. Deal with not nice people. Have to wear body armor because someone is going to be hell bent on putting a slug in you... I couldn't do it. Nothing against our LEO's! I appreciate what you do. I did 25 years of volunteer firefighting and rescue.
    Good luck. If you really want to pursue being a police officer it would help you to have military background.
     
  23. Apr 21, 2019 at 12:08 PM
    #23
    Max Power

    Max Power Groovy Member

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    If you have a real burning desire to get into law enforcement, then give it a go. Just don't burn any IT bridges on your way out. After a few years (but probably less) the cool factor of the gun and badge will wear off and you're going to be in a job you either like or don't. There are of course politics, and many other issues you'll not want to deal with. A sizable portion of the country will now hate you. You'll be dealing with liars and bad people on a daily basis. And while you might be able to do some good here and there, you're not ever going to save the world. After a while, it's just a paycheck, and your main desire will be to have an uneventful day and go home at the end of your shift.
     
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  24. Apr 21, 2019 at 12:30 PM
    #24
    Silv333

    Silv333 Patriot

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    Inaccurate statement...I was a firefighter for 15 years and switched to law enforcement. I personally know two others that did the same. It got boring at times.
     
    Last edited: Apr 21, 2019
    MotoTundra and kparrow[OP] like this.
  25. Apr 21, 2019 at 12:31 PM
    #25
    Silv333

    Silv333 Patriot

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    This is not accurate. I know a ton of officers who were never in the military.
     
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  26. Apr 21, 2019 at 12:35 PM
    #26
    Silv333

    Silv333 Patriot

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    Working with local police and deputies regularly, there’s politics in both, but the politics in a Sheriff’s Office is definitely worse.
     
  27. Apr 21, 2019 at 12:39 PM
    #27
    Faht Nocker

    Faht Nocker Platinum Member

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    This is a great idea in my opinion. I know some guys that could only find part-time work and the pay was atrocious. Not saying it can't work out for you, but going for a ride a long and witnessing calls would be beneficial. And ask a lot of questions.
     
    kparrow[OP] likes this.
  28. Apr 21, 2019 at 12:50 PM
    #28
    teedubbya

    teedubbya I like fat booty

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    Damn, two people?? Whoa
     
  29. Apr 21, 2019 at 1:01 PM
    #29
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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    Kevin,
    My question is, is it in your heart or are you just looking for a career change. I was first generation LEO in my family and they really didn't want me to join. Ever since I was little I wanted to be a police officer. I did 24 years before I got hurt and was forced to retire or I'd still be there today. I could have retired after 20 years but I didn't want to. It is a tough job today with everyone recording everything that you do. If your heart is in it you will do fine and have no issues. I worked with several officers that left and went to the fire department. Rarely do you hear of firemen leaving and going to the police department but it happens. Just keep in mind you will work crazy hours and holidays. I had a very rewarding career and I miss it. I have lost several friends to the job ( shot, accidents and September 11th) those are the things that are the hardest.
    If you like IT, maybe you can go Federally.
    If your heart is in it to want to help and make a difference then I say go for it.
    Good luck with your decision and let us know on your future.
    PM me if you want to talk.
     
  30. Apr 21, 2019 at 1:12 PM
    #30
    kparrow

    kparrow [OP] New Member

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    I actually just caught a similar break with being the junior member of a team of 3 in the IT Security team of a hospital. Our team lead just got out of the Air Force doing IT security for a data center over in the UK and knows a ton! I just feel like I know nothing and it’s all over my head. Was considering starting to study for my CISSP, I just don’t know if my heart is really in it. Some days I just find myself thinking it’s so pointless and stupid, that I don’t want anything to do with it. Other days it’s ok, just tedious for me most of the time.
     
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