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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 26, 2019 at 12:07 PM
    #121
    BTBAKER

    BTBAKER DIFFERENT NAME. SAME JUNK.

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    A little out of context but thank you very much for your service. I appreciate it.
    The guy is trying to get advice about being a cop and IMO unless it’s your passion the money doesn’t correlate to the hazards.
     
    kparrow[OP] likes this.
  2. Apr 26, 2019 at 1:23 PM
    #122
    Gotyour6

    Gotyour6 New Member

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    I was making the same point.
     
  3. Apr 26, 2019 at 2:29 PM
    #123
    aperezsh

    aperezsh Blessed are the peacemakers

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    My personal experience from 20 years in the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. I retired after a gnarly officer involved shooting taking a child molester into custody and I was critically wounded by two 7.62 rounds. It's an awesome job, I miss my boys every day, I don't miss the grind. I've gone home laughing my butt off saying I can't believe I get paid to do this and I've balled like a baby saying There ain't enough money in the world to do this. I would be more than willing to speak to you on the phone. We desperately need good men to hold the line. As has been repeated many many times it's not for everyone. Most importantly make the decision as a family. Your wife must be in your corner in this. PM me I'm happy to share the good, bad and ugly. Best of luck whatever you choose.

    Ali
     
  4. Apr 26, 2019 at 9:11 PM
    #124
    abomb60

    abomb60 Maker of things

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    As others here have said it’s not an easy job (or decision). However if you pursue the job for the right reasons it can be extremely fulfilling. You’re going to see the worst of people and have to deal with it. For me I went the auxiliary route. I have a full time job that pays the bills but wanted to do more to help my community. Started that back in 2007 and have definitely seen some crazy shit since then. Wouldn’t trade all that experience for any amount of money and have gotten to work with various state and federal agencies throughout (who really don’t care if you’re full time or aux as long as you know what you’re doing).

    It’s still not easy ... Boston Marathon bombing a few years back was especially hard for me. I knew Collier and worked with him when he was a Somerville auxiliary. Great kid. Just take a moment understand and accept what you’re getting into. It’s absolutely a great family to join.
     
  5. Apr 26, 2019 at 10:59 PM
    #125
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

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    I almost did once then realized the pay was to crappy to put my life on the line. Like 21.00 an hour here for county cop.
     
  6. Apr 27, 2019 at 10:38 PM
    #126
    Silv333

    Silv333 Patriot

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    ATF and HSI are also “ABC” agencies and offer great opportunities.
     
    kparrow[OP] likes this.
  7. Apr 27, 2019 at 10:42 PM
    #127
    Silv333

    Silv333 Patriot

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    And some shit fuck political hacks want to give the living piece of shit that was involved in Colliers death the right to vote. Not to mention placing a bomb next to an 8 year old, all with a smile on his face.
     
    abomb60[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Apr 27, 2019 at 10:44 PM
    #128
    Silv333

    Silv333 Patriot

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    ACCURATE STATEMENT!
     
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  9. Apr 27, 2019 at 10:49 PM
    #129
    YeeYeeTundra

    YeeYeeTundra Earl Dibbles III incarnate

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    Made half that (part time), give or take a buck that amount, and double that in jobs in LE I've had... Depends on where you work, that's the real trick is finding the right Dept. for you.

    All about schedule, co-workers, and pay IMO
     
  10. Apr 27, 2019 at 11:23 PM
    #130
    cmiller219

    cmiller219 New Member

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    Couldn’t be more true smh hahaha.Cops even save more lives, shoot they are first on scene 90% of the time doesn't matter nobody likes us haha. Well not until they need us then they will still find a reason to get pissed at us haha. Uphill battle. This is why I’m retiring in two months and most likely trying out for FF. I have a passion for first responding and don’t want to leave that aspect just being medically retired for reasons uncontrolled
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2019
    kparrow[OP] and rsgt[QUOTED] like this.
  11. Apr 27, 2019 at 11:26 PM
    #131
    xtyfighterx

    xtyfighterx New Member

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    I’m not loyal at all I go where the money is lol
     
  12. Apr 29, 2019 at 3:21 AM
    #132
    rsgt

    rsgt New Member

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    No such thing finding a good department ! A police department is all about the chief and how he wants his department run it can be great for awhile. When he retires new one takes the place of chief it can all change from good to bad in one day !!!
     
  13. Apr 29, 2019 at 6:41 AM
    #133
    MNtundra

    MNtundra New Member

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    For those praising IT, I am looking to enter your lucrative field from a different industry. I have a bachelors degree from a university (liberal arts degree).
    -What kind of education do you recommend? Technical College or Bachelors in computer science or coding course?
    -Any other suggestions?

    Let me know if this question counts as high jacking the thread.
     
    kparrow[OP] likes this.
  14. Apr 29, 2019 at 12:31 PM
    #134
    FoghornTX

    FoghornTX Proud American and Infidel since 1968

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    Get into Cloud technology.
     
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  15. Apr 29, 2019 at 1:33 PM
    #135
    ifishinxs

    ifishinxs New Member

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    Many are called but few are chosen! Thousands of folks apply to get into law enforcement. Very few get hired and fewer yet make it to retirement.
    I retired in 2009 after 20 yrs at 50 yrs old. Loved the job for the most part. Politics can ruin a great job real quick. Depending on were you live the pay can be fantastic at well over Six figures plus benefits and early retirement. Not everyone is cut out to be in law enforcement. Some can handle the mental challenge and others cannot.
     
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  16. May 12, 2019 at 2:33 PM
    #136
    Dank1296

    Dank1296 New Member

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    Did 25 years at a Large Metro Atlanta County,retired at age 52 and love it. Invest wisely retire early cause they say cops live about 5 years after retirement. Try to stay in shape though hard to do. Good Luck
     
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  17. May 12, 2019 at 3:21 PM
    #137
    Urbandalefirefighter

    Urbandalefirefighter New Member

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    I don’t have any experience as an LEO, but I’m a fire/medic in a large metro and it is an awesome job. I never feel like I’m “at work”. We do work closely with the PD and I can say I don’t think you’d be disappointed either way
     
  18. Aug 18, 2019 at 4:32 PM
    #138
    jc williamson

    jc williamson New Member

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    i have been le for 14 yrs. i have 6 years until i can retire. counting down the days until i can. i worked patrol for a few years then put in for specialized unti and now do some “secret stuff.”. i love it, however when my last day comes im done. not becuase i dont like what i do but because of the BS associated with police work now and the public/government. police cant so there job without getting criticized for every decision they make. you got cops getting doused in water by the public, sued becuase they had to shoot an individual with a weapon. the state of policing sucks now i can only imagine how it will be in the future. when anyone asks me if they should pursue a job in LE my answer is no. i hate to be that way but IMo its true. i work with the feds, if i knew then what i know now i would have went with them (atf/dea/hsi). travel paid for, basically day work all the time and job oppurtunities all over the world. years ago i would have done a few years with my pd and then transfered to the feds but they wont take all my time and ill be damned if im starting a career over. ill only be 43 when i can go.
     
    kparrow[OP], JH5370 and FoghornTX like this.
  19. Aug 18, 2019 at 6:33 PM
    #139
    Kerch71

    Kerch71 Surgical Precision

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    LEOs don't get the credit they rightfully deserve. Working day in and day out with the whole spectrum of the general public can be unbelievably stressful and thankless. I firmly believe that anyone can do anything if they are committed to it. You have to have a special kind of inner drive to be a LEO. You have to be committed to protecting others while protecting yourself, and you need the support of your family.
    Those who are thankless towards LEOs? I'm not one of them.
     
  20. Sep 21, 2019 at 9:54 PM
    #140
    kparrow

    kparrow [OP] New Member

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    I just want to say thank you to all of you that replied. I am currently doing the citizen academy for my local county sheriff’s office and learning a lot. I am doing some ride alongs and seeing what day to day is like. Like many said the pay is pretty crappy compared to what I’m doing now, but you don’t do it for the pay. Doing what I do now I could probably be making at or close to 6 figures in a couple of years.....the downside is riding a desk and dealing with office crap all the time. You do it because it’s what you want to do and what you’re called to do. I’d be grateful to become a reserve/auxiliary deputy at some point if I don’t end up pursuing the field. Lots to think about honestly. I’ll be going back through this thread and reaching out to those that offered to chat further. Thank you again to all for your honest opinions and responses
     
    Sp33dNut likes this.
  21. Sep 21, 2019 at 11:49 PM
    #141
    jtaco11

    jtaco11 New Member

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    Id be mailman safer good benefits. Cops getting alot of crap thru media all this racist police brutality stuff. Like teachers dont get paid enough for what you do.
     
  22. Sep 22, 2019 at 7:37 AM
    #142
    FoghornTX

    FoghornTX Proud American and Infidel since 1968

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  23. Nov 12, 2019 at 5:21 AM
    #143
    Badger Co-Op

    Badger Co-Op Blood sausage, cheese, and lutefisk; hit me!

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    There are some computer/ Tech specialties in the Federal agencies, and a State or County agency would be glad to have you, IF they know what you can do for them behind a screen. It's the best job you've ever had, and it can be the worst days you've ever seen/heard/smelled. You'll never forget those smells. Dump all the Hollywood TV-land ideas of what it is. Working out is more about how your body/mind handles stress. As already noted a Chief or DA's Office can dictate REALLY fast what is a great agency, or what is a nightmare. One thing you may learn getting into it is; the truth is stranger than fiction, and though you can't share most info from the job, no-one would believe you anyway! AN S.O. is very different than a Muni job, so on and so forth into the Federal ABC agencies. Summary; there is no cookie cutter LE agency, or employment scenario that is similar to coding in the IT industry, I'd guess. Tons of variables, except for you; keep your nose clean, keep working out, start some firearms training, remain optimistic no matter what you decide.
     
    JH5370 likes this.
  24. Dec 1, 2019 at 1:58 PM
    #144
    Ckatz53

    Ckatz53 Newish

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    Yup. Seven years down, thirteen to go. You'll never find a better front row seat to reality TV than this job.
     
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  25. May 6, 2020 at 1:52 PM
    #145
    What the!?

    What the!? New Member

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    It’s a tough job for sure. You never really get used to the shift work, the constant grind and the politics. It’s unavoidable and some are exposed more than others.

    Don’t go into the job for the wrong reasons or it will eat you alive. As long as you stick to your True North, you’ll come out believing you did the best you could.

    Stay safe.
     
    kparrow[OP] likes this.
  26. May 7, 2020 at 8:40 AM
    #146
    vl184009

    vl184009 Cheers Boys!

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    I wonder what the decision was?
     
    kparrow[OP] likes this.
  27. May 7, 2020 at 9:15 AM
    #147
    Jim LE 1301

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

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    Any updates?
     
    kparrow[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  28. May 7, 2020 at 9:24 AM
    #148
    Iowa12tundra

    Iowa12tundra New Member

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    I'm sure testing for new recruits will be down more than before this covid mess. Just think of all the people thinking of law enforcement or even medical careers might question if they really want to pursue the lifestyle.
     
    kparrow[OP] likes this.
  29. May 7, 2020 at 11:07 AM
    #149
    kparrow

    kparrow [OP] New Member

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    Hey all sorry for the late update. I've decided to stick to IT Security and pursue further certification there. Down the road it would be great to work with law enforcement in an IT capacity. Once I settle down somewhere for a while (Boise is the plan) I can pursue becoming a reserve deputy which may or may not work out, I'm not sure. My wife is in healthcare and is going to be pursuing her FNP soon.
     
  30. May 7, 2020 at 11:09 AM
    #150
    Jim LE 1301

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

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    :thumbsup:
    On the LE side of IT you may want to go to the Feds.
     
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