Thinking about becoming a police officer...

[Maverick]

Urchin,

Small towns are no longer the haven for folks tired of big city problems. The problems are thre in the small towns now too. Do NOT become complacent about it. The small town will have less back up available and force you to wok things out on your own. This can be MORE lethal than the bigger towns.

If you want creative satisfaction, law enforcement is NOT the way to go.

Again, good luck in what ever choice you make.

[-Concho-]

I've been a Trooper for about 2 1/2 years.  Its the best job and the most fun I've ever had.  Sure we get plenty of late nights and see lots of dead people on the highway, but its the ones that you help that gets you by.  The first fatality I worked had four small children that were ejected.  Due to good first aid they all lived,   the only person killed was the driver.  You may not have the ability to change the world but you can help out one person or life at a time.  Think long and hard about your decision, we only need the highly motivated.

[SC-Sp00k]

Karnak, Mav gives some pretty sound advice and all ive seen here is damn well on the money.

I've been in the job 13 years, going on 14. I pretty much do as he does, steer people away from it.   There are a few people in the job who should not be there at all and counterproductive in many instances.  The job has its highs and it has its lows.  Be prepared for disappointment.  Be prepared to be scrutinised. Be prepared to be treated Guilty before proven innocent.

Your supervisors may not see the world as you will. You will lose friends and your family will be subject to the same scrutiny that you will be.

The first 2+ years will be excitement. Ambition and curiousity. You will look at Constables (Deputies) who have been in 15+ years and wonder where they went wrong.

At 4 years, you will become proficient in your role and wonder what the hell your doing there.

At 6 years, your now well familiar with the complaints system and looking for a way out.  What else pays the money with this much "percieved" freedom to move at work.

At 10 years, your committed. You've made your peace with the ugly side and either get out or decide to go with the program.

At 13 years, your either promoted or feeling the need to be.

At 15 years, its to late for you. Only a few years to go.  All or nothing now, looking at fresh faces all around you. Unable to understand their keeness and ambitious behaviour and thinking to yourself that in time they will learn.

You will trust those close to you. You will mistrust others around you.  You will mistrust many more than you will ever trust again.

The Ol' days brought up in conversation always seem better than the current day. When new to the job you will be sick of hearing about it. When old to the job you seem to talk about nothing else.

Having said all that.

I Love the job.  Despite all the grief it has caused me and my family I wouldnt trade it for anything. The friends I have are close ones. Closer in some respects that any others will find in other employments anywhere cepting Combat.  I have made my peace with the evil nature of the job. Knowledge and wisdom come to those who face it down and survive.  Not everyone will.

Things to remember are this.

Believe in who YOU are and the Uniform you wear.  Never accept anyone elses opinion of you but your own.  The reasons you are in the job will change.  Change with them.

Remember most of all.  There are 2 sides to the fence.

Whatever side you start on. Is the one you must stay on.

Not as easy as it sounds. You will be paid for 8-12 hours. You will be a Police Officer, whether you like it or not 24/7.

Good luck.  If your serious. Then you will join the largest Gang in the world.  Be proud to be a part of it. It has its rewards in the most unexpected ways and ones you will remember for a lifetime. Hold onto them when times are tough to keep perspective. You WILL earn every cent your paid.