Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Karnak on September 19, 2002, 06:46:36 PM
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I'm contemplating becoming a police officer.
I know that some of you guys are police officers. What do you think, should I go for it?
Thanks.
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I'm not even a police officer (yet, I hope), but I know one thing.
You better ENJOY running.
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You can teach yourself to enjoy running.
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10 Requirements for becoming a Pittsburgh Police Officer...
1.You are required to gain 20lbs a year on the Force.
2.Must be able to consume 2 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts in 1 hour.
3.Must have a Mustache. And a Mullet exceeding 6 inches in Length.
4.Must speak fluent Pittsburghese.
5.Must be able to take a bullet for any member of the Pittsburgh Steeler Organization.
6.Must announce your undying love for Iron (Arn) City Beer at least twice a day.
7.Must make catching Graffitti Artists a higher priority than catching Rapists, Murderers, and Terrorists. (FREE MOOK)
8.On St Patricks Day, you are required to beat at least three drunken Irish men.
9.You must have an Iron City Beer or Pittsburgh Steeler bumper sticker on your squad car.
10.Must hate the Cleveland Browns, And all of thier fans, more than you hate Osama Bin Laden.
Remember that these regulations are subject to change. And If your Irish, Polish or Croation, your a shoe in.
Its your life Karnak, But if I were you Id become a fireman.
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Originally posted by Karnak
I'm contemplating becoming a police officer.
I know that some of you guys are police officers. What do you think, should I go for it?
Thanks.
Yes.
I'm certainly not a cop, but I do feel as if I've gotten to know you a bit over the years and at the con.
You seem like a good guy, your smart, honest, not too arrogant, etc. I think that you'd make a great police officer. Just be careful about where you apply so that you don't take a job thats too dangerous or depressing.
Either way,
Good luck!
eskimo
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My brother is a Sheriff's Deputy in Stanislaus County.
He seems to like it.
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Only if you personally promise me to racially profile every driver. :D
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I have seen the usual attempts at humor on this and will pass on it.
If you are serious in this question I sugggest you really ask it of yourself. As far as I am concerned I try to talk folks out of the job. if they have doubts about being a cop they usually don't last long. I say that becuase this is a job you really have to WANT to do, not just think about doing. You will end up living it 24/7 and it will cost you friends and maybe family relationships. Divorce is VERY common among police officers.
You want to find out what predjudice is like? Join the force in any major urban area and experiance it first hand. If you think I'm kidding just reread some of the preceding posts and be prepared for that kind of treatment very often. It won't be funny or intended to be funny pretty much most of the time.
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A good friend of mine (Ken) was a Police Officer in a Chicago suburb. I remember him telling me that he had 17 years in, and would retire as soon as he hit 20. He hated it, he hated the scum he had to deal with on a daily basis, hated the politics and crap in the department, didnt like most of the other officers.
A few months later he was dead, shot to death in the line of duty.
Ken was a great guy. Easy going, loved to fly his old Cessna 150, built his house himself, was raising 3 daughters. I miss his friendship and the laughs we shared.
Does this mean you shouldn't be a cop? That is for you to decide. I am sure there are a tremendous amount of Police Officers who love what they do and wouldnt trade their careers for any other job.
Police are said to have the some of the highest rates of alcoholism, suicide and divorce. Police also get to help people when they really need it, get to put criminals in jail and help keep our streets safe.
Think long and hard about why you want to be a cop, if its something you feel you really want to do, go for it. Do your best at it, and when the work day is over, go home, love your family and forget about it until the next day.
good luck,
dago
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Police also get to help people when they really need it, get to put criminals in jail and help keep our streets safe.
THAT'S why I've always wanted to be a police officer. Plus, I think the cars are really cool looking :)
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After I got out of the army some of my budies had become Police officers and I applied with the RCMP.
Went through the tests and varios interviews and physical and PT test.
In the end I coudnt think of a good reason I wanted to do it so I continued with my systems schooling. All my buddies that joined are still at it and I wouldnt trade lives with them. But I bet it can be rewarding..
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Karnak,
Contact whatever local agency you're thinking about joining and schedule a ride along...hell, if you're still contemplating, do a few before you decide. If you do it, prepare to work the crappiest shifts for a while and prepare to enter a completely different world. Don't worry too much about losing friends...anyone who would shun you because you work for a law enforcement agency is an amazinhunk, and isn't worth the effort.
Mav is right tho', when I worked for the Sheriff's Office and told people what I did, I could tell some would instantly not like me (none of my friends had any problems...they're not amazinhunks :)), and I wasn't even a cop - just some slap working at the jail. But like I said, it's just the amazinhunks...mainly the type who have been unfairly treated by the law, ie: arrested/fined for breaking the law.
Depending on where you'd work, be prepared for the possible reality that 80% of the people you arrest will be let out within 2-10 hours, and good percentage of those will be brought back to be let out again for not appearing in court. I don't know where you'd get the stats, but IMO, working within a county that will actually hold on to the people you arrest would be a plus - and it can be like night and day even in counties that are right next to each other.
Good luck to ya! There's no way in hell I could do it, but I respect the hell out of people who can.
SOB
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Im not a police officer. I was thinking of becomeing one after military service, but decided against it.
All of the LEO's (Law Enforcement Officers) that I know try and talk everyone out of it.
There are a few things that people dont think about when applying to become an LEO. Im just repeating what Ive heard here as information, not trying to sway you one way or the other. Here is what they say:
1.) If you are joining for ideological reasons (ie - "I want to make a difference, etc etc etc) be prepared to have them fade in a week.
2.) You will learn to hate the citizen population because they give you absolutely no respect at best. At worst they insult you and make your job exceedingly difficult.
3.) You will always see people at their worst so depression and tense home life is a problem ("Honey, how was your day?" - "Dont wanna talk about it.")
4.) Police officers have some of the highest numbers of alcohol/drug abuse and suicide in the employment field.
5.) You will probably end up serving in some dinky town handing out parking tickets instead of the big city you wanted.
6.) You will do some of the most dangerous work out there and get paid next to nothing for it.
7.) It takes years and lots of luck to make detective if thats what your after. Be prepared to sit in a squad car the rest of the time.
8.) Most departments work 6 days on 2 days off. You probably wont get Christmas Eve off until your 3rd or 4th year as the norm.
9.) The local government is not cooperative. They are constantly trying to limit your authority, make you work longer, and for less pay.
Would I do it? No, probably not after hearing all this from my LEO freinds. Someone has to however, and I respect anyone who devotes their life to public service.
I am NOT trying to discourage you, only trying to inform you that beneath all the gloss of the TV shows, its really a toejamty job dealing with the scum in your town as well as the scum in your local legislature and getting zero real life respect for it. ("Real life respect" meaning anything not part of a 9/11 documentary) :rolleyes:
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Karnak,
How about the FBI?
eskimo
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Law enforcement can be a rewarding occupation, certainly not as tedious as some office jobs, but also bearing quite a few risks. And then there's the PITA factor - the Pain In The bellybutton factor - which states "Is this job such a pain in the bellybutton that its not worth the trouble to do it?". As a rookie policeman, you'll be drawing the late shifts (which means you'll be logging onto AH when the population is at its ebb). And the pay is good, but not the best. Still, there are perks. Like Serpico once mentioned, if something happens, the cops will know about it.
Where I live, the local police department has a policy that if you get hurt on the job, then you will be fired. I found that policy to be so egregious and disrespectful that I stopped my application with several other local departments, too.
But, there's a bright shining future in law enforcement and security in general, particularly now. It can be lucrative and rewarding. And you'll never know if you don't try it.
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I agree with SOB, a ride along will give you a good taste of the day-to-day of an officer. I think that most people don't realise how much of a shift is taken up by doing paperwork.
I didn't make it completely through the selection process because of the vision requirement, but if you want an idea of a typical selection process here is the one of Columbus:
http://www.columbuspolice.org/Employment/RECRUIT.HTM#Selection
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Originally posted by eskimo2
Karnak,
How about the FBI?
eskimo
Requirements: college degree, with expertise in accounting, business administration, finance, foreign language, forensic science, juris doctorate, or criminal justice (CJ only if you served in military or have previous law enforcement experience also). Prior military experience extremely helpful. Prior law enforcement experience helpful so long as you also have a college degree. Maximum eligible age is 35 (or 36, maybe). Agents will be relocated from their home state. Must be able to meet physical fitness requirements and pass medical exam. Successful candidates will be put through the FBI Academy at Quantico, Virginia.
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Karnak,
Make sure you read all the police-related articles on this (http://www.fredoneverything.net/) site - all the police column and those about police in FOE column. You will not find a better source of straigh opinion.
miko
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Try this......good fun:) http://www.ds.state.gov
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Originally posted by Pongo
After I got out of the army some of my budies had become Police officers and I applied with the RCMP.
Went through the tests and varios interviews and physical and PT test.
In the end I coudnt think of a good reason I wanted to do it so I continued with my systems schooling. All my buddies that joined are still at it and I wouldnt trade lives with them. But I bet it can be rewarding..
I hear you pongo. When i first started skool (university) my plan was to join the RCMP.
But after two years of skool and talking to a bunch of the senior officers here (i live in Regina, where all the RCMP members are trained.) I quickly changed my mind.
The bass ackwardness was unbelievable and the whole scene was stinking of "jurassic pork" attitudes.
Ill keep working at the elementary school thanks.
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Thanks for the comments and links.
I will readily admit that one of the reasons I am thinking of it is to have a job where I feel I might make a difference. Currently that just isn't so.
I'd rather work in a small town rather than a city, so that likelyhood wouldn't bother me.
eskimo,
I lack the four year degree that the FBI requires.
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I actually want to work in a big city department, I feel like I'd be able to get more experience there, and hopefully help more people. I'm applying for the State Police, they do all kinds of things everywhere. If I get in, I don't know what kind of thing I'd like to do there, I had more of a foot patrol type job in mind but I don't think the state police does that.
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My uncle was and Ohio smokey and I worked with a lot of police in an old job. They are definitely adrenaline junkies. Same kind of people who get hooked on things like AH. :)
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Dont get arrested by these guys.
LOL :D
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Originally posted by Urchin
I actually want to work in a big city department, I feel like I'd be able to get more experience there, and hopefully help more people.
Urchin - this the the big mistake people make when applying for an LEO position. What my buds tell me is that you arent helping anyone... youre "policing" everyone. They tend to look upon the general public more as the enemy than a population to be protected.
I advise you to contact an LEO in your area and ask questions, see what he has to say.
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Originally posted by Urchin
I actually want to work in a big city department, I feel like I'd be able to get more experience there, and hopefully help more people. I'm applying for the State Police, they do all kinds of things everywhere. If I get in, I don't know what kind of thing I'd like to do there, I had more of a foot patrol type job in mind but I don't think the state police does that.
WTG!
Now start running everyday, if you aren't already. They want you in good shape before they fatten you up on doughnuts!
Good luck!
eskimo
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I'm running about 4 to 5 times a week now. I haven't run in about a year, but I'm picking it back up. I've got about a month left before I go in to take the physical test. I can run a mile pretty easy, after that I start puffing pretty fast :). One thing I probably need to do is quit smoking, but for me at least that is easier said than done.
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Anyone in the field that got there thinking they would help society learns something pretty damn fast. The world does NOT want to be saved. It will actually fight you to keep from being saved. You will end up hating the job because you won't be getting out of it what you thought you would. Be realistic about this..... before you take the jump into it.
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I spent 10yrs as a USAF SP... Most of my time was spent on the "Security" side of the house rather than "Law Enforcement", but I did some. My LE duty taught me very quickly that I do not like to meddle in peoples lives whether as a cop or not. I responded to a "public disturbance" once, nothing seemingly too serious, but the situation evolved into an attempted suicide before it was all over. Without going into any details, I'll say that there was nothing I could have done to prevent the incident, and it came without warning, even though, I still feel it was my shining moment as a complete failure. I'd hate to have to deal with that (possible) kind of thing daily, especially the ones that go sour.
Just something to think about.
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If I try it and I hate it, well, I've got two options. One, I put in 4-5 years, and then move to some small town where they'll snap me up because I've seen everything that could ever happen in a small town and a lot of stuff that never will.
Or two, I've ALWAYS wanted to make computer games too :). So it'd be a matter of going back to school to try to figure out how. I don't have the barest clue of how people make computer games. But I've got ideas for games that I personally would LOVE to play, and I think that is the first step in making a good computer game. If it isn't.... why would you want to make it anyway?
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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.
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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.
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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. :)