I apologize ahead of time for this question being so long. Ok, here it goes...I am a 21 year old male, full time student, part time cop, and I'm in the air force reserve. I'm majoring in information technology just to get a 4 year degree so it gives me more options and another possible career. I'm in my sophmore year. Ultimately, I want to be a full time police officer. Recently I have thought about dropping out of school and trying to get into the state's academy to be a state trooper. They pay much higher than being a local cop and you are guarenteed a job when you graduate. The only down side is you will more than likely have to move for your first duty station...maybe even across the state for up to a year or longer. Another down side is that I am in the air force reserve so I could be deployed overseas at any time and have to leave the academy. Also there is a girl that I really like and would miss very much if I were to be stationed across the state. What should I do???
2006-09-19 15:15:01 · 15 answers · asked by badboyz 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
you need to just listen to me now so I don't keep having to say i told you so. you arent keeping up with your homework bc i know your heart's not in it. u know u dont want to work with computers, so why are you wasting your money? u should go for what you want to do, silly
i know what you want to do is go to the state acadamy, you're just afraid that you'll end up on the opposite side of the state as me, but you don't know that's what will happen! i'm sure there will be an opening closer than Philly. And even if there's not, I think you should do it anyways because I want you to follow your dream and do what YOU want. don't consider me as part of the equation.
you already have associate's degree and im sure you could fall back on that somehow if you ever needed to, but for now, why go to school for something that isnt what you want to do with your life? well thats my reason for saying drop out and go for it.. and remember, i'm always right!
my answer is the best ☺
2006-09-19 15:26:45 · answer #1 · answered by Daisy® 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Suggestion brother, I'm a cop too. Here's the facts on law enforcement. The best option is if you want to be a cop, try and integrate your studies into your law enforcement, but also choose a major that can stand alone. Me personally my associate's degree is going to be Criminal Justice, but my bachelor's degree is probably going to be in History or something like that.
On the Air Force reserves, there's really nothing that you can do, as you are practically government property.
My personal suggestion to you is to finish your college education, rather than wasting all the time and money that you have already spent. ON the girl issue, two things, if she truly is interested in you, then she will wait. second, if she doesn't then she wasn't worth it.
Honestly, you need to slow things down and think about what you truly want for your life. Examine your priorities and I'm sure you'll be able to make the right decision.
2006-09-19 23:07:21 · answer #2 · answered by Talon 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you desire to be in this profession for the pay? If so, you won't get far. You need to look at all the options ie., special units, advancement potential, investigative ability. Why can't you go to college and be a cop? Lastly, don't take this the wrong way, but what makes you think you can be a cop at 21? Although that's the "minimum" age, have you interviewed with any agency and gone through the board process to determine if you would even be considered? Here's an idea for you. Apply for a department. Go through the civil service process. If you get all the way through AND they make you a conditional offer, consider your options at that point. Don't make any moves until you have a viable option.
2006-09-20 06:22:18 · answer #3 · answered by spag 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My hubby did that too..
when we were dating he was in school for airplane mechanics, and was in the reserves too, from the time I met him he wanted to be a police officer! He use to do that part time too. He really wanted to be a cop, so after wasting money goin to school for something he really didnt want to do, he went to the police academy, he is now a police officer and he couldnt be happier!
You cant ask other people what you should do, you know what u want and u need to go for it! Dont be stuck at a job ur not goin to be happy at! My hubby is happy with his job and doesnt regret the choice he's made in becoming a cop!
Best of luck with whatever u choose!
2006-09-19 22:53:15 · answer #4 · answered by woohooo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've been a cop for a long time, and I recommend you get your degree 1st. It will increase your chances of being hired up front. You will have a much better chance of being promoted quickly, and will be much more attractive to the bigger, better paying agencies. I left the USMC and went straight into civilian policing, then earned my Bachelor's while working full time. It took me 6 years, and was pretty difficult. I had NO spare time to do things like, oh...sleep or watch TV etc.... If you can go to school 1st, I'd do it.
2006-09-20 00:56:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I would finish school because once you have a degree you will be able to be a better cop and work your way up in the ranks faster. However, your relationship needs to be addressed. Would you marry this lady, will she move with you if yes than there is no problem. If no, you have to decide where she fits into your life. You have hit one of those bumps in the road that we all hit and only you can truthfully answer this one. I wish you luck. Keep us posted on what you decide. Take care
2006-09-19 22:30:30 · answer #6 · answered by kurt 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't really think anyone can answer this question but yourself and it's going to be a really hard one to make. Ultimatly what makes you happier and what can you see yourself doing in 20 years. As much as a year sounds it would go pretty fast if you loved what you were doing. I just applied for the police force. I know this is what i want to do because i can't imaigine myself doing anything else. Hope this helped.
2006-09-19 22:27:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stay in school. Once you get a BS in Information Technology you'll be first choice for any job you want.
2006-09-23 02:39:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get your degree first, the state police will always be there, and you will do better with your degree ( maybe the Feds)
2006-09-19 23:17:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That a tough one, but you need to make the decision yourself. Whats more important for your life, now and in the future?
2006-09-19 22:24:56 · answer #10 · answered by Like Glue 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋