Highway Patrol or PD?

Question

I really can't decide which orginazation to join. I love the aspect of Law Enforcement in which you show up to different scenes to help people, no matter what the situation. I don't really just wan't to be sitting in a car and only handing out speeding tickets all day for months on end. I'd like to do more than that. I enjoy the Highway patrol because many consider them to be the "Elite" of LE. But, I like the Aspect of PD where you show up to someone's house to help out with their problems, and working a specific town for years.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I guess if you are questin is which one to try to work for, the only answer would be for you to think about it long and hard.

I can tell you though, that even though on highway patrol you pretty much stick to the major highways and roadways, you will still get the chance to back up the local authorities as well. At least that is the way they do it around here where I am from. I get to see it all the time when we have some sort of disturbance and the DPS guys will be the first to offer some assistance.

So if you choose the highway patrol job, you will get the whole prestigious and "elite" thing going for you, as well as getting to make the other calls that pd's and sheriff's department guys make.

All up to you though. If you are young, start out in a pd and stay there for a few years, then move up to do the highway patrol thing.

Good luck.

Answer 2

If you want to be a cop, work for the local police or sherriff's department. The Highway patrol serve a purpose, but for those wanting to do cop work (other than tickets and collisions), the PD or Sherriff's Dept is the way. I love going to work everyday for the last eight years. Never gets old and always something new.

Answer 3

Try checking with your local Highway Patrol and Police Department to see if they offer ride-alongs. This would give you the insight that I think you are craving and needing to make your choice. Good luck!

Answer 4

P D