Should I become a police officer?

Question

Im 20 years old, and Im about to start college...and Im gonna havea degree in Criminal Justice....the law enforcment side of it. I just want to know...because Im concerned about my size. Im 5'5'' 100 pounds. The reason I am concerned is because you know Cops have to arrest people...and say they resisted arrest with me. If theres a 6'1'' 200 pound guy resisting arrest on me, even if ive got him, he could still overpower me. What do u guys think

Answer 1

sure y not....coppers r hot

Answer 2

That a major thing to take into consideration. Perhaps you can continue your education and get into investigations or even forensic science. You don't need to be 6'5" 280lbs to be in law enforcement, but it helps if you want to be a cop.

Now I know little guys that are cops. They are more dependant on instinct and defense tactics, (i.e. tasers, gas, and firearms.) They are excellent cops and are well respected, mostly because they have excellent verbal skills. They can diffuse a situation by talking rather than intimidating everyone with their 24 inch pythons.

Go with your heart. Go to your local police department and talk with someone there. They are the best source of information.

Best of luck to ya!

Answer 3

that is a question that only you can answer. I have worked with officers that ere small that could do the job and I was glad that they were my backup, and I have worked with large officers that I would pray didn't respond. It is a noble profession if you keep in mind why you became an officer. And BTW there are techniques to subdue most anybody or use the minimal amount force to affect the arrest, whatever that might be. . .

Answer 4

I applaud you for having the courage to ask this question. Having been in law enforcement since way before you were alive, I can attest to the advantage of size. Yes, if you want to be a street cop with your build, you're going to get your booty kicked. But more importantly, you're liable to get yourself killed. If not, you'll be more likely to resort to deadly force to defend yourself and end up in federal court facing a wrongful death suit, or in a criminal court for homicide. Sound like fun yet? And to be completely truthful with you, if you're even asking this question, I really don't want you sitting in a patrol car next to me. I want a dedicated law enforcement professional willing to lay down his life for me or my loved ones, not somebody concerned about going toe-to-toe with a bad guy who thinks he's not going to jail. One final thing. Please don't waist your time with a CJ degree. If you're twenty years old and your written communication skills appear to be what they are, get a degree in English or Communications. The thing I've done the most in the last three decades of "police work" is write, not fight.

Answer 5

My cusin is a cop. He likes it and he's a fairly small guy. Now to become a cop you have to do all this stupid stuff like getting tazerd and peper-sprayed. Whats next are they gonna shot cops before they can carry a gun? Thats pathedic. And getin shot at is a minus.

Answer 6

As long as you can pass the testing you will be fine. Concentrate on your strength training and general cardio fitness.
I've been doing the job for eleven years and I'm shorter than you.

Answer 7

NO NO NO, not because of your size, because your not the type, college means S---. it attitude and mindset and a calling, which you have none Go home and be a lawyer

Answer 8

if i were u,i would have to think first of all the people and friends and family behind bars and doing your job! no 4 me!!!!!

Answer 9

In my opinion, it would be foolish. Surely there are other jobs more suited to you in the field.