Why did you become a Police Officer?

Question

I personally was not picked on in highschool and do not think I am on a power trip. I enjoy the variety and the fact that you get to help people sometimes. I like working with the other officers and I don't think the pay is horrible. I did not get into it for the power and don't really care if people respect me. I just enjoy the job. I don't need people to thank me for the job, it's nice but I do it anyway. So why did you other officers get into the job. I see a lot of posts with people making assumption about wy people become cops and attacking their character. I though that maybe some officer could explain why they do what they do.

Answer 1

I did it to help people and be involved in community.
But you are right about people making assumptions about why cops do it. We had a guy who was VERY big and kep trying to bait us into hitting him when he was in custody. He started with the whole "you guys are cops because you got your #$* kicked in high school. We let him prattle on, and this made him even madder.
The funny part was the guy with me was a sensei of a dojo and was a black belt in 6 different martial arts and could've taken him apart.
I found along the way the excitement was enough to keep the job interesting, and when we did good things like taking kids out of abusive homes, that was a big boost. I took 2 kids from a parent who had starved and beaten them so much that the social worker said they had "concentration camp survivor syndrome", but then again, some people say we do it for the power trip!
I say let the people who hate cops blow and go, we do this job for the right reasons and they just can't understand it.
As for the person who thought bus drivers were more important, next time you're getting beat up, call a bus driver! Police run towards gunfire rather than away.

Answer 2

I became a police officer to help people but after a time I found out that most of the people the we deal with did not want help, they needed arresting. I enjoyed the action part of the job, but I did not like working in traffic and giving traffic tickets out. I loved K 9 and never wanted to be a detective., I liked working the street and the guys I worked with. As far as what people think who cares. They do not like us because we are in total control of them when we have to make an arrest. We are the enforcement for the community. I was on the job for 25 years and I miss the work.

Answer 3

Yes-Most of the Police Departments throughout the US only require a High School and in some cases a Two Year AA or AS Degree. Criminal Justice and other degrees are good and will give you some great insight and assistance pertaining to the law enforcement community. But it is my opinion that having an English Degree would be somewhat an advantage over other degrees. Every city, county, state, and federal law enforcement agency has there own particular set of rules, laws, and procedures pertaining to that particular agency and/or jurisdiction. A key element in any successful law enforcement career is the ability for that person to be able to communicate both orally and in writing. Professional presentations and properly written correspondence is a key element in any advancement in any law enforcement career.

Answer 4

I became an officer because I liked the variety of hardly being faced with the same scenario more than once. There is so much variance between every situation, it definitely forces you to keep on your toes and know how to apply the law in every situation. As said by another, most of the people you deal with on a daily basis does not want your help anyway. It is a thankless job, but we love it.

Answer 5

I was misled by TV and Movies when I was younger. I thought being a cop would be fun, exciting, and rewarding. I was wrong on all counts. I see that it doesn't have much to do with protecting and serving. Its all about generating revenue. How many cars can we tow? How many tickets can we write? Its all crap. My job is to harrass the public. And with so many years on the job, there's no way I can quit. Oh well, I'll just keep kicking myself everyday for leaving my previous job. Have a nice day!

Answer 6

well.....i am going to be a cop, if i continue the job wen im 21. i can tell u that i like the style of it. the money isnt that bad, and all the benefits fit me. plus i would have not just a job....but a career that i always wanted to do. and i think thats the most important thing....doing somthin u love.

Answer 7

My best friend is a cop. He likes the retirement, medical, and doesn't like office work. He's not a guy into power, one of the most easy going guys you'll ever meet.

Answer 8

I became a cop to help people. That lasts until you hit the street realize that people don't want your help. As a cop you deal with 10% decent citizens and 90% scum. Police work is dirty, dangerous. It is definitely for a self-motivated person.Helping people? yeah right!

Answer 9

So they can take from the evidence room. Mmmmmmm confiscated narcotics. I don't trust police anymore, they are just people, and are prone to make the same mistakes as every one else. All it is, is another job. They are no more important than a janitor or a bus driver. If you think about it, a bus driver is more important, cause a bus driver helps you get to work on time, while a routine traffic stop will make you late for work.