What is it like being a Chicago police officer?

Question

I am 23 years old and currently employed as a journalist in the Chicagoland area, with a Bachelor's in journalism. I've been in the industry less than a year and though I enjoy the work, I'm already extremely frustrated. The pay is terrible (less than 25k a year as a full-time employee at a large paper) and industry is in a steady state of decline.
I've been thinking about trying out for the Chicago police. As such, I suppose my questions are pretty general-- Are you happy with your career? Are they even accepting new officers? How long would the training process take and what is it like? Do you have to pay for your training yourself? Any advice if I decide to try out? Anything else important I didn't ask?

I have no criminal record, other than traffic offenses and a few misdemeanors when I was a juvenile. I already looked into the physical test and can easily pass it.

Answer 1

well im from chicago...no a cop - yet. but from wa i see and want to b a chicago cop, im gona say it aint easy and it aint really hard...there isnt really that much crime. i mean maybe at night n it depends wat district u got.

Answer 2

A cops life is not an easy one. You face danger everytime you are out in the streets. You never know when that traffic stop you make will end your life, because next to domestic disturbance calls, traffic stops are the most dangerous.Divorce rates among police personnel are the highest. There is a lot of emotional wear and tear on the officer, as well as his family, because when you leave home for duty, that may be the final time they see you alive.
It takes a special kind of breed and determination to be a police officer. I almost forgot, you may go 20 years without having to use your gun, or you may have to to kill, or shoot another human being on the first day of duty. There is just no way to predict these things. From what I told you, if you have the right stuff, then by all means, be a police officer. If you are the squemish, or timid type, do everyone a favor, pick something else to do, because you will witness the most inhumane things a person can do to another human being out in the streets while on patrol. There are good things too, like helping people, saving lives, delivering babies in case of emergency, but the bad things outnumber the bad. Keep that in mind.

Answer 3

Have seen a lot of questions where people are asking the same type of question you are - what is it like to be a cop.

I suggest to them that they contact the police department and ask if they have a "Ride-Along" program. As the name implies, you get to ride with a cop while they are on patrol. That way, you see a typical day.

If you still undecided, you can sign up to ride again. Probably with a different cop.

While there - ask questions and meet people.

At least in Richmond, Virginia - you could ride along on any shift. I probably did it about 6 times (while in my early 20's).

Answer 4

sturdy for you for wanting to serve your us of a and community. to reply to your question, definite, you'll choose a minimum of a 2 year college degree previously using for the Chicago Police branch. I utilized previously being commonplace at yet another branch in 2003 and they required the faculty on the prompt. sturdy success on your career and be secure.