2007-02-28 13:26:15 · 48 answers · asked by destincole 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Im Gay, and I would like to be a Police Officer when I get older. What do you think?
2007-02-28 13:30:45 · update #1
Well I honestly have no problem with any one in any profession that is gay so I don't see why being gay a cop would be a problem. It's one of those if no one knows no one should care and even if they do know it does not matter. Also you should not be judged by your sexuality for any profession.
2007-02-28 13:43:32 · answer #1 · answered by Michelle 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
My first instinct is to advise against becoming a police officer, but this has nothing to do with you being gay.
We're taught to think of the police as the "good guys." And, to be truthful, they're the first people I would call if there was some kind of emergency. They perform an important public service; they put themselves in harm's way on a daily basis, and that takes tremendous bravery.
It is not their bravery I question.
I question the role of police as protectors of a status quo that benefits certain privileged classes and groups at the expense of other classes and groups. Whenever a disenfranchised group becomes "uppity," you can count on the cops to be there to hose 'em down (e.g., Birmingham, 1963) or gas 'em. (e.g., Seattle, 1999).
I am aware this is not a popular sentiment. So as not to prattle on, I'll simply recommend "Police In A Multicultural Society," by Barlow and Barlow. It's a thought-provoking book that helped guide my dissertation on permissive attitudes toward police brutality.
But, if after reading this, you still have your li'l gay heart set on being a cop, then go for it. If nothing else, it would likely benefit gay citizens to have police officers around who understand and are sensitive to the issues and mores of the GLBT community. And who doesn't enjoy the sight of a man in uniform?
Just make sure you really are one of the good guys.
2007-02-28 16:56:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Someone who is well qualified to be a police officer is well qualified whether they're gay, lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual. There are even organizations to support lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgendered police officers (look for "Gay Officers Action League" with your favorite search engine) and even some cities with organizations like Washington DC's Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit, looking to specifically serve the needs of the LGBT community.
2007-02-28 16:32:30 · answer #3 · answered by Erika G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you can do the job, great!! Go for it! I see nothing wrong with a police officer who's gay. Being gay has NOTHING to do with being an officer.
2007-02-28 14:02:30 · answer #4 · answered by barrych209 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
On a professional level it makes no difference. If I have to go to a hospital I do not ask the doctor what his or her sexual orientation is; if my home is on fire I do not ask the firefighter what his or her sexual orientation is; and if I need law enforcement I do not ask the police officer what his or her sexual orientation is.
On a personal level I am not as sure. Although I would respect their occupational choice, I would have some difficulties with someone I cared about and loved placing themselves in harms way every day. When they were not home, I would worry every time the phone would ring due to worrying about their safety.
2007-02-28 14:49:23 · answer #5 · answered by χριστοφορος ▽ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that as long as you never feel tempted to be corrupt like half the police force of the entire world, then I would not care if you were gay or not.
Still, it could create problems when you arrest certain people, or where you work, such as gaols, police stations which you will have to perform cavity searches.
2007-02-28 15:32:24 · answer #6 · answered by Lief Tanner 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're a gay male cop it would make it much harder for me to flirt, bat my eyes and jut my boobs out to get out of a ticket. Seriously, as in any job sexual orientation has no bearing. What matters is if the person is a good police officer and performs his/her duties properly.
2007-02-28 17:54:07 · answer #7 · answered by DawnDavenport 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are lots of great gay cops. Some belong to a group called GOAL---the Gay Officers Action League
Do not let ANYONE come between you and your dreams
2007-02-28 14:19:07 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Nothing wrong with it at all. I know a couple of gay officers....you are just like everyone else out there! Go for it!
2007-02-28 15:58:00 · answer #9 · answered by San Francisco Girl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start preparing now, if that's what you really want to "be when you grow up". It is a noble occupation that requires insight, honesty, integrity, a strong sense of justice and community spirit. The world can use good cops.
Your counselor can help you select courses that will prepare you for this job. You may also want to tell him or her about your concerns. The counselor has probably heard this before and can help you alleviate your doubts about your qualifications.
Good Luck!
2007-02-28 14:02:37 · answer #10 · answered by E_Tard 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋