Survey for law enforcement officers!?

Question

At work we are having a discussion about the motives behind being a cop.

Some of my coworkers are saying its because they TRULY like helping the people. Some of us are thinking its the power trip and having the upper hand that they like. I think it could be other things and a combination of both but I really can't just walk up to a cop and ask, it doesn't work well.

For those of you who are law enforcement officers:
Why did you choose that job/position?
What is your gender?

Thanks a bunches!

I would really appreciate SERIOUS answers.

Answer 1

I get paid well to drive fast!

Seriously, I like to be out of an office. I enjoy being by myself a majority of the time while also being part of a very cohesive, professional unit.

Only certain personalities are suited for this type of work and mine didn't jive well in some other careers I tried.

Not many careers allow full retirement at/around 20yrs with full/near full benefits.

The power aspect is good in the sense of getting things accomplished. If you're level-headed and quick witted, power is a great thing. People have to listen and follow orders and in that regard power is trust.

Answer 2

It was a good paying job with benefits, a pension and excellent job security. I also have always gravitated to jobs where I get to talk to people. The best part of the job is the million stories you get to hear (and the helping people part too!). Policing was not my first career, I was 29 when I got hired (I didn't want to be a police officer since I was 5), but I always found the job intriguing.
The power aspect is secondary (really!). The weight of the responsibilities of the job can be heavy and flattens out the power trip quickly. You can never discard your "uniform" so to speak and all who know you think of you as a police officer 24hr a day even off duty and expect you to behave like one.
I am a woman with almost 11 years (eek! just gave my age away!) on the job as a general patrol officer in a mostly rural area.

Answer 3

I choose the job because I wanted to something good for myself and others. The feeling you get when you help someone, even if they do not know it, is indescribable. Most of my family has been to prison, or been a junkie. I knew from at least ten years old that I wanted to be a cop. I am proof that it is about what you want to do with your life,not what oppurtunities were handed to you or what your parents were like. But some people do it to have that power over people. Some people forget that some people in jail are GOOD people who made BAD choices. A little humanity and respect, most of the time, goes a long way with people. I hope I could help. The adrenaline rush is AMAZING too.

Answer 4

I'm female and I've been a police officer in England for 23 years.
I joined because I wanted to play my part in society and to help people. Simple as that.
I know what I stand for, I know what my values are and that's why I wear a uniform that I hope exemplifies those values.
Just want to make the world a fairer and better place and this is my way.

Answer 5

I was interested in the job because of the nature of the assignment, to be a part of making the world better, and for the job security. I am a male.

Answer 6

Lets be honest it is a power trip and you might be able to get some of the trash off the street, but at the end of twenty years, you realize its like trying to drain the ocean with a teaspoon. you lock one up two more appear.

Answer 7

my husband chose his position because he really wanted to give back to the community that he grew up in. He gave up $12,000.00 more in pay a year to be a police officer. He is one of the good ones. He loves his job and would not be satisfied in any other profession, unless he went back into the Marine Corps.

Answer 8

to help people, benifits and security, maybe alittle adrenaline when i was younger