Calling all peace officers

Do you enjoy being a police officer??? I am tossing around joining the police academy. I have wanted to become one since I was alot younger and due to recent economy downfall I have not had a job in 3 months... Do you enjoy it, is the pay and hours good, and how hard is it to become one? Please give me some insight as to what I should be expecting. Thanks

 

I'm a police officer in the military. Its a little different so I'll leave the civilian side to the civilian po-po but I love what I do. Hands down..its the one job that has satisfied me. I enjoy going to work every morning or night and having the contact with people. Its boring most of the time, believe people when they say theres huge amounts of paper work and its slow 90% of the time and hell 10% of the time. I wouldn't want any other job then being a police officer...

 

Mostly it is the greatest job in the world. But there will be days, that you will see your lowest of lows. As thankless of a job as it is, the rewards are immeasurable. For me at least. I will retire from this job as I have never felt more satisfied. The above points are true. If you take a dump you write a report.(not really but you know what I mean). In my 8 hour shift it is 7 hours and 55 minutes of the most dull boring shit you could ever imagine, and 5 minutes of the worst sheer terror you could think of.

 

x2, couldn't have said it better myself.

 

I've done a few ride alongs. Always happen to get with the guy or gal that loves the job and is out there to make shit happen and find shit to do. Most of the police officers I know are passionate about their job and wouldn't take anything else...that tells me alot.

 

Nothing tells a 16 yr old that he wants to be a police officer like sitting in the passenger seat of a patrol car with body armor on hauling ass about 85 mph lights and sirens to a knife fight call at a shitty bar in the suburbs of Seattle...lol

 

I had no idea you could do ride alongs... Gonna check that out. I have no idea where I would go as far as county, city, etc. My girlfriend works in the corporate part of lone star college and she has researched all the steps to get in to the academy and classes I would need to become certified I guess. I was going to sign up for the fall semester but wasn't sure thats what I really wanted to do. They have it now where you can go in with no prior college. I can either take classes during the day for 6 months for the basic and advanced or 1 year from 6 to 10 every night. Thinking during the day but then I will have no income So money is going to play a huge factor, but believe it or not I really do not mind paperwork until my hand cramps up and think I would love the job and the things one would see and do. Anyway thanks for the insight it will help me alot with my final decision. Stay safe out there guys.

 

Dont do it for the money.

Police, EMS, Firefighting....

You dont do it for the money you do it because its a calling.

 

No I'm saying the money I have coming in now is the huge factor... lol I realize the money is not good but wondering if its enough to make a decent living on

 

Depends on what you see as a decent living.....

I know police officers EMS and FF's who make a good living but they dont have 3 story houses or BMWs.

It's about what you consider a decent living, when I become a paid FF I know Ill make decent money for what I want. I dont want or need much just enough to get by.

 

My idea of a decent living is nothing like that. I came from almost nothing so I do not have many expectations. As long as I have a roof over my head and can enjoy myself and have a hobby I enjoy and some good friends. That to me is a good living.

 

Then yes you will make a decent living


Just dont let the bad times knock you out.


I have seen some bad things, almost lost hope and then saved a house from a fire and realized how close I was to losing hope in my dream.

Never again will I lose that faith.

 

All depends on where you're at, and what department, as mentioned. I know in my area, my local township police start at 56k a year, whereas the city closest to me start low 30's. Definitely can be a big swing from dept to dept.

 

i have been a PO in the central Tx area for 14 yrs now. I started in the jail (2 yrs) then went to partol (10 yrs) and now a detective. As far as people saying its boring most of the time, not so much here. we have been pretty busy most of the night (yes, i spent all 10 yrs on nights) and have seen some VERY interesting stuff. You definately make what you want out of it, just depends on you. As far as the detective side, holy shit this is a pretty kick ass job. You do have some very long days/nights but its worth it at the end. If/when your ready, look up Williamson County they are putting on several CAPCOG academys at night time in Georgetown.

hope this helps