I Wish I Never Became a Police Officer

Idk why I'm here , I wanted to be a cop because,I believe in protecting the community and making a better environment for others to live in, not even worse pain of crime can change my mind about it, I wouldn't fear the causes of dying because, people die of worse cases then fighting crime everyday, around the world. Sometimes I would ask people, why do you want to become a cop?, most them said money I was more likely surprised because, I thought someone who risked their life, was for their companionship and bravery, I sometimes find it unfair for those who wants to be cops for a good reason like for good causes but sometimes wouldnt get hired, then for the ones who don't care but only for money ... Idk what's up, but that's what

Idk why I'm here , I wanted to be a cop because,I believe in protecting the community and making a better environment for others to live in, not even worse pain of crime can change my mind about it, I wouldn't fear the causes of dying because, people die of worse cases then fighting crime everyday, around the world. Sometimes I would ask people, why do you want to become a cop?, most them said money I was more likely surprised because, I thought someone who risked their life, was for their companionship and bravery, I sometimes find it unfair for those who wants to be cops for a good reason like for good causes but sometimes wouldnt get hired, then for the ones who don't care but only for money ... Idk what's up, but that's what

IT'S ALL ABOUT POLITICS in Farwell, Texas said: U have worked in both Texas and New Mexico. In 17 years and three different departments I found that it is all about departmental politics. Everyone says law enforcement is a stress job...It is but all the stress comes from the politics within the department. I have seen more GOOD officers leave a department and the political trash stay. You cannot tell me that this does not take place in departments all over the United States. I have talked with too many officers from other states during my 17 years to believe that. I was always told to "go with the flow" and I would do well in my career. It's hard to go with the "flow" when you see officers committing acts that would get the normal citizen in trouble. Come on guys, let's be real here.

I agree 100% as I just left a department in NC for the upper political trash that came from the brass. It's a true shame that good officers continue to leave departments because they won't kiss ass or kiss the boots of the command staff that trashes everything law enforcement stands for.

I am a middle aged guy now many years ago I seriously considered a career in the police in the UK. I have always admired and respected police it sounds as though police work could described as monotony punctuated with terror.
I ended up in education. I did get a chance to speak to many police officers from the UK and Ireland.I asked a lot of questions. One of my relatives was a policeman, the experience changed his personality. He was
very disillusioned feared for his life etc.He told me people gave no thanks for risking life and limb to protect others.That was Northern Irealand,where you were caught between two bitter factions who had one thing in common they hated you no matter what.
What struck me was the disillusionment among many police -with being messed about and USED by politicians - contradictory ideas foisted on the police which hinder effective operation.
Such as Political Correctness, and of course complaints about what the police do or dont do. It seems no matter what police do-it is wrong! I am speaking of the Ireland /Uk experience I cant speak for our
American friends. I concluded I was glad I did not sign up for the police.
I am reading disturbing articles, claiming corrupt politicians are using and abusing the police to protect corrupt treaonous bankers and politicians asses.But hey maybe these have an agenda - I dont know.
Police should start asserting themsleves with politicians and the like. I predict these same politicians police are asked to protect - will betray police and screw them over -without hesistation if they have to.
I heard from a second party(thus cant prove or confirm )that in the UK police uncovered child abuse in very high places (politicians)- they were called off.After putting together a superb and highly effective operation. My advice to police everywhere - watch your backs!!!

Frank Borelli in Washington, District of Columbia said: I'm a retired officer from the East Coast, and I can honestly say that I wish I never became a police officer. I did my best to do good during my career, but the administration kept bringing me down. I think I only made a dent in the world. I never moved mountains like I dreamed I would when I was a kid.

I had always wanted to be a police officer. I watched all the cop shows and movies, read cop books, and even dreamed about being a police officer when I slept at night. I think I just fell in love with the movie version of a cop, not the real version.

Give it some real thought before you sign the dotted line.

well im 15 years old and i really want to become a police officer. are you sure you didnt make a difference??

ashley in Claremont, New Hampshire said: well im 15 years old and i really want to become a police officer. are you sure you didnt make a difference??

If you read the the reply from "the REAL Frank Borelli" earlier in the thread you'll see that he would not try to dissuade you from pursuing your Police career aspirations.

The person who started this thread is an impostor who is being vindictive toward Frank. The person was permanently banned from officer.com after repeatedly and incorrigibly violating its terms of service. He's posted on various websites, falsely identifying himself as Frank, out of unjustified retributive spite.

If Frank reads this post he will doubtless know who it's from due its writing characteristics. If you go to officer.com and read some of Frank's writings you will easily see that he would never have written such a sullen and malingering post as that written by the person who started this thread. The real Frank Borelli is a real Police Officer, and a stand up guy, who would not try to disparage the job as the impostor who masqueraded as him did.

If you're genuinely interested in a Police career, please do the right things: stay out of trouble, don't do anything unlawful, stay away from the wrong peer pressures, try to get good grades in school, talk to some Police Officers in your locality and let them know of your interest and see if they can perhaps give you some pointers.

I applaud your interest in a Police career and wish you the best.

Regards,

***** (name elided for avoidance of unjustified reprisals)

I work in Dallas in a Community that sees so much crime, yet when the Dallas officers come out, they act like they don't care. They tell me there is nothing they can do. I have ran off 3 resident that were selling drugs in their homes, and one had teens from the neighborhood selling pot to other kids at school. I gave the Dallas police all the information and names of kids involved. Nothing happen to get him out, until I evicted the home owner that he was living with. It took 5 hours to get to a house that had just been robbed in broad daylight. People had seen someone still in the area.

Thank God I live in another part of the DFW Metroplex, but I deal with Dallas PD on a weekly basis. They suck.

Oh and the Dallas Animal Control when you call them they told me they will not go catch a dog that is loose even if it is a Pit Bull that bit someone. I have to catch it and they will pick it up. The said they are not Dog Catchers.....OMG

What ruins police careers is simple... It starts and ends with Admin... Monday night quarterbacking... Politics... Favoritism... Not promoting within... No communication... Empty promises... Changing policies...

As a former officer I can only tell you what I have seen in a larger city department. You go into the job believing you are the good guys and see the officers who are the cowards and the criminals in uniform are the ones who get promoted and become your bosses. Even if you try to do the right thing and be a good officer you will always be a threat to the cowards and criminals who got promoted. Go into this profession with your eyes wide open, there are a lot of good cops and just as many bad. If you believe that being the good cop will get you anywhere you are sadly mistaken. If you try to expose these bad cops they will destroy your career in a heartbeat and or get you hurt (call for back-up and nobody comes!) Even as the good cop you have to look the other way or you will be destroyed, It eats at your gut every day. Yes the stress comes from inside. Give me the dirtbags on the street anyday.. they don't cause the stress, the political machine and lust for power cause the stress. I was so glad to get out the day my pension kicked in. BTW the Criminal Justice degree is useless once you get out, train for something else while your on the job, oh and a lot of companies hate ex-cops and wont hire you. I tell companies now that I was a housewife the last 25 years.

I am currently a college student studying criminal justice and have an assignment on goals before retirement. If there are any retired officer or officers nearing retirement out there that are willing to correspond with me via email to cover this topic please let me know.

i am now pursuing the criminal justice feild in high school and planning to graduate and go to college for 4 years. i would like to know is all this time and effort that i am and will be putting toward this career? both of my parents are ex cops and they loved it but they also didnt have to lear all the laws. if you stood 6"9 stocky man you got the job atleat that what my dad said. i would be interested for someone to let me know the ups and downs on the job and the hardest part of it.. thanks

I need all the thoughts and comments i can get on this. i am !9 years of age about to graduate high school and plan on pursuing a career in criminal justice and law enforcement. id love to become a police officer. Any suggestions, comments, pursuations, things to look out for,... anything like this would be grateful of you. Thanks!

I have a Bachelors degree in Communications and a Masters degree in Higher Ed. I currently work at a satellite office for a college in PA. However, I find no fulfillment in my job and have always thought about a career in law enforcement. I am looking into going through the training to become a police officer and am just looking for some information regarding the life of an officer. I understand that there is a great deal of stress in the life of an officer, however, I find my current job very stressful. Does anyone have any advice for someone in my position? It would be greatly appreciated.

IT'S ALL ABOUT POLITICS in Farwell, Texas said: U have worked in both Texas and New Mexico. In 17 years and three different departments I found that it is all about departmental politics. Everyone says law enforcement is a stress job...It is but all the stress comes from the politics within the department. I have seen more GOOD officers leave a department and the political trash stay. You cannot tell me that this does not take place in departments all over the United States. I have talked with too many officers from other states during my 17 years to believe that. I was always told to "go with the flow" and I would do well in my career. It's hard to go with the "flow" when you see officers committing acts that would get the normal citizen in trouble. Come on guys, let's be real here.

I agree 100%, it not the job its the people doing the job. Its seems if you dont take it from behind then you have a problem. There are so many police departments were the officers and high ranking officers are worse then the criminals we arrest it is very sad. I love policing but I hate the politics. If you value your career stay away from Doraville Police Department they are worse then criminals and that starts at the top.

I think NYPD sucks.

I was born in NYC and I have spent over 40 years here. I can tell you that NYPD sucks. The NYC cops remind me of the criminals they arrest. The cops lie all the time and many of them abuse people. At this time in my life, I cannot help looking at a NYC cop and seeing a criminal dressed in blue. I have been to places like Florida where I have witnessed cops that are totally different from NYC cops. They are respectful, polite and they don't have such a bad reputation as NYC cops.

I'll like to know how to become a homicide detective, is there a way to earning your rank up to that point when you're a cop?

NYPD in New York, New York said: You don't sign anything. It's a committment not a legal obligation. If you don't like anything then it's your perogotive to quit at any time. You stayed until retirement.

Also, nothing in reality is as it's portrayed on TV. This is the basis of many unjust stereotypes. Integridy is a requirement but is not enough, real police officers should and do emphasize real-world logic and reasoning. They also tend to be hard and thick-skinned. All this seemed to have escaped you my friend.

You spelt integrity wrong.

I am intrested in becoming a police officer, there is only one thing that I am stuck on. I regret to say but while I was in the military I acted as a punk. I was young and dumb and joined for all the wrong reasons. I ended up with a bfd due to court Marshall. A while back I talked to the value and he said that I didn't need to disclose this to an employer if I didn't want to it was private and I could keep it that way since it was not a dishonorable discharge. And im referring to to me being in the military. Do I need to disclose this info when applying for law enforcement

upperlimits31 in Massillon, Ohio said: I am intrested in becoming a police officer, there is only one thing that I am stuck on. I regret to say but while I was in the military I acted as a punk. I was young and dumb and joined for all the wrong reasons. I ended up with a bfd due to court Marshall. A while back I talked to the value and he said that I didn't need to disclose this to an employer if I didn't want to it was private and I could keep it that way since it was not a dishonorable discharge. And im referring to to me being in the military. Do I need to disclose this info when applying for law enforcement

I would if I were you. They will probably find out one way or another and its best to just be open and honest with them from the start. Admit that you realize you made a mistake and you're looking to move on and do better things with your life. This career is about integrity and honesty, do your best to uphold that even if it hurts you in the end. Just my 2 cents. Take it easy.

upperlimits31 in Massillon, Ohio said: I am intrested in becoming a police officer, there is only one thing that I am stuck on. I regret to say but while I was in the military I acted as a punk. I was young and dumb and joined for all the wrong reasons. I ended up with a bfd due to court Marshall. A while back I talked to the value and he said that I didn't need to disclose this to an employer if I didn't want to it was private and I could keep it that way since it was not a dishonorable discharge. And im referring to to me being in the military. Do I need to disclose this info when applying for law enforcement

I would if I were you. They will probably find out one way or another and its best to just be open and honest with them from the start. Admit that you realize you made a mistake and you're looking to move on and do better things with your life. This career is about integrity and honesty, do your best to uphold that even if it hurts you in the end. Just my 2 cents. Take it easy.

upperlimits31 in Massillon, Ohio said: I am intrested in becoming a police officer, there is only one thing that I am stuck on. I regret to say but while I was in the military I acted as a punk. I was young and dumb and joined for all the wrong reasons. I ended up with a bfd due to court Marshall. A while back I talked to the value and he said that I didn't need to disclose this to an employer if I didn't want to it was private and I could keep it that way since it was not a dishonorable discharge. And im referring to to me being in the military. Do I need to disclose this info when applying for law enforcement

I would if I were you. They will probably find out one way or another and its best to just be open and honest with them from the start. Admit that you realize you made a mistake and you're looking to move on and do better things with your life. This career is about integrity and honesty, do your best to uphold that even if it hurts you in the end. Just my 2 cents. Take it easy.

upperlimits31 in Massillon, Ohio said: I am intrested in becoming a police officer, there is only one thing that I am stuck on. I regret to say but while I was in the military I acted as a punk. I was young and dumb and joined for all the wrong reasons. I ended up with a bfd due to court Marshall. A while back I talked to the value and he said that I didn't need to disclose this to an employer if I didn't want to it was private and I could keep it that way since it was not a dishonorable discharge. And im referring to to me being in the military. Do I need to disclose this info when applying for law enforcement

I would if I were you. They will probably find out one way or another and its best to just be open and honest with them from the start. Admit that you realize you made a mistake and you're looking to move on and do better things with your life. This career is about integrity and honesty, do your best to uphold that even if it hurts you in the end. Just my 2 cents. Take it easy.

Sorry for the multiple posts. My internet is terrible tonight :(

Frank Borelli in Washington, District of Columbia said: I'm a retired officer from the East Coast, and I can honestly say that I wish I never became a police officer. I did my best to do good during my career, but the administration kept bringing me down. I think I only made a dent in the world. I never moved mountains like I dreamed I would when I was a kid.

I had always wanted to be a police officer. I watched all the cop shows and movies, read cop books, and even dreamed about being a police officer when I slept at night. I think I just fell in love with the movie version of a cop, not the real version.

Give it some real thought before you sign the dotted line.

I worked for Dinwiddie County Sheriffs Office for three years and the Newly Elected Sheriff, DT Duck Adams, would not reappoint me, when he was elected. He did though
hire back, Kevin Smith, who was terminated, by Sheriff Rhodes for stealing, while he was on duty. He also hired back
another individual, who was investigated, for asking sexual favors, to not write a female a speeding ticket. Sheriffs Adams also
in relations, with a female, by the name of Carroll Updike, who is thirty five years younger, than he. She has also slept with numerous Officers
in the Sheriffs Office. How he made Sheriff is a miracle. Sheriff Adams was even investigated for having stolen farm Equiptment , on his property.
For all Officers coming out of the Academy, Stay away from Politics and people like him.

Being a police officer can be very rewarding. It can also be very difficult at times. It takes a lot of commitment and dedication. It is not for everyone.

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Hello everyone, always wanted to be a cop. I have been in trouble with the law now I dont know if its worth pursuing a degree in criminal justice. I have a petty theft charge from one drunken night 5 years ago and also a DUI Per se. does this eliminate my chances of becoming a cop? give it to me straight and dont sugar coat it haha thanks. btw I am 23 and times ticking, im getting old, currently a junior and thinking of just switching majors and becoming a powerplant operator.

Being a cop is great. Helping people, catching criminals and serving your community. I loved it.

BUT a lot of mentally ill people get into police work. Bullys, cowards, wanna be tough guys, compensators, women trying to be men, stalkers, elitists, racists, the list goes on.

They get promoted and ruin a department. It goes in cycles and when it's good its the best but when the crazies get in it is pure hell.

So goto school, get a real job and serve your family. Let the crazies do the cop work. The uniform, badge, respect, etc. doesn't matter as you get older.

kay how do I stop getting replies from this thread? It's getting really annoying.

Cop work is like any other job, to be successful you have to remember one simple phrase, "it's not what you know, it's who you blow" you do that you will have a great career. Cop work is the best job ever, everyday is a whole new who done it! It's great, to all you cop haters, sorry you failed your police testing, but some people aren't cut out for cop work

three years ago I lost both my brothers to a double murder at the same time. I served in the army from the time I was 17 till the time i was 21 I'm 25 now. Since I lost my brothers I have had an unfilled hole in my soul, I quit my job as a mecanic and havent found my place since. I have always thought about becoming a police officer but never gave it much thought till these past few years. Just recently I have started looking at schools for criminal justice. I'm sill uncertin what i need to do or what I should do. But I do know I want to become a police officer. Any advise or pointers would be great. But alot on this site has me questioning what really goes on in a department. Can any officers sway me in the right direction and tell me what its really like??? email me scdesigns2012@yahoo.com

I'm thankful that the police keep us safe, but I've never met a cop that wasn't a power-tripping abusive ass hole. So police, all over the world, be more polite. Not everyone is out to get you. Just don't be a dick.

Stephen in Redding, California said: I'm thankful that the police keep us safe, but I've never met a cop that wasn't a power-tripping abusive ass hole. So police, all over the world, be more polite. Not everyone is out to get you. Just don't be a dick.

There are alot of good cops out there!

However, there are too many bad ones.

I can honestly say I didn't always want to be a cop. I grew up wanting to be a dispatcher lol, but then once I became one, I caught the bug of wanting to be a cop. The first four years were awesome! I was so proud, loved coming to work, was very successful, then drama hit my department. Its a small department and it never seemed to recover. I started to hate my workplace, not my job, but one affects the other. So I'm moving on to a different environment and taking my experience with me. I expect I will be much more greatful at my new place due to my experience. If I could pass on one token of wisdom, I'd say be picky about your department. Go to a larger department so when you get bored you have room to move around, and make sure your department has adequate processes in place to protect you! Oh yeah, make sure you get a life, dont let this job eat you up!

No offense to anyone in or wanting to be in the police force but, have you ever wondered if you need to be physically fit to join then why are there a lot of chubby police officers? Again no offense, I actually want to be a police officer when I get older but do they drop the demand for being physically fit once you're a cop? I'm genuinely curious about this...

Random Coment in Cartersville, Georgia said: No offense to anyone in or wanting to be in the police force but, have you ever wondered if you need to be physically fit to join then why are there a lot of chubby police officers? Again no offense, I actually want to be a police officer when I get older but do they drop the demand for being physically fit once you're a cop? I'm genuinely curious about this...

Most departments have a physical abilities standard but very few have strict guidelines. Shouldn't be that way but it is.

To whoever has done the course, I know it's different everywhere but did u find it hard? And was there any presentations u had to do in front of the class ? Of so how many and on what.

I worked at a Dept. in the south where I didn't play into the politics. I don't know if it was because I was from the north, spoke my mind, or had a friend as a county commissioner who helped me get hired, but the Lt. didn't like me from the start. Over my two years of service he found ways to right me up. I was let go because he told the sheriff he didn't know when I would change and not get into trouble. Meanwhile others who had roots in the county were getting away with many more things than I ever could. My former bosses Sgt. Ssgt. all felt horrible and said I got a bad rap and they would give a personal letter of recommendation hopefully that helps. So now I am going to the academy and wanting to work the road. Since I was let go for disciplinary issues should I think that no other department will want to hire me? I plan to be honest yes I made some mistakes but I was young and learned from them as a my bad response because I can't say what I think. I just want a job anywhere in the U.S. just don't want this to scar my career. Any advice would be appreciated.

Hey, I kind of just stumbled upon this thread from the internet and a lot of you seem to be police officers.

I was wondering. does being a police officer change you, personality wise? I kind of pride my self in being laid back and overall friendly to people. Ive seen many police officers who are really friendly, but not enough. As far as the police officers go who seem to be really strict and act like robots and also for the ones who seem to be power tripping. Was it the academy/ job experience that made them that way or were they like that before signing up?

Its always been a dream of mine to be a police officer but its a deal breaker if it means I lost out on the chance to be a fun father and having my friends break contact with me because ive changed(if they break contact with me just for becoming a police officer then its not bad, at least its not really my fault).

Also, is it a satisfying career when it comes to helping people? I know its a thankless profession, but I think I speak for many people when I say it just feels good to help people and make someones life just slightly better.

NYPD in New York, New York said: You don't sign anything. It's a committment not a legal obligation. If you don't like anything then it's your perogotive to quit at any time. You stayed until retirement.

Also, nothing in reality is as it's portrayed on TV. This is the basis of many unjust stereotypes. Integridy is a requirement but is not enough, real police officers should and do emphasize real-world logic and reasoning. They also tend to be hard and thick-skinned. All this seemed to have escaped you my friend.

I can relate to the part that Law Enforcement is not what people think, outside looking in. I spent 15 years of my life dealing with human garbage. The first 5 years I felt good about who I was and what I was doing until I realized that I was a really some type of social janitor similar to the ones in the supermarkets. “Clean up in Isle 9” Some just vomited on the floor.

finally a chat forum that allows for complete honesty without worrying who's reading, but as a potential wanna be female cop, I understand they check all your web activities during hiring process. Goodness, I hope they don't think I have a kijiji addiction problem! Ok, here's the deal I got into this police idea real late in life. My choices throughout tho, show a definite trend towards why I have been pursuing this field. But, and it's a big one, I cannot believe how ridiculously competitive it is in Ontario to get hired. I agree with one of the comments I read that the best candidates aren't the ones getting hired. Can you imagine my situation- I have 5sons and 1 daughter-all birthed by yours truly, went to university for 10 years while raising them and got honors, have nursing, social work diplomas and efforts completed for my Ont. Certificate. No one will look twice my way. Go to gym 4X week to stay in top shape. Turned 50 last june. Been unemployed for years. Getting more than a little sick of hearing 'just get some volunteer experience' while those half my age with half my determination are getting plucked out of thin air and actively in process. Their mandate of enouraging mature candidates with diversified life experiences is a crock. I'd be better off 25 with some mall security under my best. Or better yet, know someone on the force.

juanis san in Dallas, Texas said: i have been looking for information on how to be a police officer and the requirements, but havent found straight answers. Does anyone know the details on how to become an officer? in Dallas Texas or Texas really?

Go to their website everything should be there.

Unhappy in Trenton, New Jersey said: I can't agree with you more, I have never been so miserable in this career. I have so much education and I'm wasting it here. Listen to this man THINK HARD BEFORE YOU SIGN!!!

I was an armed auxiliary officer...a VOLUNTEER...and we were treated worse by the administration than the sworn guys were. The icing on the cake was that if one of us got the screws put to us by someone in authority, our own senior officers wouldn't even back us up. The dirty politics of a small town encroaches on all facets of public service, both paid and unpaid.

I'm sure many of you have noticed that many of the complaints posted are very similar, whether you are from the east or west coast, north or south. There will always be politics, bad commanders, jealousy, lousy policies, etc. Most departments are not THAT different.

I have worked for the same department in metro Detroit for 17 years. I became rather disappointed and jaded early on. However, I was young and immature. I learned early that even when your intentions are good and you try hard, there are personalities that will conflict and some people will find ways to chop you down. Policies can be deceptive, people dishonest, and all of your actions will be second guessed. I imagine any career can have the same hurdles.

I have since learned to approach this job as just that, a job. I take pride in how well I handle my runs and my officer safety tactics. The most important thing is to look out for yourself and the guy next to you. You must have common sense to do this job. Book smart or not, some command officers are good and others not so much. Some change completely from the time they were patrolmen. It just depends.

The hardest part for me is that my department has been cut nearly in half since I hired. It was common knowledge that by the time retirement was at hand, you would at least be a sergeant, a detective, etc. That is no longer the case. I will be pushing a patrol car around for the remainder. We have cut all of our special bureaus, and we have laid off several younger cops in the last several years. I am still thankful to have a job, but I have become a functionary. I will not do anything different than what I am doing now until I retire.

I still get excited about the big runs, but can't stand the mundane daily calls. I am tired of being a counselor to people who have very little values. It is important to remember what matters to you, and do what you know is right.

Nathan in Bozeman, Montana said: Hello everyone, always wanted to be a cop. I have been in trouble with the law now I dont know if its worth pursuing a degree in criminal justice . I have a petty theft charge from one drunken night 5 years ago and also a DUI Per se. does this eliminate my chances of becoming a cop? give it to me straight and dont sugar coat it haha thanks. btw I am 23 and times ticking, im getting old, currently a junior and thinking of just switching majors and becoming a powerplant operator.

times ticking and your getting old.....at 23? rofl pal, you are ripe for the picking. take a look at my stats. I've got what it takes, years of experience/continuing ed, volunteer, practical, but you stand more of a chance than I do. esp. if you're male.

me123 in Cedarburg, Wisconsin said: As a former officer I can only tell you what I have seen in a larger city department. You go into the job believing you are the good guys and see the officers who are the cowards and the criminals in uniform are the ones who get promoted and become your bosses. Even if you try to do the right thing and be a good officer you will always be a threat to the cowards and criminals who got promoted. Go into this profession with your eyes wide open, there are a lot of good cops and just as many bad. If you believe that being the good cop will get you anywhere you are sadly mistaken. If you try to expose these bad cops they will destroy your career in a heartbeat and or get you hurt (call for back-up and nobody comes!) Even as the good cop you have to look the other way or you will be destroyed, It eats at your gut every day. Yes the stress comes from inside. Give me the dirtbags on the street anyday.. they don't cause the stress, the political machine and lust for power cause the stress. I was so glad to get out the day my pension kicked in. BTW the Criminal Justice degree is useless once you get out, train for something else while your on the job, oh and a lot of companies hate ex-cops and wont hire you. I tell companies now that I was a housewife the last 25 years.

I couldn't agree more. The dirt bags make the job aweful and then when you attempt to expose them everyone including supervisors turn on you. I attempted to expose a few officers who were doing wrong, I ended up with supervisors spreading hateful lies about my partner and I, then blackballed and informed that if I got into something I better be able to handle myself because backup wouldn't be coming from the guys in my unit. I would have to depend on patrol for backup. I am now looking into other career paths as my partner and I don't interact with anyone else within out unit anymore.

upperlimits31 in Massillon, Ohio said: I am intrested in becoming a police officer, there is only one thing that I am stuck on. I regret to say but while I was in the military I acted as a punk. I was young and dumb and joined for all the wrong reasons. I ended up with a bfd due to court Marshall. A while back I talked to the value and he said that I didn't need to disclose this to an employer if I didn't want to it was private and I could keep it that way since it was not a dishonorable discharge. And im referring to to me being in the military. Do I need to disclose this info when applying for law enforcement

Applying for a government, state, or law enforcement position essentially waves the privacy rights. They must ensure that the people they hire have a clean record. Don't lie about it either, if they found out...and they most likely will; you will be immediately dismissed. Being a police officer is founded on integrity.

Justin in Fredericton, New Brunswick said: Hey, I kind of just stumbled upon this thread from the internet and a lot of you seem to be police officers.

I was wondering. does being a police officer change you, personality wise? I kind of pride my self in being laid back and overall friendly to people. Ive seen many police officers who are really friendly, but not enough. As far as the police officers go who seem to be really strict and act like robots and also for the ones who seem to be power tripping. Was it the academy/ job experience that made them that way or were they like that before signing up?

Its always been a dream of mine to be a police officer but its a deal breaker if it means I lost out on the chance to be a fun father and having my friends break contact with me because ive changed(if they break contact with me just for becoming a police officer then its not bad, at least its not really my fault).

Also, is it a satisfying career when it comes to helping people? I know its a thankless profession, but I think I speak for many people when I say it just feels good to help people and make someones life just slightly better.

From what I have seen in the local departments, the job changes you. A bad day for someone behind a desk might be spilled coffee; but, a bad day for a cop is arriving on a fatal car accident where three people were crushed and killed on impact while a fourth barely hanging on. Then all in the same year, respond to three suicides with your mother passing away from a stroke. That actually happened, of course he was sent to therapy after he wasn't himself. Even though situations like this are rare, it does. That should answer, does the job change you. I would recommend reading "A Cop's Life" by Lt. Randy Sutton, gives you a feel of some calls you might respond to and the dangers of the job and most importantly, the emotions behind it.

NYPD in New York, New York said: You don't sign anything. It's a committment not a legal obligation. If you don't like anything then it's your perogotive to quit at any time. You stayed until retirement.

Also, nothing in reality is as it's portrayed on TV. This is the basis of many unjust stereotypes. Integridy is a requirement but is not enough, real police officers should and do emphasize real-world logic and reasoning. They also tend to be hard and thick-skinned. All this seemed to have escaped you my friend.

I totally agree.. it sounds like a lack of maturity enough to realize the difference between reality and make believe. Anyone who know law enforcement knows that no matter what you do you will be ridiculed for your help and hated for doing your job. But you do it because people need to be protected and served. There are those of us who get it and we are behind you officers 100%. We will never stop supporting you and trying to help from the civilian side to change your image for the better.. just be sure to keep to the fight and help us keep constant proof that you guys are earnign the badge you wear everyday. We love you and always watch your 6.