This question is for police officers only. Can you tell me what a day out on the job feels like for you?
October 27th, 2008 | by Thomas |curtellw asked:
I asked this because I am currently in school for Criminal Justice, to become a police officer and also, I am going to continue my education to get higher rankings so maybe I could gain a chance on becoming an investigator. So tell me what’s it like to be a cop and would you trade it for anything?
I asked this because I am currently in school for Criminal Justice, to become a police officer and also, I am going to continue my education to get higher rankings so maybe I could gain a chance on becoming an investigator. So tell me what’s it like to be a cop and would you trade it for anything?

8 Responses to “This question is for police officers only. Can you tell me what a day out on the job feels like for you?”
By Wounded Duck on Oct 28, 2008 | Reply
It’s a job!
By KC V ™ on Oct 28, 2008 | Reply
After being in the law enforcement field for over 30 years…I’ve strongly considered the medical field instead!
The profession is extremely rewarding for most officers as it’s their desire to help others who can’t help themselves or are victimized by others.
I go home at the end of a shift KNOWING I’ve made my community a safer place to live and a strong feeling of accomplishment!
The pay is traditionally low for smaller agencies therefore I’d choose either a State or Federal law enforcement agency if you continue your college education.
By ULTRA150 on Oct 30, 2008 | Reply
How do like being hated by so many people that don’t even know you. You better want it bad, and I hope the TV shows aren’t what helped you decide to become an officer, because it is nothing like that in the real world.
By boosta on Nov 3, 2008 | Reply
I am not a cop but I do not reccomend you being a cop because they take it to their head who cares they drive around in their lil patrol cars never show up in a hurry unless their giving you a dumb sppeding ticket,they r so rude ill bet that they were dorks in school thats why they feel like they have to have authority now, i wish i could be sensitive to them but im sorry i cant be,they **** they dont want to help they want a paycheck just like we all do,oh and they r nosy they blow everything out of porportion even if you say you have it handled when they come to YOUR OWN house they get a hard on when they got warrants to kick your door in and no im not talking from past self experience i just watch a lot of television,the first cop said not to believe anything you see about it on t.v because its nothing like that so that only proves that now thay are LIARS
By Alex on Nov 4, 2008 | Reply
As compelling, and well written as Boosta’s argument is, I must disagree. I really enjoy what I do, and while like any job, it can have it’s downside, the pros outweigh the cons by a longshot. It’s never the same thing twice, but sometimes it is. That probably doesn’t make any sense, but what I mean is, each day will bring different situations, but you’ll deal with a lot of the same people, over, and over, and over again. If you haven’t already, I’d suggest going on a ride along with a local agency. It’s a much better way to get the cop experience than by watching COPS. When I was looking at different places, I rode with one department whose officers had pretty low morale. Throughout the course of the night, I heard some things that really turned me off of the department. Needless to say, I didn’t apply there. This job isn’t for everyone, but once it gets in your blood, there’s nothing else like it. Oh, and be ready to start your love/hate relationship with OT. People love to break the law thirty minutes before shift change.
By squared away on Nov 6, 2008 | Reply
like any other job, you have good days and bad ones. overall i love the job. pay is OK. it’s too hard to say what one day is like because it’s never the same. You should call your local police or sheriff’s office and set up a ride along for a shift. you will get to see what your local officer does.
By Matt E on Nov 9, 2008 | Reply
I graduated from the police academy about 7 months ago and it felt great. I picked this king of job because of all the interesting things we get to deal with. The calls I get are never the same. I wouldn’t change this job for anything in the world. The people I deal with are very interesting. You meet not just bad people, but the good as well. You just get the excitement in the police car not knowing what call you will get next. I think it is one of the most interesting jobs you could ever have.
By CD on Nov 10, 2008 | Reply
First off, Boosta has obviously been on the wrong side of the law a time of two. Too bad her own actions or those of friends have tainted her view of law enforcement.
Secondly, every day is different. Some days you go home knowing you made a major difference in your community. Some days you go home thinking of the sad things you saw and dealt with. Either way, you can stand tall knowing you are doing something that most people could not deal with on a daily basis, and doing something for the community. It’s an amazing thing knowing that you and your partners would risk your life for people like Boosta, despite the fact they don’t like you simply because of your profession. Most people would not be able or willing to do that.
Thirdly, you are not going to instantly become an investigator. The time you spend in the field is what prepares you to be a good detective, with knowledge of people, crimes and the law. It is something which should not be overlooked in a law enforcement career as it is your foundation. Good luck on your decision.