Question about careen in law enforcement

[jt1010]

I am 34 years old and I want nothing more than becoming a police officer. My question is, If you can't retire until you have served 25 years of duty what will I be doing on the force come my later years, say when i'm about 55-60 years of age? My interest is to work the streets not sit at a desk for 15 years. Maybe someone can tell me the normal career route at my age. Thanks for any information you can provide.

JT :confused:

[corporal716]

I've seen guys working patrol into the mid 50's and one until age 60. If you can still safely do it at that age why not. I knew one guy 63 working in the jail. Being a bailiff in courts can be a great job for older guys too.

[jt1010]

corporal716

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it! I just had a picture of myself not working the way I would chose to if I became a cop (sitting at a desk because of my age.) Again thanks.

[99TAC]

some departments have an age retirement versus having so many years required for retirement. For instance, I believe a local department allows you to retire at like 50 years old or 25 years of service, which ever comes first. You obviously don't have to retire then, however, you are eligible for retirement benefits at either of those times.

[mcsap]

In my dept, you vest your pension at 12 yrs and can leave but you dont get any bennies until you hit the 25 yr mark, and of course it would be a reduced pension.

Having said that, after 15 yrs on the street ( I have 18 plus) having a part time desk job isn't so bad. The bad guys keep getting younger and it is fun to let our young guys go after them. I get an hour or two of desk work per shift, sometimes more sometimes less as a Sgt. Don't worry about it, go for the job.

[darrell]

Old guys around here seem to like the road or the DB (Dective Bereau). The old road dogs as we call them back the youngins up and don't do the paper.

Everytime the older ones stops a kid with 1 joint they look at them and say "Do you know how much paper work this is for me to do if I arrest you? Give me one reason why I should not arrest you for this." The kids always say to give me another chance and so you don't have to do the paper work on it officer.

[mcsap]

I can identify with the "backing up but letting the rookies handle the paperwork " !!!

[darrell]

You know old people they want some action once in a blue moon but don't want the paper to go with it. lol Gotta love senior citizens. LOL J/k MCSAP

[mcsap]

We had our Torch Run for Special Olympic Kids 3 weeks ago. Just a mere 12 miles at a fun run pace. I couldn't convince one person in the entire dept to do it. I did in a comfortable 2 hrs. I am 43.

They had a half Ironman comp here at Disney on Sunday, the oldest who finished were a 67 yr old man and a 68 yr old woman. Swim 1.2 mi , bike 56 mi and run 13.1 mi. I had no idea it was going on or I might have tried it. Seeing those "seniors" finish sure gave me some inspiration.

[darrell]

Look out AARP MCSAP is on his way. Social Security here he comes. LOL No offense all in fun .