Why are you a cop?

[Ragnarok]

I was curious to see if I could get a good number of responses. Why are you a LEO? I often hear people who want to do it, or who are new to the process giving their reasons, which often seem superficial, or grandiose. Those ideals are going to disappear over time, so I'm wondering why all the officers on this board are still officers. Why haven't you quit to so something else.

(I'm thinking of the idealistic young person who's gonna go out and change the world).

How has that changed for you, and why are you doing it now?

[tpd_six]

Actually, I believe it is much harder to quit after you've done it for a while and find out how enjoyable it really is.

I love the fact that I'm trusted in my job, and not supervised in an office 24/7. I like doing something different everyday, having some flexibility with my time, getting to come home for dinner every night, and I personally get to see the scumbags are removed from my city.

[BHG]

To make sure the good people of the world are safe.

[marchaa]

I agree with tpd_six, now that I have been an officer it would be really hard for me to go back to any other job. You are your own boss. Unless there is a call you get to decide what you want to do. You can listen to whatever you want to on the radio. I am available to go home and see my family almost all of the time.

And the job offers a great feeling of accomplishment. If feels great to have taken someone to jail and made things better for someone else. Plus it is fun. You get to see things that most people never will, and if you are an adrenaline junky, it really helps with the cravings.

[retdetsgt]

Actually, I just wanted a job. I was out of the army, selling cars and wanted something more permanent. I went into city civil service to see what they were hiring and the only ones that didn't require experience of advanced education was a cop or a fireman. I hate ladders.

Once I got on, I really enjoyed the job. My dept was full of all sorts of characters who were fun to be around for the most part and I liked dealing with street people. I never was the best pursuit driver or shot at the range, but found I was pretty good at talking to people so I gravitated towards investigations.

I loved being a detective, although I hated working property crimes like burglary. I found I had a knack for interviewing suspects and getting admissions so I focused on sex crimes and then later homicide. I ticked off a Lt. who was the chief's brother in law and got my butt put into dope for 4 years, but that was okay too. I was really angry at first, but realized that the only person I was making miserable was me so I changed my attitude and ended up having a good time there too.

For someone who never had any dream of being a cop, I truly enjoyed the hell out of my career. I can't imagine doing anything for so long and having so much fun. I was sued a few times and got into a couple of shootings, but that's part of the job description. :cool:

[Rad Diver]

I like taking scumbags to jail. Nough Said ;)

[corporal716]

For me at first it wasn't the I want to help people thing.I wanted to do it because everyday was different. Going to work was like solving a big real life puzzel. Then I started to see what was going on and liked being able to help people when they could not help themselves. Once you start its hard to stop. I haven't worked in over a year and I would do anything to go back. It gets into your boold. It becomes who you are. Its had to walk away from. Or in my case limp. :D

Pluse you get to kick a@# , drive fast and play with guns. And they are paying you for it. :eek:

[Oldbillplod]

Here we go again............It beats working for a living

[GoDirectly2Jail]

For the money.



(I was misinformed)

[Switchback]

I stumbled across the job, believe it or not. Once I got to the point that they were going to offer it to me, I knew more about it and wanted it more than anything. I got lucky in the sense that I really love it, coming from another field and all.

I absolutely love the job(it's not like working), I get a lot of variety and they give me really cool toys to play with.

...oh, and I love the game. :D





I reallycan't complain too much about the money.

[Oldbillplod]

For the money.



(I was misinformed)

Ha Ha :D

[Johninaustin]

For the entertainment value. It's LOTS cheaper than cable.

I have this uncontrollable desire to be around stupid people just to see what they are going to do next.:D

[Babysmamadrama]

Not one you said "I wanted to help people." :D

I absolute despise that victimize others and I get a large charge out of catching them and doing my part to see they pay for it. I like to hear the little old lady say, "I sure am glad you are around" or see the relief on someones face when their car is broken down and stuck in traffic. Or just to see the wonder in a kids face before they are a teen. Or seeing that teen turn into something worthwhile.

The discount at Krispy Kreme is awesome.

[K9 Police]

Not one you said "I wanted to help people." :D

I hardly help anyone! If they need help, they usually call the heros (firefighters).

Honestly, I am still debating if this career is for me. I can't bear the thought of working in an office Monday through Friday, 8-5. I do enjoy the job but I also think that there will be more for me as I grow older in the job. I don't really know if I will make a life-time career out of it or not. Depends how it goes I would assumme.

I agree with the others though. Once you are in the job, you are almost stuck. Same as when you join a department. Yes, it can be easy to leave but it would be hard as hell to start all over again.

I bet if you asked a lot of officers at departments why they are still doing their job they would be hard pressed to find an answer. The older veterans would probably say that they are just waiting for retirement. The young guys would say the excitement, adrenaline rushes, everyday is different, yada, yada. They would have a lot more to say if you asked them why they hate the job, or their department!

K9

[Group9]

I don't know what got me started on it. All I know is that ever since I knew I wanted to be anything, I wanted to be a detective. I like investigating crimes and I like the challenge of catching someone who is trying not to be caught.