what drives you?

[cacy87]

I'm really interested in going into law enforcement. Granted, I'm only 17 so I've got a couple years before I can really get going on that path. From reading forums such as these I've heard over and over about how stressful and demanding the job can be. I know you've probably been asked this over and over so sorry in advance, but what is it about the job that makes it worth all the stress and risks? And at the end of the day, are you happy with your decision to be in this field?

[Retired Trooper]

yes its worth it. Its about having a job you like and have fun at. Granted there is alot of low times there are many more good times. I have no one reason driving me and its hard to put into words but I feel im in the perfect job for myself.

[Rad Diver]

THere are lows, i.e. going to a murder scene and the victim's children watch their spouse do it, Accident scenes w/dead children, rapes, etc.

But then, where else can you talk to prostitutes and not be thought of poorly, j/k ;)

Good parts: catch the sob who killed someone, rape suspects,getting drugs/druggies off the streets, etc.

Hope ya like to write cause 30% of the job is writing reports. I spent 4 hours the other night writing reports.

[Samuel]

Among other things, for the "fun" (when there is some of it) and the camaraderie (when there is some of it)...

[codered]

ditto with all of the above, and ...since your only 17 there 'cacy' you should continue with your education , this job will always be here.

[R1364]

Deleted by poster

[mcsap]

To a degree , we are on our own , are not chained to a desk and get to help some and arrest others. There are PLENTY of people committing crimes 24/7 and they will continue to do so unless caught.

[cacy87]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm definatly plan on going to college and getting a degree in education or business because I've been warned multiple times about getting a degree in Criminal Justice. I'm reading all these books, doing ride alongs and talking to as many people as I can about LE to really get a feel for what its all about. I've heard some negative things about being a cop but for some reason it doesn't steer me away from wanting to be in that field. I'm glad to hear you all think it's worth it, that reaffirms my desires to go into LE. One thing I can't imagine is being 30 years old, sitting behind a desk and wishing I'd done something more exciting with my life (like LE!). Oh yeah, what would you guys recommend minoring in, I was thinking physchology or something along that field. I've also heard that public administration may be the way to go. Any thoughts/advice? Or if you could go back to school and do it all over again, is there somehting you wish you had studied that would be a big help to you now? Thanks again, your responses are a big help.

[mcsap]

Something in computers is certainly good to have , we use them constantly and are in NEED of cops who can forensically deal with them. ( all I can do is unplug them