So...my best friend was just sworn in

[willis_44]

My best friend was just sworn in as a police officer today. He is like a brother to me, as I am to him. I had always considered the police officer route for myself but chose the more lucrative (ie, higher paying) white collar job instead. He is well aware of my past interest in law enforcement, so he fills me in on all of the details that he knows I would be curious about.

So that brings me to my question. My friend has been very talkative about the academy and law enforcement since he began the initial tests. He confides in me all of the details and emotions (for the academy at least so far) that he knows his wife would not be able to understand/relate. I press for details on some things, but more often than not, he volunteers his feelings/experiences without me asking.

So what happens when he hits the streets and the crap really starts flying? When I talk with him, should I be his "out" for these things? Should I encourage him to talk about his work or will I be the "rock" that represents life outside of law enforcement? I am very aware that this will almost always be a personal preference, but I am interested to see what you guys think. Do you discuss work with your best friends or would you rather be cutting up about women or the ballgame? I will probably let him dictate how much he really wants to talk about work but would love to have some insight from the people who have been doing this for years.

[mcsap]

If he wants to talk to you , so be it. I dont tell my wife everything that I tell my brothers.

[Legoate]

I personally try to avoid all cop talk when I'm away from work. It's nice to speak to people who aren't cops to get some perspective and hear how normal people live their life since we generally only see the extremes of behavior at work.

[TX-LEO]

I personally try to avoid all cop talk when I'm away from work. It's nice to speak to people who aren't cops to get some perspective and hear how normal people live their life since we generally only see the extremes of behavior at work.

+1. I generally don't bring it up either, even with my wife. I like to be out of "the mode" at home, or try.

[smcc360]

So that brings me to my question. My friend has been very talkative about the academy and law enforcement since he began the initial tests. He confides in me all of the details and emotions (for the academy at least so far) that he knows his wife would not be able to understand/relate. I press for details on some things, but more often than not, he volunteers his feelings/experiences without me asking.

I've highlighted his problems. He'll need to get rid of those things.