Is it worth it?

[Rifraff]

To become a cop that is. I have looked into becoming a LEO in my small town. The starting salary is $28,000. Currently I drive 40 miles to a bigger city to work and make $37,000 at a grocery store. I would like to posibly become a cop, but why would I risk my life everday for $9,000 less per year. A town by the one I work starts out at $38,000, thats more than I make but not much and its in a different county as me so Im not sure what they would say about that. Is there an added bonus for you guys with the feeling you get from helping out your fellow man?

[Darin]

$37 grand at a grocery store??????????? Dayum! Where do I get an application!

[Rifraff]

Well its really $14.75 an hour, but I work mad overtime. This is what I really dont understand about America, the 2 most important jobs(Teachers being #1, Cops #2) both are very low on the pay scale:( I love children(not like that) but to go to school for 4 years just to start at $24,000. Really this is why our educational system is so screwed up. You get what you pay for. Thats a little off topic but I needed to rant.

[B.Crane]

Most agencies start at about 47,000 out here (california). I think that people become officers/deputies because they have a passion to do it. Im starting the Academy tomorrow, and when I was in the process, I wasnt worried about the money, ive had a passion for this job forever. Im pretty sure its the same with the guys who have been on for years

[Stump]

Rif - If the reason why you want to get into LE is for the money, then you may want to think very hard about it.
Most cops I work with get into it because of the JOB.
Nobody can tell you what choice to make, except you.

[replay]

Rif,
I'm doing it because I want to help others as the primary reason. Another reason is I don't want to sit behind a desk all day when I can be out there interacting with all sorts of different people. The cop I did a ride-along with yesterday gave me the basic answer of "I didn't want to be stuck with a desk job" when I asked him what made him want to be a cop.
I agree with Stump that if you are looking at money as the biggest factor, there are much safer jobs out there that net you the same amount of cash or more, like packing grocery bags all day.

[Rifraff]

Its not about the money. I just cant understand why a cop should make less than a grocery store clerk, granted Ive been there 5 years. I still dont really know what I want out of life, my grandpa was a county sheriff and I thought I would explore law enforcement.

[vadep]

Originally posted by replay
Rif,
I'm doing it because I want to help others as the primary reason.

Very noble. I, personally, like the shiny badge, fast car, and the big gun....

:p

[Soon2bRookie]

I can only speak for myself at this point. The reason i am getting into law enforcement is also becasuse i can't have a job where i sit behind a desk l day. I am also very good with people and problem solving, i think two MAJOR points to LE. To me its not abut the money. Its about going to a job everyday that you enjoy doing.Here in South Florida, starting salary is around $35K. When you combine that with the overtime opportunities, you have a chance to make decent money, if thats one of the criteria that you are looking for. A good friend of mine, whose 22, has made an average of 45-52k a year since he has been working, about 3 years.Think about it..if you love doing your job, then overtime would be cake. Hope this helps a little.

[911]

Move states. There isn't a grocery clerk in CO making more than me! My PD, like many,here, tops out at over $55K in a few years.

[Sherry52]

Sherry, spamming is not allowed here. You posted your website on this board already and further posting for the sole reason of advertising your website is considered spamming.

[warlock]

i grappled with the same problem, to go into LE or not to go into LE...that is the question! :P

No really I would agree that if you go into LE, money shouldn't be your primary motivator, bc there isn't any money in LE...at least at the local level. But at the same time, what happens if you have a family, and you need to pay a morgage...etc, money becomes an issue real fast.

All things considered, I think LE are underpaid for their jobs, considering the long, hard hours they work(always on call/working holidays)and the risk they endure day to day.

Yet for some reason, so many ppl want to go into this field, where the pay is terrible(esp if you came in with a 4 yr degree), and the risk is high. You don't even know if you'll be coming back to see your husband/wife or children each day.


Blows my mind sometimes


James

[modeler80]

or even better the local community wants better/more police activity, but isn't willing to pass anything to help fund it. The county jail where I am is on the verge of releasing 145 prisoners, cutting 60 jobs and shutting four wings down due to lack of funding.

[warlock]

That sux bro. Any way you guys can get a petition going or something? After all the elected officials make decisions supposedly based the public feeling and opinions of the people. Perhaps if you circulated something about ppl willing to pay a small tax so these prisoners wouldn't be released and jobs lost, you may be able to prevent this catastrophe.


James

[Sherry52]

Originally posted by Sherry52
Sherry, spamming is not allowed here. You posted your website on this board already and further posting for the sole reason of advertising your website is considered spamming.

I am terribly sorry! I am new to this and I honestly just wanted for people to see what is really involved. I really didn't mean anything by it! Honestly! Sorry again