Would you want to be a police officer in today's society?

SFC Collin McMillion — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 18:39:01 -0400

With all the religious, cultural, ethnic, immigration, etc. problems we face today would you still want to be in law enforcement? Please use a little common sense and respect if you respond!

Response by Sgt Cody Dumont made Mar 19 at 2015 6:42 PM

Sgt Cody Dumont — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 18:42:09 -0400

No, I don't have the temperament for it and I would not got to jail for some criminal doing something stupid.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 19 at 2015 6:43 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 18:43:12 -0400

Remember the old saying, "Cops are the last ones wanted, but the first ones called!".

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 8:23 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 20:23:09 -0400

Call me naïve, but I don't believe the problems with race, immigration, and religion are nearly as bad as you would believe by our media. Politicians need problems to fix, media moguls need problems to report. They're just stirring the pot. I don't mean there aren't things wrong in America, and I don't mean that there's no racism in our country. But it's not what you see on TV or the internet, I don't believe.
I am using my tuition benefits to go to college right now. I intend to get a 2 year degree in criminal justice and get a job as a cop. So, yes, I don't have a problem with the idea of being a policeman today.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 19 at 2015 8:45 PM

COL Charles Williams — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 20:45:08 -0400

Same as we always wanted... Fair, Impartial, and one who goes to work every day knowing they are there to serve our communities.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 9:04 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 21:04:10 -0400

Not NO but He!! NO

Response by SPC Daniel Edwards made Mar 19 at 2015 9:09 PM

SPC Daniel Edwards — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 21:09:21 -0400

I grew up in a racist family. And when I say racist, I mean think of the most racist person you could ever think of and my family, especially my dad and sister, will have them beat easily. I can handle someone yelling racial remarks in my face after 33 years (age: confirmed). As an officer, that definitely would not bother me and I would never be racist to someone because I would not want someone to be racist to me. Give me a damn body camera. Hell, have a news crew follow me around. I don't care. The police officer's job is to insure the enforcement of the law. That would be my way of thinking. I want to be a cop. I am working on getting out and being an officer is one of the first on my list.

Response by BG David Fleming III made Mar 19 at 2015 9:14 PM

BG David Fleming III — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 21:14:04 -0400

Yes, but you got to keep your head on a swivel and stay educated in case law. A good cop know that if he is doing his job well there is a strong chance he is going to get a complaint against him at some point. That's the nature of the business. If your in it for the money, get out!!! It's not for the faint of heart.

Response by SSgt June Worden made Mar 19 at 2015 9:17 PM

SSgt June Worden — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 21:17:20 -0400

Great question! I look forward to other responses too, however, I have a comment or two first.

There is no doubt that society's challenges certainly affect law enforcement and the dynamics of policing. Dealing with each issue as it presents itself professionally takes fortitude and integrity.

After serving more than 20 years as a Trooper I can tell you that there is no greater calling than to serve the public. Everyone here has done that is some capacity. LEOs see society at its worst and often times at its best.

Although I have been retired for 4 years, I am in daily contact with friends that still don the uniform every day. They reiterate their frustrations, yet continue to conduct themselves beyond reproach, just as they were trained to do. I should know, I trained quite a few of them. That is not to say that they are not flawed....

There have been instances of impropriety and the offending LEO has been held accountable up to and including loss of employment and arrest. We are and should be held to a higher standard. We are not perfect, we make mistakes and expect to be held accountable.

So the long answer to your question... Yes, I would do it all again even today!!! May every LEO make it home safely today and always.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 9:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 21:33:06 -0400

I would continue to work Law Enforcement after I leave the Army. I enjoy what I do.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 19 at 2015 9:51 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 21:51:54 -0400

I have tremendous respect for our law enforcement officers however, I will not personally pursue that as the next career.

Response by CPL Jesse Vasconcelos made Mar 19 at 2015 9:53 PM

CPL Jesse Vasconcelos — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 21:53:58 -0400

As a member of the police force I believe with our military experience it makes it easier to deal with today's society.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 19 at 2015 11:27 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 23:27:31 -0400

Yes.
I was deemed too old for two local departments (even though in better shape and better educated, and more experience than many in the departments)

And one department I applied to, has a 2 or 3 try at the application process history and I just could not dedicate 2 years of trying to get hired there.