3 answers
Izequiel
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
Asked
667 views
Is becoming a police officer actually worth the risk?
I’m in 8th grade and have always wanted to become a police officer. I have seen the benefits but now I question the safety of myself becoming a police officer. I wonder if it is worth the risk. If you can help me answer my questions please contact me.
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3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1835
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Izequiel,
The rewards in law enforcement come in small ways - the very BIG way that you manage to make a difference in someone's life. It's not going to be on the evening news. You aren't going to solve all the crime problems or end homelessness. But, in some small way, every day, you reach people on a very personal level.
Your training, and common sense, help to keep you safe. You are the one deciding when, and where, you tell someone they are under arrest. Just because you know they have a warrant for their arrest doesn't mean you arrest them in front of their friends/family. You will try to get them to walk with you back to the car while you "look something up" or some other excuse.
I once had someone thank me for arresting them! It started out as a traffic accident. The male driver was not intoxicated. The female passenger was. Normally, she would have gone with him, as the car was drivable. However, I determined that she did not even know the guy! So I arrested her for public intoxication. There's no telling how that would have ended up had they not wrecked the car.
Yes, it's dangerous. If you are being "called" to the profession because of pay and benefits, look into skilled trades positions. If you want to make a difference in people's lives, become a cop.
Hope this helps!
Kim
The rewards in law enforcement come in small ways - the very BIG way that you manage to make a difference in someone's life. It's not going to be on the evening news. You aren't going to solve all the crime problems or end homelessness. But, in some small way, every day, you reach people on a very personal level.
Your training, and common sense, help to keep you safe. You are the one deciding when, and where, you tell someone they are under arrest. Just because you know they have a warrant for their arrest doesn't mean you arrest them in front of their friends/family. You will try to get them to walk with you back to the car while you "look something up" or some other excuse.
I once had someone thank me for arresting them! It started out as a traffic accident. The male driver was not intoxicated. The female passenger was. Normally, she would have gone with him, as the car was drivable. However, I determined that she did not even know the guy! So I arrested her for public intoxication. There's no telling how that would have ended up had they not wrecked the car.
Yes, it's dangerous. If you are being "called" to the profession because of pay and benefits, look into skilled trades positions. If you want to make a difference in people's lives, become a cop.
Hope this helps!
Kim
Kim,
Thank you for sharing your own personal experience! This was super helpful in helping me make my decision in wanting to pursue my dream of becoming a police officer. Once again thank you!
Izequiel
James Hammond
Criminal Investigator at Dallas County District Attorney's Office
40
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
James’s Answer
Yes, there are risks associated with being a police officer, but rewards far exceed the risks. Here are two events I experienced.
Working overnight we answered a burglar alarm at a pharmacy. One burglar was inside stealing drugs, the other outside ready to shoot at the police answering the alarm, which was us. After a short pursuit, they were apprehended. Dangerous, yes, but it resolved with no injuries.
Event #2 - Suspicious noise call, again middle of the night. Residents were an elderly couple and the wife's mother (90s). There was a banging noise and they feared someone was attempting to break in. I checked the perimeter and found a broken limb striking the gutter. I brought the owner and showed him, and he was so relieved. I also told him that even though it was just a broken limb that I would make sure to check on his home as I patrolled at night and would let the other deep-night officers know also. Seeing the relief in his eyes was vey rewarding.
It has never mattered to me if anyone specifically remembered my name, but I did want them to remember that when they were in a crisis that it was a police officer that was there to help.
Check with your local law enforcement agencies if they have a youth Police Explorer program.
Working overnight we answered a burglar alarm at a pharmacy. One burglar was inside stealing drugs, the other outside ready to shoot at the police answering the alarm, which was us. After a short pursuit, they were apprehended. Dangerous, yes, but it resolved with no injuries.
Event #2 - Suspicious noise call, again middle of the night. Residents were an elderly couple and the wife's mother (90s). There was a banging noise and they feared someone was attempting to break in. I checked the perimeter and found a broken limb striking the gutter. I brought the owner and showed him, and he was so relieved. I also told him that even though it was just a broken limb that I would make sure to check on his home as I patrolled at night and would let the other deep-night officers know also. Seeing the relief in his eyes was vey rewarding.
It has never mattered to me if anyone specifically remembered my name, but I did want them to remember that when they were in a crisis that it was a police officer that was there to help.
James recommends the following next steps:
James,
Thank you for providing me with this thoughtful letter. Thank you for sharing your opinion on becoming a successful law enforcer.
Izequiel
Lindsey Louder
Jail Deputy
2
Answers
Manzanola, CO
Updated
Lindsey’s Answer
The Job is well worth it. Yes there are risks involved with the job. But the reward of the job makes the job worth while. The connections you make with in your career both in the community and the department and other departments is well worth the stress. It’s a very rewarding career.