Posted: 7/20/2006 7:28:04 PM EDT
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I once worked with a Sheriff's Department in GA. I recently moved to another state, and have been thinking about getting back into law enforcement. I want another county position, but only just because I think we have a bit more freedom and flexibility, and also because when I worked with Chatham County, everyone there told me COUNTY is the best place to be (reasons unknown). I have a couple city offers, and I have been told that I have been selected to take the test for a Trooper position. So basically I can pretty much choose city, county, or state positions. My only questions are this: Job wise, who see the most action? Which organization has the most flexibility to try new/different things? Thanks in advance for any information provided. Also, lets not get into a pissing contest over whos better... 
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For us to pick one would be ridiculous without knowing each agency. YOU need to look at each agency and see what they offer. State means they can put you all over the state. County means they can put you all over the county. It all depends on the size, abilities, philosophies, and overall setup of each agency. Time for you to do some research! |
Generally speaking, the larger the agency, more more flexibility or opportunity to go to different positions. I don't think it matters if it is city, county or state. If there are 2,000 officers in the agency, you can bet there are a lot of assignments other than patrol. If you work for a 12 officer agency, you are going to be limited. If you are looking for action and different assignments, most of the time bigger is better. I don't think it means the bigger agencies are better to work for, they just have more positions/assignments and most of the time have more action. |
State Police can, and will, also make you move for a promotion. here in PRNY (People's Republic of New York) it's a 2-3 hour ride for Sgt. and a longer one for Lt. usually for 18-36 months. Keeps the good family guys down, the climbers who don't really know the job go higher.
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Personally I like county. First I like being able to be in both the city and out in the outskirts. I like the mix. Little bit of city cop, little bit of the highway patrol, little bit of the rural cop. I think it's great. Also nice because right now we're not running from call to call. City handles most of them as they are on their turf. That means the county guys can go look for stuff. Either out in the boonies or we can overlap with city. Lots of places to go. Another thing I like is our city police chief is appointed (mayor can pretty much drop him whenever he feels like it). Sheriff is directly elected by the people. Personally I'd rather work for the elected official himself. |