For the last two years I have been working a plain clothes felony car.  No assigned calls, no uniform or grooming standards, minimal supervion. Lots of meth labs, robbery stakeouts, vehicle surveilance across the southwestern US. Put away a lot of burglars, robbers and drug dealers. But like all good things it must end.

My choises were test for investigator, test for Sgt or go back to patrol. I'm not a leader in the supervisory sense (my oponion in spite of admins desires) and i'm not ready to hang up my spurs, so no Sgt for me. I cant imagine being an investigator burrried under a never ending pile of cold burglary and theft cases. So I'm going back to a black & white area car effective tonight. Ugh, gotta shave, find a uniform that still fits. I didnt miss the domestic violence reports and traffic collision reports at all.  But I'm sure it will be fun.  My previous asignment gave me a lot of insight into the "bigger picture" and I'm sure those experiances will only make me a more effective street cop than i was before.  

Welcome back... Patrol is my home!

Slick sleeve Patrol Puke!

From a case overloaded, rookie Investigator supervising, stressed out new Sgt!

Some days I think going back to Patrol would be a nice mental vacation (no offense intended). At least no stress over piles of cases that will not go away, no "on call" weeks, no being the DA or the Sheriff's go to guy for special cases, less personal involvement with special victims... I could go on.

I hope to get to use my shiney new stripes as a Patrol Shift Sgt one day but my career path may not allow for that...

Stay safe, man and welcome back into the fishbowl!

Welcome back to the shit pit.  

Quoted:
Welcome back to the shit pit.   [/quote

+1              

and hope for a 1-man patrol...

Good luck man.

So I'm right for wanting to get on the jump out squad?

Patrol is, and always will be, the front line.  I miss it to the point that I find myself waiting until after busniess hours, then hitting the street until 2300 after having worked a full duty day.

Good luck.  Some people don't realize the 'freedom' that exists as a patrol officer.  Just answering your calls and working your area, that's it.  People can't understand why I don't want to promote.

Good luck man, I always enjoyed patrol.  I'll go back one day.

There is no greater satisfaction than doing something well that most people will never even get the chance to try to do.  I've been in patrol for 10 years and it is my goal to go out a patrolman in 10 more.  Definitely one of the last  jobs left with any hint of nobility or honor.

Be safe brother.

Still entry level after how many years?

Quoted: Patrol is, and always will be, the front line.  I miss it to the point that I find myself waiting until after busniess hours, then hitting the street until 2300 after having worked a full duty day.

Amen Brother.  I left the U/C narcotics unit after four years U/C to go back "into the bag".  I missed being a "road trooper" so much, and despite dealing with all the b/s, and actually having to show up to work shaven and on time ( ), I have no regrets.  You definitely go back with a greater sense of what "the Job" is all about...........not to mention that it really lets you know that "the street cop" is the backbone of the job.  Good for you, man!!!  Be safe.

11 years patrol. Word through the grape-vine is that I'm being sent to FTO school. Just got the MOI Cert and my agency has started an entry unit. Life is good.

Welcome back to the toilet handle. Don't forget to give it a shake.

Quoted: Still entry level after how many years?

Well thats one way to look at at.  I've only been doing it for 12 years. with occasional assignments to specialty details available to my rank like Gang Unit, Narcotics, regional narcs, diplomatic protection, vice, ect...

It's like saying a surgeon is still entry level becuase he doesnt want to manage the hospital administration.

Quoted: Still entry level after how many years?

Obviously not a cop, eh, Pal?

I have two friends who recently happily turned in their desk jobs for a uniform and patrol.  They love the fact that when the clock strikes you go home and nothing is waiting for you tomorrow.  
It's a noble job and somebody has to do it.  Best if it's done well.
Welcome back  

Quoted: So I'm going back to a black & white area car effective tonight.

 Welcome back, Kotter...

Ugh, gotta shave, find a uniform that still fits.

Don't forget to call folks "Sir" and "Ma'am", not "hey dickhead"... one of our guys who went to Sgt. from UC had a little problem adjusting...  

My previous asignment gave me a lot of insight into the "bigger picture" and I'm sure those experiances will only make me a more effective street cop than i was before.

Keep the good attitude, bro...  and stay safe.