Posted: 1/26/2004 8:23:20 PM EDT
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I am currently thinking about changing my career options. right now i am in my third year of getting my Elementary teaching degree but im thinking about trying to become a law officer. i still plan on finishing college with a teaching degree to fall back on. but i was wondering if there was any advice u could give me. thanks p.s. i really respect what u guys do on a day in day out basis. thank u and be safe |
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Quoted: right now i am in my third year of getting my Elementary teaching degree but im thinking about trying to become a law officer. i still plan on finishing college with a teaching degree to fall back on. [naughty] Good this will help you when it comes time to train your fellow officers(Fire/EMS types too). [LOLabove] |
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Do some ride alongs with local agencies in your area. If after that you still want to do it....run away...run far away. Stick with the teaching job...the pays just a shitty, and its safer! If after that you are undecided you might consider becoming a reserve or auxillary officer on your off time atleast that way you can see what you will be getting into before you make any REAL commitment. Just a thought! |
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You will be well served to follow the above advice about going for "ride alongs" because Police work IS NOT for everyone and a lot of good officers get out of it after about 3 to 5 years. I have several friends that I feel are very good officers that have been committed to helping their fellow man no matter what the consequences but due to the "political correctness" and "governmental political bullshit" they have become weary. I for one am too damn old and too far committed to my choosen profession to change. I still love police work but I will admit, sometimes when I go 10-8, I just don't want to deal with some of the everyday crap. I have recently found myself acting as a cheerleader to two friends that are going through some tough times. They are squared away and I would follow them into any situation. It would be a shame to loose these guys. You could also teach and serve as a Reserve officer if full time was not satisfactory. Good luck, we need all the good help we can get. |
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The Reserve/Auxiliary option is a very good way to find out if LE work is what you want to do. You can start the process while you are still in school and by the time you finish your degree & teaching labs, you should have a good idea of which career you want...or you could do both. My Department has an excellent auxiliary program. All auxiliary officers are certified through the same academy as the regular oficers. After an auxiliary officer has completed the mandatory field training program (after graduating from the academy) they patrol by themselves and handle the same calls as the regular officers. Many of our auxiliary officers end up deciding to become regular officers (which many times involves a pay cut) once they realize that it is what they want to do. |
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Quoted: Don't forget about the hours! No Mon-Fri 8-4. We are talkin about workin weekends, holidays and those dreaded mids. Hey, I LIKE mids. That's when the really "unique" people come out. Ride alongs are good advice, as is COMPLETELY investigating the history of any dept you apply to. If you are married, better include the wife in this decision. As for the job itself, most officers will hit "The Wall" sometime in their third or fourth year, Esp. if the work a high volume patrol area. It's critical to recognise what this is. Alcohol problems, suicides, marital breakup. All are a possibility. |
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tusk212 good luck in anything you do. I've been working the road for a little over 22 years. Been a working road sergeant for a buncha years. Never had an inside job with the department. I have seen many great cops come and go, some not so great. At least they tried what they thought was right for them. Being a school teacher is a tough job, sometimes easier, sometimes harder than the road. I myself, could not be a teacher. I've trained a lot of new cops and enjoyed it. Some have moved up in other departments, after leaving our's. Not much movement in my department. It's usually a stepping stone for other departments. I agree, try the ride along. If you like it, become a reserve or auxiliary officer. That's what I did. Did the reserve thing for 8 months. Went full time after that. I have to admit, I have looked back but I'm where I belong. [u] Most importantly, finish collage and get your teaching degree[/u]. In some states, a college degree can put extra money in your paycheck, incentive pay. Your can also use the teaching degree in police work. Good trainers are always needed. If a law enforcement career is not for you, you have the teaching degree to fall back on. Again, good luck with the career you choose. Be safe in the classroom or on the road. P.S. I agree with Johninaustin. The unique people come out of the woodwork during MIDS. "Oh boy, do they". But working 11.5 hrs. a night, they keep you awake. Colt_SBR |