Posted: 4/13/2004 3:00:24 PM EDT
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I am thinking about persuing a career in law enforcement. I am a student and have no past experience in this field but I have spoken with random CPD officers and they tell me that they are always looking. I have researched requirements for both CPD and OSHP and I believe that I am qualified. The final descision to persue this idea is mine, but I was hoping to get some input on this topic... *I know, pretty vague... any input would be appreciated. |
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Columbus Cop work some TERRRIBLE areas during bad times, as their first assignments. Are you from Columbus area? Would you like to work the Bottoms or Cleveland Ave or between Morse and 161 at 2 AM? Just sometheing to consider and make sure you are OK with. My understanding is that Columbus pays very well compared to other dept's. What about the Sheriff's? Probably a better job. Drawback there is that I understand you work jail duty for a while. That would really suck. |
| Thank you all for your input, I do live in the central ohio area and I know exactly what you are talking about... Some areas can be pretty bad, but I also understand that that comes with the territory. On the other hand, I would definitely dislike working in a jail, the whole point is to be out in the city which is why OSHP (from what I understand) would be kind of boring, driving around the interstates looking for drunks and drug runners... Another question I have is could I as a CPD officer, later persue a career with the Highway Patrol? Though I think it may be somewhat boring, I hear their training is para-military style, and anyway what do I know... OSHP requirements are similar to CPD from what I read, just a little more difficult. When I first read the requirements I did a couple of them with no difficulties, 31 sit ups in a minute, 23 pushups, etc. I really think I can do this... Plus all the LEO rifles I can afford!!! (The REAL reason emerges...) -Op |
Fixed it for you, Collin. I thought you said you said you get to Columbus pretty often? |
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Both shotar and Colin have convinced me (good points)... CPD it is, I am now on their mailing list which will give me the dates of testing and such. I am planning on scheduling a ride along, is that gay (no offense to our homo shooters...)? I figure it'll give me a chance to see what it might really be like (shadowing), you know bank robberies and shoot-outs on High st., that kind of stuff. Thanks again for your input, nothing in life is certain except death and taxes, but I am honestly leaning towards this idea and I appreciate all your info.... *Are any of you in law enforcement? |
| No, but interact with several CPD regularly through work and friends. And dealt with OSHP while running a group at the State Fairgrounds for several years. They were really professional guys under patrol and emergency situations. I liked them as patrolmen and people very much. |
Well said. Fuck the OSP. They are little more than armed tax collectors. |
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If you want a Para Military academy skip OSP and go for the REAL military. Take advantage of that GI bill at least! (wish I did) I am a state DNR cop. NO pay raises here of ANY kind since July 1st, 2002. GO CPD. Yes it's tough, but you have so many options. If you want to do SWAT you can go that direction. road/freeway patrol, bike patrol, motorcycle patrol, K9, Helicopter (yea OK I'm sure that's just about impossible to get), DARE Officer, etc...... OK I know some of those are considdered "gay" as you would say, but hey it's options. I do say that several individual OSP officers I've met did appear human, and otherwise nice individuals. I do like the drug interdiction work some of the OSP K9 officers are doing over towards Toledo on the turnpike. |
| Hate to disagree with my pal shotar but.....I don't know about CPD's pay scale, but I believe the patrol's pay is on a par with anyone elses, and better than most. They probably don't get the OT that CPD gets, but I've never heard of a trooper being laid off either. Also, their retirement package is excellent. PS, don't think their only duty is traffic, they can get into many specialized assignements. I hope this thread doesn't turn into a bash fest, it usually does.....Feel free to IM me.... |
The only officers that are the true ticket writters for CPD are the Highway officers. CPD is so sapped for man-power right now, that the officers are having to stack calls. The vast majority of the street units could care less about writting traffic tickets at this point, unless of course, you put your head in your ass right in front of them. The Highway units, on the other hand, go through a box of pens in one shift! At this point, I would rather get pulled over by OHP than them. You stand a better chance of getting out of a ticket! |
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Sig: Its just me, but I had so much fun working in the inner city, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Nothing in a young officers career will provide such a vast array of experience in so short a time except perhaps being with a grossly understaffed rural Sheriff's department. They are two extremes of the same spectrum. Now as to pay and benefits, certainly OHP is good, but the cities tend to be a bit better I think. Besides, that whole crew cut thing really creeps me out. |
| If you want to be a cop, go CPD. If you want to drive around and write tickets all day then go to the OSHP. I took my basic academy at OSHP, and while it is Para-military, it is a piece of cake. I wouldn't trade working in an urban environment for anything. I have a blast every night I go to work..... |
lol I'm sure you do.. I live right in the heart of it.. |
Ditto. If you want to be a Cop, be a Cop. If you want to write tickets and weigh trucks, go OSP. OSP is way too image conscious. That breeds a symbolism over substance attitude. |
Funny you mention that b/c we have an ex troop running our operation now. We are running into a lot of fluffy changes to make us "look more professional." I'm sorry but a button-up shirt and campaign hat suck on a boat! There's going to be a lot of lost hats this summer... |
| Change that to are dangerous on a boat. That campaign hat could seriously hinder safe operations as it might well serve to reduce visibility to the operator or the boat. Button down shirt?? Also stupid and far less functional, besides who is gonna see it under the PFD. |
OMG --- there is nothing less competent to run a "POLICE" force than a ex Ohio State Trooper, and yet all the tard council persons and mayors think they are the best. Just goes to show you as long as you look good, you can get away with anything. It is looks that count not deeds. JMO |
Not necessarily. Depends on department policy. Some will hire straight to the road, some you have to be jail for X amount of time first. Or you could hire in as a CO, and try to get a road slot when one opens up. However,
You got that right. It gets old dealing with the worst humanity has to offer on a regular basis, and gettin paid shit for it. You can only put up with wife beaters, drug dealers, theives, child molestors, and rapists for so long. When you add in a county that doesnt want to give raises, a jail administrator that makes you do at least half of HIS work then accuses you of not doing your job, and the fact that there is only one CO on duty at a time, you can see why it sucks so damn bad. |