family concerns

[JasonAF]

I am considering a career in LE, I am curious about shifts for new officers. I am currently in the military and deployed out of the country 180 days out of the year. I would like to be there for my family...is it standard for a new officer to get the night and weekend shifts? If so, how long before you can work up to the day shift? Thanks for your help

[Hopeful]

Long shifts are common in LE. Our local schedule (b.c.) is 2x12's days, 2x12s nights, 4 off.

I'm sure it varies from place to place of course but I think 5x8 is probably pretty uncommon these days.

[Charlie]

JasonAF--

Depends upon the LE agency you end up working at. That's what it truly boils down to. ;D

If you want a career that better suits the 9-5, M-F, an LE career will not work for both you and the family IF they are not willing to adapt to the unique demands of the profession. If you are currently military, then I would suspect your family is likely to adjust to this much easier than most. ;D

Typically, at a lot of agencies, peak activity levels are evenings to early morning hours in most cases. Therefore, if you are the new guy/rookie, you'll likely end up working on a shift with a lot of activity to help you get trained. Of course, the other factor which comes into play as well are seniority issue. Obviously, the veterans (And depending upon one's rank/position) likely are assigned the better days off and shifts. How quickly does one move into something better in terms of scheduling? Again, depends on the department, the size of the department, positions opened on other shifts, etc. Yeah, it could take a few years too depending upon where your at on the pecking order.

Hope this helps.

Charlie

[JasonAF]

Thanks guys for your answers. I have talked with my wife about it and she is supportive. Right now I am not even in the country, so to her anything sounds better as long as we get to see each other every day. Thanks again, you've been a big help to me.