Why do YOU want to become a Police Officer??

[MrsJamaf]

well Cab....you'll be getting the best of both worlds cuz untill you earn the pants with the yellow stripe at depot, you'll be wearing what many cadets call 'McDonald pants'...lol

[me]

Cab said:

Oh.....I just about forgot, I have trouble with matching clothing (colours, styles)...so wearing a uniform is a big plus. It's either policing or a McDonald's uniform ;D

I think the ladies dig the batton too The batton is where it at my friends, its all in the batton...thats right....

[Eric]

Well guys and gals I must say for my part I have not allways wanted be to an officer and I'm still not sure if its what I want to devote my life to , but here are my reason anyhow; the chance to help others in their moments of needs, good variety of work, the team aspect of things, the feeling that after a days work you've actually done something to better the country/city we live in, being in situations and places that would otherwise remain hidden and the personal challenge that being an officer brings also seems very interesting.

On an other note I was very pleased to read about the cops playing arcade games with the kids. I think thats an excellent example of officers taking the initiative in their community and would love to hear about more similar examples.

Eric

[PATrooper4347]

Hey all, Havent been on the board in a long while, its been a busy but grat summer, I saw this post and had to put my 2 cents in.

I got to work as a LEO this summer and it was defenitly the best experience of my life. I can say for sure that this is the careear for me. There is defenitly a high level of respect for this postition, granted people can have thier negative opinions.

As for my experience I learend alot about myself as a person as well, I was able to look back at some of my dealings with the police and suddenly realized why they were the way they were. My personal approach was to be very stern at the beginning of any encounter, this goes either way, people become nervous and think this cop is gonna be a hard ass, or they will respect it and deal with it. This approach also tells whoever your talking to that you are in control at that moment. I found most people were compliant in whatever I dealt with them about and I would ease up and most people would become fairly at ease. (Ive had people shake my hand after I issued them a citation). I

Although nobody like to be "caught" by the police and generally most encounters with police deal with something in the negative I think most of the population does support and respect the police. I learend that 95% of people are good people, but as for the police they deal with the other 5% every day!

Just some thoughts, Good to see most of you are still hard at work following your dreams.

[Charlie]

It's been awhile since I have last dropped in but please consider my thoughts about this discussion IF some of you ever get the opportunity to fulfill that "dream" of becoming a LEO. I think it is generally universal "stuff."

I have read a lot of the posts in which most seem to indicate the common reasons most people decide the profession is their calling. But, I would also like to take it one step further. IF you land the job, how do you keep it and be successful???

Please consider the following as some of "Charlie's food for thought":

-- It's NOT the badge, the uniform, the baton (as someone mentioned) or the gun. Nor is it the cruiser you drive with all the lights, sirens, MDT's, video system, and other bells & whistles. It's what's "inside" you & your actions that makes you a true professional law enforcement officer! After all, any fool can wear the uniform and look just like the next schmuck wearing the same uniform!

-- When the time comes,...don't express the classic text book B.S. about WHY you want to be a cop because it's what someone else told you to say. Sit back and think seriously about this thread's question and think of an honest answer for that time you're sitting in front of an oral board. WHY do you want to do it? What may perhaps make you more deserving of the job than any other applicant? Remember, the Chief and/or oral board members have heard it all...

-- Just because you'll wear a badge, gun & uniform does NOT make you automatically right. Maintain humility and avoid arrogance.

-- Anyone can demand respect BUT,...earning it is an entirely different matter...Classic golden rule applies under most "normal" social circumstances: "Treat people as you would like to be treated."

-- If you think you're tough... remember there is ALWAYS someone else out there who is tougher and badder than you are!

-- One of the most important keys to success is simply common sense & good judgment.

-- Don't EVER forget where you come from should you move up the "food chain" into supervision.

-- Maintain your integrity. If you lose that, you've got nothing!

Just my humble opinion....
--
Charlie

[me]

hmmmmm....naaa, I'm still in it for the uniform and the batton.... ;D