What type Sacrifices did you hate to give up but did it anyways to be in the law enforcement?

Hi Isaiah!

I felt like you when I finished college (sociology major) and joined the police department.

The hardest thing for me was that sometimes you had to do things that made you be not true to yourself, and the person you were trying to be. Some examples:

1. making a man take his hat off in the holding cell. No hats were allowed in the cell. He wore one because he had cancer and his hair was falling out. Human dignity would say let him wear it. Couldn't do that though.
2. I had to arrest a man for a parole violation. He was on his way to his mom's funeral.
3. Arresting people who have never been arrested before, but the arrest is for something minor, like criminal trespass, alcohol, marijuana. It seems that might not be the best way to deal with them, but, that's what you have to do.

There are so many things we need to re-think about justice, incarceration, etc. Unfortunately, as an officer, you do your job and take orders. It's nice to be able to give someone a break, but, with cameras literally everywhere nowadays, that could end up costing you your job. For example, suppose someone recorded you letting kids dump out alcohol, and turned it over to the media?

I wish you the best in your career! Let me know if I can be of further help!

Hi Isaiah, law enforcement is a very rewarding career but it certainly does come with sacrifice. I think the hardest things to give up in the beginning were the holidays and weekends.You almost always work when everyone else (friends/family) are off and that can be hard to deal with. Eventually though, you do get used to it and your family and friends learn how to accommodate your schedule. It's also difficult when citizens don't like or appreciate you because of the uniform you wear. It's all worth it though. Good luck to you