Is law enforcement a viable career to raise a family?

The short answer is, Yes! I spent 40 years on the local, state and federal levels of law enforcement. I never found, even in the early years, that I had to struggle financially, even with a family. The job is different each day, i.e., no two days are the same. If you learn to treat others as you would want to be treated, or better as you would treat a brother, sister, mother or father, you will never go wrong. The camaraderie is a unique part of the service. Because your life depends on your brothers and sisters in uniform, the strength and depth of relationships is remarkable. All your health benefits are covered and those of your family.
At the end of service, there is a safe and steady stream of money and medical benefits. I served in every rank, including Chief of Police. I continue to enjoy the benefits in travel, where I contact other law enforcement personnel in different countries. I belong to several organizations including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Police Association, to mention just two. As I noted at the beginning, the answer is, without question, yes!

I am in my 39th year in law enforcement. I have raised one child who has completed college and is now completing graduate school. It can be a challenge for a single parent due to shift work. You will miss some functions like soccer games but as long as everyone understands why this is necessary it works out fine. But in a 2 parent household, with coordination of schedules it is quite doable. It is also possible for you to continue your own education. I currently have 5 degrees and have earned 3 of them while working in law enforcement full time.

Law Enforcement is a very viable career to raise a family in Texas.
I am not from the California area but I know officers there you are raising families on their dual incomes, but it is like that everywhere.

Yes I had a good life and career. But it is a higher stress job. And it is full of peaks and valleys. Not everyone is cut for it, if you are it is very rewarding serving.

Hello,

As several others have told you the answer is yes. I too have decades of experience and put 2 daughters through college. One graduated from Baylor (not cheap) and the other from Texas A & M.

I will tell you that if you are concerned about finances, especially in L.A. (I would be concerned as well, their economy is not good) Then consider moving. Almost every medium to large agency is looking for personnel. Fastest growing areas are in the central part of Texas and the pay and benefits are good.

Remember, you will never get rich.... That's not the reason one becomes a Cop.

Good luck
JD