what is the best thing about being a cop.

Hi Josh!

Sorry no one answered your question sooner!

For me, the best thing about being a cop was not having to worry about having a wardrobe. Other good things: shiftwork - means you miss the traffic jams; Department might have a gym.

It builds self-confidence. Imagine showing up to a disturbance, fresh from the academy, 22 years old, and everyone looks to you to come up with a solution. The camaraderie is great - you get to joke around with each other pretty good with no one getting offended. You learn leadership. If you are the lead officer on a call, others, even those senior to you, will follow your direction. There are opportunities to go to school, tuition assistance, ability to specialize and plan for a second career.

There are also financial incentives: various specialty pays, deferred compensation (investing with tax deferred income), overtime, side jobs, court appearances. You meet lots of people.

It is at times intellectually challenging, as you plot ways to out smart the bad guys. And there is still a sense of community support and appreciation, and you get that lump in your throat when some little kid comes up and shakes your hand.

a rather unique experience. . . !