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What is the environment like being in law enforcement?
Is the environment good or bad?
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6 answers
Michael Branham
Retired 40 plus years Officer to Chief (Director/Constable, as well).
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Michael’s Answer
Good Afternoon, Emmaleigh! Mark (above) brings up a good point about regions where you want to live and work. After that, what I would want you to ask yourself is......If not YOU then WHO is going to be the future of law enforcement! It always has been and always will be a very demanding career field. We are supposed to be a Nation of Laws and a society that wishes to be both free from unreasonable intrusion from the government as well as free to go about our everyday lives in a safe and secure manner. This also means being free from criminals and others who wish to diminish your lifestyle or hurt you and those you care about. City Councils, State and County Boards/Legislatures MAKE the laws and the police ENFORCE said laws. That means SOME people are not always going to be happy that we did so or agree that something had to be done or how we did it. Recent history has given us great examples of how defunding the police or keeping them from performing their duties in very appropriate and well managed ways harms everyone (Including those who wanted us to go away). In the end, most reasonable people simply do not want that. Instead, what most people want are safe, orderly and secure neighborhoods, towns & cities with appropriate police.
Look for Communities that both hold their police/sheriff's office accountable, but who also back and support the fact that we are the first ones to call when there is trouble or something that doesn't seem legal or you need help. As an officer/deputy/trooper in those settings you and your personal life are going to held to very high standards (and you should be). Out of 100 or so applicants, agencies take far less than 10 percent of those who apply and place them into an Academy, then we field train them (and some do not meet standards and are dropped from the department) and then most require at least a full year as a trainee before making probation and being allowed to fully function by one's self as well as becoming a full time member of the department. The best should be a VERY STRUCTURED departments with a great deal of transparency, proper oversight and a common goal of citizen service with INTEGRITY, HONOR and SELFLESS SERVICE being number one focal point everyday. Being an officer is a privilege and it can and should be taken away if we violate the public's trust, abuse our authority or believe WE are above the law (WE are not)! These types of well run, well supervised departments are what all communities really want.
Many people before you have asked themselves that Question I put out in the beginning. If not YOU than WHO and they have stepped up and taken on those challenges. The press, movies and others want to discourage you and those currently taking up the role and make you believe people don't care either for us or that we exist. It is simply not true! We have always needed well run. honest departments in the past, we REALLY Need them today and absolutely will need them in the future. YOU and those can accept the calling with all of the scrutiny, oversight and drive to make communities better CAN and DO make a real difference. Seek out those in places where you have an interest. Talk to them and see if you are going to be the next generation to make us all safe! They really do indeed (as well as all of the rest of us) NEED YOU!
Best Wishes
Look for Communities that both hold their police/sheriff's office accountable, but who also back and support the fact that we are the first ones to call when there is trouble or something that doesn't seem legal or you need help. As an officer/deputy/trooper in those settings you and your personal life are going to held to very high standards (and you should be). Out of 100 or so applicants, agencies take far less than 10 percent of those who apply and place them into an Academy, then we field train them (and some do not meet standards and are dropped from the department) and then most require at least a full year as a trainee before making probation and being allowed to fully function by one's self as well as becoming a full time member of the department. The best should be a VERY STRUCTURED departments with a great deal of transparency, proper oversight and a common goal of citizen service with INTEGRITY, HONOR and SELFLESS SERVICE being number one focal point everyday. Being an officer is a privilege and it can and should be taken away if we violate the public's trust, abuse our authority or believe WE are above the law (WE are not)! These types of well run, well supervised departments are what all communities really want.
Many people before you have asked themselves that Question I put out in the beginning. If not YOU than WHO and they have stepped up and taken on those challenges. The press, movies and others want to discourage you and those currently taking up the role and make you believe people don't care either for us or that we exist. It is simply not true! We have always needed well run. honest departments in the past, we REALLY Need them today and absolutely will need them in the future. YOU and those can accept the calling with all of the scrutiny, oversight and drive to make communities better CAN and DO make a real difference. Seek out those in places where you have an interest. Talk to them and see if you are going to be the next generation to make us all safe! They really do indeed (as well as all of the rest of us) NEED YOU!
Best Wishes
Updated
Vicente’s Answer
Being in Law Enforcement for 12 years myself, I can say it is very rewarding if done for the right reason. I worked law enforcement in south Texas and it I enjoyed every second of it. If you enjoy working outside and with multiple people, it can be a great atmosphere. Law enforcement is more than just citations and arrests. It is about being invested in your community and doing the right thing.
Social Media and some news outlets do tend to portray law enforcement officers as the bad guys, but the majority of the community do love police. They know that officers risk their lives so that our community can strive, and the children can feel safe. When leadership do their job and hold officers accountable, it makes the environment even better. Remember that you are a role model to a lot of children so always engage with them (they enjoy high fiving officers).
Also remember that there are different opportunities in a law enforcement career. You have patrol officers, k-9 officers, Community relation Officers (a division that reaches to the community and participate in events throughout the city), Crime Scene Investigation, Accident reconstruction officers, Detectives, Field Training officers (train new recruits), Task Force officers (officer's that are assigned through their department to FBI, DEA, HSI, and auto theft taskforce) and many others. So, there are a lot of different types of assignments that any officer can obtain through hard work.
Always remember that when the police are called it is usually to a stressful situation, so people are always on edge, but they called because they need assistance. It is very important to show empathy and respect to everyone. If you are able to be respectful and sincere the community will respect you and the majority of the time it will help deescalate the situation.
Overall, at least with my experience, I can say that they environment is great. It is an honorable career that can be very satisfying. Just remember law enforcement is more than just a paycheck, it is a calling and it is not for everyone, but if you like to help people it can be provide great experiences.
Social Media and some news outlets do tend to portray law enforcement officers as the bad guys, but the majority of the community do love police. They know that officers risk their lives so that our community can strive, and the children can feel safe. When leadership do their job and hold officers accountable, it makes the environment even better. Remember that you are a role model to a lot of children so always engage with them (they enjoy high fiving officers).
Also remember that there are different opportunities in a law enforcement career. You have patrol officers, k-9 officers, Community relation Officers (a division that reaches to the community and participate in events throughout the city), Crime Scene Investigation, Accident reconstruction officers, Detectives, Field Training officers (train new recruits), Task Force officers (officer's that are assigned through their department to FBI, DEA, HSI, and auto theft taskforce) and many others. So, there are a lot of different types of assignments that any officer can obtain through hard work.
Always remember that when the police are called it is usually to a stressful situation, so people are always on edge, but they called because they need assistance. It is very important to show empathy and respect to everyone. If you are able to be respectful and sincere the community will respect you and the majority of the time it will help deescalate the situation.
Overall, at least with my experience, I can say that they environment is great. It is an honorable career that can be very satisfying. Just remember law enforcement is more than just a paycheck, it is a calling and it is not for everyone, but if you like to help people it can be provide great experiences.
Updated
Dustin’s Answer
The experience of working in law enforcement is shaped by a multitude of factors, some of which you can control, and others that are beyond your reach. For instance, the location of your work can significantly influence your daily interactions, as well as the scope of your duties. This can vary greatly, whether you're a city police officer, a small-town sheriff, a state trooper, or part of the broad spectrum of federal law enforcement roles. Furthermore, the specific tasks within each of these roles can also differ greatly.
As you strive to secure a position in your chosen location and role, bear in mind that there are other aspects of the job that you'll only come to understand once you're already on board. The attitudes and behaviors of your colleagues and superiors, for example, can greatly impact the overall morale. Similarly, the level of funding your department receives can affect your work environment, from the quality of your patrol car and equipment to the condition of your station.
Another key factor to consider is the political and social climate, which can influence your work environment from local to national levels. These elements are always in flux, leading to periods of both challenges and triumphs. But remember, change is the only constant, and the tide can turn for better or worse at any time.
When contemplating a career in law enforcement, approach it with the intention of not only joining but also enhancing the law enforcement environment. At the very least, know that your role is crucial in creating a safer, better world for everyone. Your commitment to this noble profession can make a significant difference in the grand scheme of things.
As you strive to secure a position in your chosen location and role, bear in mind that there are other aspects of the job that you'll only come to understand once you're already on board. The attitudes and behaviors of your colleagues and superiors, for example, can greatly impact the overall morale. Similarly, the level of funding your department receives can affect your work environment, from the quality of your patrol car and equipment to the condition of your station.
Another key factor to consider is the political and social climate, which can influence your work environment from local to national levels. These elements are always in flux, leading to periods of both challenges and triumphs. But remember, change is the only constant, and the tide can turn for better or worse at any time.
When contemplating a career in law enforcement, approach it with the intention of not only joining but also enhancing the law enforcement environment. At the very least, know that your role is crucial in creating a safer, better world for everyone. Your commitment to this noble profession can make a significant difference in the grand scheme of things.
Updated
Andy’s Answer
Emma Leigh,
It depends on where you work and what type of law enforcement your in. I have been in the field for almost 20 years now and have worked in a variety of environments and they have ranged from really good to a pure nightmare.
Andy
It depends on where you work and what type of law enforcement your in. I have been in the field for almost 20 years now and have worked in a variety of environments and they have ranged from really good to a pure nightmare.
Andy
Updated
Mark’s Answer
The key point to remember is this: always choose a work environment where you have absolute trust in your superiors.
There are indeed corrupt law enforcement officers out there, including some at the top, like the police chief depicted in "LA Confidential". If you unwittingly find yourself working under such a person, you may become a pawn in their game, used and blackmailed to further their own agendas. In the best-case scenario, this could spell the end of your career. The worst case is worse than I can imagine so let's not do that.
Consider the series "The Boys". A single misunderstanding can, over time, spiral into a catastrophe, like a plane full of panicked passengers plummeting to their doom.
Remember, as a police officer, you hold immense power.
My advice to you would be to start building relationships with the police and openly discuss your worries with them.
There are indeed corrupt law enforcement officers out there, including some at the top, like the police chief depicted in "LA Confidential". If you unwittingly find yourself working under such a person, you may become a pawn in their game, used and blackmailed to further their own agendas. In the best-case scenario, this could spell the end of your career. The worst case is worse than I can imagine so let's not do that.
Consider the series "The Boys". A single misunderstanding can, over time, spiral into a catastrophe, like a plane full of panicked passengers plummeting to their doom.
Remember, as a police officer, you hold immense power.
My advice to you would be to start building relationships with the police and openly discuss your worries with them.
Updated
Mark’s Answer
It's a literal nightmare in Chicago.
Florida is probably the best place to do law enforcement.
So it depends on where you want to live.
Florida is probably the best place to do law enforcement.
So it depends on where you want to live.
Hey Mark, can you say more on this? How does location play a role?
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