3 answers
Lyla (Lyl)
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
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how did you know you wanted to work in law enforcement?
currently I've been binge watching this series called CSI on Hulu. The show is from the 2000s and it has made me want to be a CSI or work as a homicide detective and learn more about the law enforcement field and forensics, my only problem is is that I don't know if this is merely a hyper fixation or if I would actually want to do this job. Just wondering how others got drawn to this job and their experiences so I can figure out if I really want to do this or not so that way I can change my highschool schedule to meet what I want to do and what will prepare me for whatever job I want to work.
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3 answers
Rod Kusch
Deputy Sheriff (Commander, Retired)
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Rod’s Answer
So a ‘fun fact,’ Lyla, I was a detective investigating a murder in Los Angeles County, when the assigned CSI tech told me it was her last case before becoming a technical advisor on a new television show. I wished her well, and intrigued, asked her the name of the new show. She said, “CSI”! My colleague, Liz Devine (and other colleagues), subsequently went on to successful ‘second careers’ as advisors/producers on CSI and its spinoffs!
So how did *I* become interested in homicide investigations? My ‘career interests’ actually began as a youth, with no particular interest in law enforcement. Over time, I worked a variety of jobs that helped me home in on my career ‘likes’ and ‘dislikes.’ When my dad came home one day with a law enforcement flyer, I looked it over and it seemed to line up with what I tended to ‘like’ (e.g., outdoor job, instant independence, different ‘life experiences’ each day, etc.). So I applied, was accepted, passed my background, and got through the Academy. Along the ‘law enforcement path,’ I continued to assess my likes and dislikes and gravitated to detective work, where I thrived. The pinnacle for me was homicide work. Why? Because of the extreme satisfaction of advocating for victims who—because of their murder rendering them ‘voiceless’—would never be able to advocate for themselves again.
Oh, and the last case Liz handled with me before taking the CSI gig? The suspect was arrested (after committing three additional murders!) and he’ll never leave prison. Since you like the CSI shows, look up “Elizabeth Devine” and her TV show ‘credits’ and you’ll have a closer association with her and the CSI show!
So how did *I* become interested in homicide investigations? My ‘career interests’ actually began as a youth, with no particular interest in law enforcement. Over time, I worked a variety of jobs that helped me home in on my career ‘likes’ and ‘dislikes.’ When my dad came home one day with a law enforcement flyer, I looked it over and it seemed to line up with what I tended to ‘like’ (e.g., outdoor job, instant independence, different ‘life experiences’ each day, etc.). So I applied, was accepted, passed my background, and got through the Academy. Along the ‘law enforcement path,’ I continued to assess my likes and dislikes and gravitated to detective work, where I thrived. The pinnacle for me was homicide work. Why? Because of the extreme satisfaction of advocating for victims who—because of their murder rendering them ‘voiceless’—would never be able to advocate for themselves again.
Oh, and the last case Liz handled with me before taking the CSI gig? The suspect was arrested (after committing three additional murders!) and he’ll never leave prison. Since you like the CSI shows, look up “Elizabeth Devine” and her TV show ‘credits’ and you’ll have a closer association with her and the CSI show!
Kevin Czora
Law enforcement
21
Answers
Amherst, New York
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Lyla,
Great question. I'll get right into it.
When I was young, I would watch the various police shows, and play police. As I got older, I would see police cars with their emergency lights flashing, and the officers gathered around. I would always want to know what they were talking about and doing. Then, as I got closer to graduating from high school, I realized I wasn't interested in an office job, that I wanted to be on the go. I also wanted to help people, but wasn't sure how. Then, I saw the excitement that came with law enforcement - speeding cars, running after bad guys, taking down criminals.
I realized that my passion was right in front of me. I wasn't sure if I would qualify, or if a department would want me. I didn't know any officers, so I had no idea if I could do it. None of that stopped me, and I set forth on my journey.
You need to have a passion. Don't just do it because of a tv show. Ask your heart, then follow what it tells you.
Best of luck, whatever path you follow.
Kevin Czora
Great question. I'll get right into it.
When I was young, I would watch the various police shows, and play police. As I got older, I would see police cars with their emergency lights flashing, and the officers gathered around. I would always want to know what they were talking about and doing. Then, as I got closer to graduating from high school, I realized I wasn't interested in an office job, that I wanted to be on the go. I also wanted to help people, but wasn't sure how. Then, I saw the excitement that came with law enforcement - speeding cars, running after bad guys, taking down criminals.
I realized that my passion was right in front of me. I wasn't sure if I would qualify, or if a department would want me. I didn't know any officers, so I had no idea if I could do it. None of that stopped me, and I set forth on my journey.
You need to have a passion. Don't just do it because of a tv show. Ask your heart, then follow what it tells you.
Best of luck, whatever path you follow.
Kevin Czora
James Hammond
Criminal Investigator at Dallas County District Attorney's Office
34
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
James’s Answer
I chose law enforcement after becoming a robbery victim. Fortunately, I was able to defeat the suspect and held him until police arrived. While I was able to take action, I realized that there were other victims that were less fortunate than me. That's what led to me to choose law enforcement as a profession. Many years later I called the now paroled criminal and told him about my career choice, and that I had been able to help many others, thanks to him. I