thinking about becoming a cop

[efman]

okay guys i'm a high school student trying to decide were i should go with my future, i'm wanting a job that i enjoy i'm not expecting a 6 figure salary at all but i'm wanting enough to raise a family on, i'm thinking about going into the law enforcment field i'm wondering how many cops are on here how they like there jobs and what the right way to get into the field is. thanks for any helpful information and please dont flame me !

[efman]

anyone ?

[fawk_you]

If you do become a cop, make sure to watch the left lane... anyone not obeying the law...IE: going under the posted speed limit.... in the left lane... (*slower traffic keep right) needs a ticket. :)

[SLow_POke]

okay guys i'm a high school student trying to decide were i should go with my future, i'm wanting a job that i enjoy i'm not expecting a 6 figure salary at all but i'm wanting enough to raise a family on, i'm thinking about going into the law enforcment field i'm wondering how many cops are on here how they like there jobs and what the right way to get into the field is. thanks for any helpful information and please dont flame me !

looks liek you have a good head on your shoulders ..I SAY GO FOR IT !!!!

if i didnt have a messed up background i prob would have been a cop .

[Julio]

hell No.. I was interested, Even went to a benefits class they had in dekald, went to school for Criminal justice for a bit to come in making better pay. Come to find out cops dont make shit. tons of benefits, but the pay is/was lame. This was back in 98 when I went to a class and there salary was 26 K to start w/ tons of benefits, Im sure they are make more now.

I just cant see making that amount of money for whats involved.

[2.0civic]

just like firefighters. they dont get paid shit either. aint no way in hell i would go be a firefighter and risk dying for some of the ignorant people we have in gwinnett for 25k a year. hell, thats why i didnt go into the military either.

[efman]

well if i do i dont just want to be some traffic cop and if your the real deal like a high ranking detective you can get paid pretty well i'm also interested in moving up to the gbi wich has good pay i think

[SampaGuy]

the pay is shit because half of them are dumbasses who would work for free just for the badge/gun

[ahmonrah]

all bullshit aside. my dad was for 10 years.

the pay? crappy at the bottom, of course.

the stress?? it was a stat for a while that most cops are dead within 10yrs of retirement.

the family life? hectic. it's hard to shoot an armed kid the same age as your own son, then come home and try to act like everythings good, and talk to your son at the same time. plus you may not see the fam too often, chasing cases.

but you have to feel that you are ready for that job, the responsibilities, good and bad, that come with the title.

how about this, give 4 years to the marines, come back and join a police force. you'll be 21-22 when you return. plus you'll be geared toward that profession w/experience when you get back.

or you'll say fuck it. and do something else.

[2.0civic]

if you want to consider this, i would definately say military first. plus, itll give you a little edge IMO

[ahmonrah]

i can say that i feel the itch to become a cop cause it's in my blood, but i try to do something else. cause of what i seen him go through. it wasnt bad at all, he can tell you that. but he didnt want me go the same route he went. pops wanted a businessman for a son. and though i've donethat, i still get happy when i see a swat team in full dress. makes me wantto do it. and as a veteran also, i know i can. but will i ?? to be continued.

[ahmonrah]

so efman. my opinion, military time spent will let you know if you want to be a L.E.O. plus it will give u a one up on most.

[SixSquared]

all bullshit aside. my dad was for 10 years.

the pay? crappy at the bottom, of course.

the stress?? it was a stat for a while that most cops are dead within 10yrs of retirement.

the family life? hectic. it's hard to shoot an armed kid the same age as your own son, then come home and try to act like everythings good, and talk to your son at the same time. plus you may not see the fam too often, chasing cases.

but you have to feel that you are ready for that job, the responsibilities, good and bad, that come with the title.

how about this, give 4 years to the marines, come back and join a police force. you'll be 21-22 when you return. plus you'll be geared toward that profession w/experience when you get back.

or you'll say fuck it. and do something else.

Awesome advice. I have two friends who, in HS, wanted to be cops, and both of them decided to do military first. Jeff went to the marines for a few years, came back, and knew that law enforcement/govt work was his calling. Scotty, on the other hand, went to the army, and when he came back, he had decided that instead of doing law enforcement he wanted to do aviation mechanics as a profession (he was a heli mech). I definitely think the military is a good way to find yourself instead of doing what I did... throwing myself into college cause I felt pressured to, wandering around aimlessly with no clue what I wanted to do with my life, spending a LOT of my dad's money, finally withdrawing, and then taking another 2 years to finally come to what I wanted to do. Hell if I had known coming out of HS what I know now, I probably would have joined the navy out of HS... no joke.

[SniperJoe]

My advice: If you become a cop, watch out for McKinney.

[efman]

thanks for all the respnses its obviously alot to think about but these responses has made me thank, i think i'm going to look up a cop i used to know who retired and talk to him alittle.

[PhAtBoYMr2]

when you become a cop, you instantly have people that hate you without even knowing you, they might even want to shoot your ass, just make sure if you become a cop you "protect and serve" not act like a dumb pig that has nothing to do with his time. Try and help the community not make it worse.

[The Golden Child]

hmmm interesting ..

[Jaimecbr900]

Just FYI:

http://jobs.aol.com/article/_a/20-great-jobs-that-dont-require-a/20060124162609990010

[Scrappy]

I wanna be a cop but for some reason no one in the USA will let me hold a gun :(

[efman]

Just FYI:

http://jobs.aol.com/article/_a/20-great-jobs-that-dont-require-a/20060124162609990010
thanks for the link

[efman]

when you become a cop, you instantly have people that hate you without even knowing you, they might even want to shoot your ass, just make sure if you become a cop you "protect and serve" not act like a dumb pig that has nothing to do with his time. Try and help the community not make it worse.
ya thats kinda part of it i know most cops are assholes but i know of 2 or 3 around lumpkin who actually care about the community and care about being apart of the community they're not just cops for the power they actually care and i would like to do the same if i go into the field

[noodle]

Check out the Local Police Departments...sometimes they offer a "ride along" program. I went out once in Gwinnett with our local Cops program officers. You might find out that it doesn't suit you.
You'll also make more $$$$ if you have a degree and move up through the ranks quicker.
You can even chase the bad guys in one of these.
http://www.importatlanta.com/upload/files/228/June30%20118.jpg

[Z33_kid]

go for it if u ever stop me give me a break tho lol

[§treet_§peed]

my friend is about to become a cop, and the funny thing is that he always used to swear he wouldn't even think about becing or even attempting tho think about being a cop. now he's going for it like a month or so.

[§treet_§peed]

i would say just do what makes you happy though. because you will never be satisfyed with yourself until you have atleast attepmpted to do what YOU wanted to do or try........

[efman]

go for it if u ever stop me give me a break tho lol
well if i do become one i'll escort you guys on the mountain runs ! :)

[ORGANIZATIONXIII]

I'm interning at a PD *for graduation purposes so I can graduate* depending on where your going to go, the pay is ok, but the benefits make up for it. I personally wouldn't want to be a police officer, but some people are made for it, and some not. Its ultimately up to you and what you feel is neccessary. From what I've seen/heard, theres no possible way to "raise" a family comfortably on an officers salary, but they do have the extra perks of being hired for overnight security, and thats where a big chunk of their change comes from, EASY MONEY. All pay is going to be small for most people fresh outta hs/college. My thing is, if your not gonna do the college thing, do the MILITARY thing, give them 4 years or maybe more, when you have kids, they'll give you base housing or a portion of money to pay for wherever you live monthly. And alot of jobs look at experience in the military/PD when you apply for government agency jobs like ATF,DEA,FBI, etc.

[ORGANIZATIONXIII]

and another thing, the Denver PD, if you ever decide to move, they have an awesome package for new recruits.

they basically PAY for everything room/food and what not and they start you off in the 40,000 range, not too specific on details, but thats what I heard..

hell, San Franscisco PD salary officers are paid $100,000 but its the standard of living in CA though..

[ruah_23]

Get your degree first than apply for it! Trust me it will be better off for you in a long run. As far as working in the public safety..it's not a job.It's a calling.Even though we don't get pay that much, we got to go to work not we have to go to work. Every shift I go is like a suprise. And for those of you who think it's easy to get hired, I suggest u try and see it for urself.;)

[ahmonrah]

thanks for all the respnses its obviously alot to think about but these responses has made me thank, i think i'm going to look up a cop i used to know who retired and talk to him alittle.good thinking....make sure you talk to him. cause like ruah said, it's also not a job, it's a calling. i hate that i've felt the itch to do it for so long, but havent done it. but i help in other ways. the same way i would if i was a L.E.O, if you feel service to your community and being able to protect those in danger is you. then strap up cowboy!!! but to everything there is a price to be paid. good and bad. me personally i'll risk my life if it saves someone elses. so my answer is clear. in one way or another i serve. i've served my country before with no questions.

[ALVIN]

When I was searching for job i stumbled on Gwinnett Counties website and they have two positios available that they will train. One is a Deputy Sherriff/Jailer start off 35k a year with a 2k sign on bonus and tons of benefits. There was also a Police Officer position with same stats 35k, 2k sign on, etc.

[8bangin302]

are u serious ....WHY

[chuck]

last i checked you had to be 21 to be a cop in georgia...you can be a jailer though then work up through training and all that.

or i know miami you can be a cop at 18...go figure

[bdydrpdmazda]

I joined the Army right out of high shool and it was the best decision Ive ever made. I signed up for three years and that is almost over. I know the things Ive learned and the fact that Im a war veteran will help me alot in the civilian world. I strongly suggest everyone serve the minimum of two years in the military when they are thinking about some sort of public service job, even if only for the weapons training you recieve.

[Chris Mazda]

last i checked you had to be 21 to be a cop in georgia...you can be a jailer though then work up through training and all that.

or i know miami you can be a cop at 18...go figure


No you can be 18-20 in Georgia

[chuck]

No you can be 18-20 in Georgia

oh aight...nevermind then :goodjob:

[Julio]

In GA you have to be 21 to be a cop.

[ALVIN]

21 to be a cop but 18 to be a Deputy Sheriff(sp) thats what it said on Gwinnetts site I believe. cuz when you are a Dep Sheriff you dont necesarilly carry a gun...I think they give you pepper spray and a tazer

[bdydrpdmazda]

that makes sence

[TallGuy]

Its a great job my brother and father love it. ill be with GCPD soon

[Julio]

Deputy Sherriff is the bitch boy of the precint.

[Chris Mazda]

In GA you have to be 21 to be a cop.


you really can be between 18 and 20 and be a cop

[ORGANIZATIONXIII]

I thought it was my understanding that you had to be 18 years of age to be a police officer. The only problem is that you can't carry a handgun in the PD til your 20 or 21. But you don't want to really work for the sheriffs office. They get the grunt end of the work, their man responsibilities are to jail the offenders and oversee them reallly. Nothing really "interesting"

[Chris Mazda]

you can be a gun carrying police officer and be between 18 and 20.

[ORGANIZATIONXIII]

ahhhh ok..

[2.0civic]

you can be a gun carrying police officer and be between 18 and 20.


wrong wrong wrong!!!!! Everyone in this thread saying you can carry a gun is stupid. You (by FEDERAL LAW) cannot get a concealed weapons permit til 21. i talked to a gwinnett county sheriffs deputy a few weeks ago. He has a gun but hes also 27 i believe. I was talking to him bout my job and he said you cant become a field cop until 21 but you can work in the jail as someone previously said. Julio is right too on his points. Just cause you are a police officer DOES NOT mean you can carry around a gun. guns get sold all the time at my job and you can be 20 and 363 days and still not get a pistol simply because you cant get the permit for it. Sorry for ranting but ive been watching this thread for awhile and i get pissed off when i see people say things they dont know shit about. if you really want to know more, i will gladly PM anyone who wants to dispute what i just wrote the number to the officer i talked to about this.

[ORGANIZATIONXIII]

I thought it was my understanding that you had to be 18 years of age to be a police officer. The only problem is that you can't carry a handgun in the PD til your 20 or 21.


I thought I knew what I was saying...

[ORGANIZATIONXIII]

its all good though.. not jumping down no ones throat.. its a forum.. express yo self.. could have saved like 2 pages if you posted up earlier.. :goodjob:

[knee_grow]

Who in the hell can live off of 35K a year? And all the off duty shit you get is guarding a liquor store. HA HA.

[ORGANIZATIONXIII]

Who in the hell can live off of 35K a year? And all the off duty shit you get is guarding a liquor store. HA HA.

a single male/female can live off of it.. but you it'd be hard, pushing it, to raise a family on it..

and they get more than guarding liquor stores my friend.. they do overnight security at multiple department stores, apartment complexes, warehouses, just about anything you can think of they do it.. so don't be ignorant.. and guess what? it pays a hellauva alot of money.. for a few hours a night..

[ruah_23]

Who in the hell can live off of 35K a year? And all the off duty shit you get is guarding a liquor store. HA HA.

that's why I said..public safety is a calling.I'm glad not everyone thinks like u.

[2.0civic]

a single male/female can live off of it.. but you it'd be hard, pushing it, to raise a family on it..

and they get more than guarding liquor stores my friend.. they do overnight security at multiple department stores, apartment complexes, warehouses, just about anything you can think of they do it.. so don't be ignorant.. and guess what? it pays a hellauva alot of money.. for a few hours a night..

many apartments and such give discounts/free rent to have a off duty police officer live in their community. i heard it saves them insurance plus if something happens, they can be hush hush so crap bout the community doesnt get out to public

[ORGANIZATIONXIII]

many apartments and such give discounts/free rent to have a off duty police officer live in their community. i heard it saves them insurance plus if something happens, they can be hush hush so crap bout the community doesnt get out to public


yep, thats true, Free Rent..

I had a sheriff live below me 6 months ago. fucking sucked, one damn hard foot step and he was knocking on the door..

but we got one guy in the neighborhood now.

[4dmin]

go for it dude, just dont' get that cocky huge head rookie cop syndrome trying to play billy the bad ass to kids in civics ;)

it doesn't pay much but it is a well respected profession, they dont' get paid enough to lay their lifes on the lines the way they do but hey someone has to do it.