AboutDick Rogers Expertise I`ve spent twenty-five years in law enforcement as a state trooper and deputy sheriff. Retired as a lead homicide investigator. My interest is in answering questions dealing with ethical and moral dilemmas facing officers in the field.
Expert: Dick Rogers Date: 7/8/2008 Subject: Should I be a police officer?
Question Hello my name is Mike, I am 28 years old and currently debating if a career in Law
enforecement is for me. I once was accepted into the PD but did not go through with it. I did
regret my decision and re took the test and now I am close to being accepted again but I am
still not sure if it's for me. The thing is that I am not a tough guy, I can defend my self but I
don't look for fights, I try to avoid them. I am generally good natured and hardly ever argue
with anybody. I am very indecisive something I am sure will effect me as a PO.I am married
and family is something that is very important to me. What attracts me to police work is the
advancement opportunities and the respect officers receive and the fact that it might make
me a tougher person but I am not sure if these reasons are good enough to justify 20 years
on the force.
I guess my question is what characteristics make a Police officer? Do you have any advice for
me on this matter?
Thank you for your time
Answer Mike, you pose an interested dilemma...although your perceived doubts are not as much a detriment as you think. Generally, most cops are rather street savvy, but there were some in my experience who brought something added to law enforcement...an enlightened viewpoint. Too many cops have this "...I am here to crush crime and save mankind!" What is really needed in a cop is reasoned responses to difficult situations. Most of what a cop deals with are people in distress...family fights, neighborhood disputes, sibling knock-down, drag-outs. When someone comes on the scene who has a calming, reasoned approach to their problem, most people are willing to listen. More than brawn, or toughness, as you put it. The main essential ingredient in an officer is the age-old concept of the great street cop being "Fair but Firm". The only qualifying part of my response would be your reference to your family life. For someone to be a cop, the wife and family must be in a supportive role. There will be times when you will not be home...you will be on a twelve and twelve schedule due to a riot or fire or God knows what. It is a good career, but a demanding one. Only you can make it work for you and yours. Good luck.
