Expert: Dick Rogers - 9/20/2005

Question
Hey Mr. Rogers! Its Lauren again, sorry I didnt get your response from my last email because you said it wasn't working.. Would you mind trying it again for me? Please and Thank you.

1.   How long have you been in the police force?
2.   What degrees do you need to be a policeman or something along those lines?
3.   Sometimes is it scary when you get someone that's really bad and threatens you?
4.   What department do you work for?
5.   How many hours a week do you work, on and off the clock or do you get to be home a lot?
6.   Does it get hard when you have a family?
7.   Do you ever get tired of your career?
8.   What things made you know you wanted to do this for a living?
9.   What do you like to do best at your job?
10.    Would you like to move up from your position and how long would it take?  

Answer
Lauren, let's try it one more time.  I retired with nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience...this with the Alaska State Police and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.  I had a number of assignments from jail to patrol, special enforcement bureau, watch commander, speech writer for the sheriff and finally, homicide.  I obtained a degree in psychology, however, any degree will add to the promotability of an officer.  I do recommend a college degree so you can be competitive.  Having been raised in a tough neighborhood, people with attitudes never bothered me, and I had the necessary attitude to return in spades.  In homicide, you are not really able to have a great home life in that cases require that you spend a lot of time on them especially when they are fresh, so it is difficult on a family, no question about it.  I never tired of my career and I miss the comarardie of working cases with my partner.  I wanted to do this for a living because having been raised in a tough neighborhood prepared me for the fact that there a many people who want to take advantage of others...so, in my mind, I wanted to be the fly in their ointment.  What i like best about my job was the satisfaction of solving a difficult homicide and sending the suspect to prison.  I was not much interested in going up the ladder because once you get promoted past the rank of sergeant, you no longer work cases but become an administrator or paper shuffler...not for me, I wanted to work cases until I retired.  In fact, I was promoted to lieutenant but refused it so I could stay in homicide.  Lauren, I don't know if this helps you but use it as you need.  Good luck.