Expert: William Payne - 7/7/2007

Question
I am a 24 yr old female with a BA in philosophy.  I have always felt a strong desire to protect people but until recently I had planned to become a doctor (i.e., "protecting" people from disease).  Recently I have begun to reconsider this (particularly since my desire to become a doctor was based on a belief system I no longer hold) and since my central desire is to protect people law enforcement seems like the obvious way to go.  I work weekend nights in the OR and have seen plenty of unpleasant things, but somehow the things we do to eachother always seem many times worse than  anything disease can do; I ended up feeling that I'd rather be out on the streets stopping fights than in the OR patching up the losers.  However, it is difficult to know since I've been working in health care since I was 16 but have no law enforcement experience.  What would be the best way for me to explore this career without burning any bridges?  For example, would it be appropriate for me to request a ride-along with my local PD at this point, or is that something that should typicaly wait until I am seriously considering applying for a position?  Do you know of anyone who moved from health care to law enforcemt (or vice versa)?  

Answer
Sarah,

Thanks for the question.

With your background, you could have several options. As far as law enforcement goes, and if you have the time, try out a Reserve Officer position with a local law enforcement agency.

As a Reserve Police Officer, you typically receive the same type of training as full-time police officers and do what they do on a daily basis. Try this route for a time and see how you like law enforcement before you take the plunge and maybe regret doing it.

The second option you have is the fire service. With your medical background it would be a good option. Most fire departments have first responder programs where medical treatment and patient stabilization (car accidents, assaults, rapes, homicides, and etc)are critical components of their jobs. Because of the type of shift work that fire departments require, you could possibly do both fire service work and hospital work.

Either profession would benefit from your experience.

Good luck and best wishes!