Expert: Loren Stevens - 1/28/2006

Question
Hi i am doing a Senior paper on detectives and police and i really couldn't find anyone to interview so they gave me this web site..  I just wanted to know.

How did you like your job?
What things did you not like about your job?
Can you give me a description on your job?
Was there many advancement options?
Would you recommend your job?
How long did it take you to get to your position?
Does your job have a friendly atmosphere?
What type of hours did you work?
Are employees treated well?
If you had the choice to go into a different career field would you?

thanks
brittay

Answer
Hello Brittany,
I liked my job for the most part. Clearly, there were times I liked it more than at other times. Most jobs ebb and tide as one proceeds through a career. I liked the challenge(s) and helping people who couldn't or wouldn't help themselves.
As the years went by, I grew tired of some of the repetitivness of certain functions. Plus, my participation changed over the years.
External interferences, bureaucracies that bind, media that convolutes a story, bandits that beat the system et al.
To start with, I was a uniformed police officer assigned to a beat. This function was essentially service calls oriented.
The last 15 years, I was the CO of a Criminal Intelligence Unit. We worked: Organized Crime, Political Corruption, Labor Racketeering, Murder for Hire, Covert Operations, Dignitary Protection, Counter Terrorism etc.
I enjoyed several positions between the first and last, ie., Internal Affairs Bureau Cmdr, Detective Bureau Section Cmdr etc.
Advancement Options was available for those who chose to work various levels of management, or fields of expertise. They were competitive, and required study and preperation.
I would recommend police work for those who have the temperment and character for that kind of work.
It took me about 15 years to attain the position I finished at. I was in no hurry to advance, as I was enjoying each position and level along the way, and it was my choice to stop at the position I finished at. I was very pleased with the kind of work I was doing, and not interested in further promotions that would have led me to work I liked less.
My job had an ok work environment at the office area. Everyone pretty much supported one another, and there was always alot of humor exchange to go around.
Outside the office, is a different story. There, you deal with suspects, victims, witnesses, and alot of undesirable folks. The nature of the work brings an officer into close proximity to criminally active bandits, on a sustained basis.
I worked mostly day shift, and swing shift. My favorite shift, was the 6pm to 2am shift. There is always alot of action during that time frame.
Employees are treated well for the most part. The people an officer arrests are sometimes abusive. Comes with the territory.
A different career? knowing what I know now....yes. Probably to Law School to be a prosecutor and Judge.
Hope this is helpful to you. Good Luck,
Regards,
loren