Have you really thought this through? Have you thought about what it really takes to become a police officer? Do you really think you can do the job? Trust me, law enforcement as a career is not for everyone. Not everyone that starts out makes it to retirement.
This job is hard on some people. Some make it. Some don’t. It’s just the nature of the job. As you have probably heard from other places I’m sure, this quote is very appropriate for Law Enforcement, “with great power comes great responsibility”.
There is no greater responsibility than taking care of your fellow man and protecting those that cannot protect themselves. This is an occupation that sometimes calls for taking a human life on a split second decision and you alone are the one making it. That is one of the greatest responsibilities you can have in this world. Guard it with care.
So you may be asking why listen to this guy? What makes him think he can tell me about being a cop? Well I am and have been a cop (Police Officer) in Florida going on 33 years now.
I have served in both small and large agencies (3 and a break for serving in the U.S. Army). I have served in many different units, Narcotics (where I was involved in my first shooting), Patrol, Traffic, DUI Task Force, Dive Rescue Team, Traffic Homicide Investigation, Training Unit, Academy Staff, and now my current position (for the last 20 years) Police Academy Trainer (and Police Commander up until Dec 6th, 2010).
I teach and travel a lot, teaching all over the world. I have been as far away as Singapore to teach their police officers. I am currently the Police Academy Coordinator at a major North Florida Institute of Public Safety.
