What to do

[disney_nutter]

As i have told some of you im not very intrested in going to uni and want to something else. Over here in belfast as part of are new found peace(hah like thats true) we just got a new police force and i was wondering to join or not to join the only problem would be the pressure my family would be under because of the job. What should i do:brick:

 

[no2apprentice]

When you say family, do you mean your wife and kids, due to the hours and type of work involved in being an officer, or do you mean your overall family due to the politics and conflicts (i.e., you are looked at as someone who has gone to "the other side" if you work for the police)?

I hope my question makes sense, I am very tired - just got off nightshift.:snore:

 

[disney_nutter]

I mean the political situation over here i am to young to have wife and kids im almost 18.

 

[no2apprentice]

I've been in law enforcement 22 years (23, 24? something like that). I could give you opinions based on that, but as far as the political and social conflicts you might encounter, I wouldn't begin to be able to relate to that area.

The only thing I might suggest is some questions to ask yourself -

Why police work? What is it about that type of work that appeals to you? For many people, the combinations of power, respect (sometimes), and a safe "government" job are the major factors. These may not be enough rewards to get you through the tough times and pressures (if they happen).

But (life's full of big buts, and I've got one of 'em), if you are looking at police work as something where you can be of service to people when they have a real need, where you can make a difference in someone's life - whether it be giving directions, being the first on the scene of a serious auto collision, or just making people feel a bit safer because you're nearby - these types of rewards can help you get through tough times and pressures. Knowing that you are there when people really need you, sometimes in a very serious way, can be very rewarding.

How do you think your family would feel about it? My parents weren't too thrilled when I told them I was going into law enforcement (especially my mom), but they couldn't hide the pride on their faces when they attended my police academy graduation.

It's not an easy choice. Hope some of this helps.

 

[disney_nutter]

I think the real reason why i want to join is to help peole and to make a difference. My dad seems to be happy while my mum is not but its my life and i can what i want with it she says. I think she i scared of the security situation over here ecspially with biological parents being killed in a bomb attack and she thinks that this would put me at a great risk or that i am doing it as some personal aim to get my parents killers.

 

[Camelot]

disney_nutter, I think you should go University...I know you said you were not interested, but getting an education could be the stepping stone you need at such a young age.

If it doesn't work out in the first year or so, you will have exposed yourself to so many interesting things, that you may be better able to decide on a career pathway.

Becoming a Policeman is certainly an honorable career, as are many others...

Give yourself the opportunity to discover which you are best suited for or where your heart lies in that hugh decision.

Good Luck and best wishes in whatever path you choose.

 

[Seano846]

24 Years and still working nights? Who'd you off?

I hope my question makes sense, I am very tired - just got off nightshift.:snore: [/B][/QUOTE

 

[no2apprentice]

Originally posted by Seano846
24 Years and still working nights? Who'd you off?

If only I could blame it on that!:animwink:

Unless you are working for a fairly large department (which I don't), most specialized assignments that allow working normal hours are only for a few years. Everything rotates back to shift work. For any police department or sheriff's department, the large majority of personnel are on shift work. I was lucky. For the total time I worked in California and here in Tennessee, I had 12 years of M-F, 8-5. Paradise!

The last statistic I saw (several years ago) was that 90% of munincipal and county agencies have 10 sworn officers or LESS. This has probably changed slightly over the years, but probably not by much.

disney_nutter, even if you are thinking of police work, I strongly recommend getting some time in at the university. Take some classes that would help prepare you for that field. You'll get an idea on wether or not you'll enjoy the field, and any university education (especially a degree) will help get better assignments, promotions, working more in forensics, etc. I don't know your interests, but obviously you have a computer. Take some classes in computers. I don't know about where you live, but law enforcement is usually about 5-8 years behind the private sector when it comes to new technology. People with training in computers have a big advantage, nowadays.

Something else to consider is this. By being educated in another field, if you go into police work and decide it's not for you, you have training in another field you can fall back on. Something to think about.

Well, I've ranted enough. Hard choices, no easy answers. Unless you choose Disney World, of course!