Why Opt for a Career in Law Enforcement

When my son, who was 6 years old, was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, his response was to become a police officer. I must admit, at the time, he had little to no inkling of what I did for a living, and we didn’t even have pictures of me in uniform to explain it to him. Today, he is a seasoned NYPD Detective with 20 years of experience under his belt. Thankfully, his younger brother did not follow the same path and decided to pursue a career in cyber security, with jobs in the public and private sectors.

My journey in law enforcement was rather different from my son's. While I was still in school, I got married and immediately took the first job I was offered to manage my finances. Despite a high-paying corporate job in midtown Manhattan that required a jacket and tie, I quickly realized it wasn't suited to me. A job with a State agency, offered to me by my father's new neighbor, promised a significant salary increase and quickly became a turning point in my career. Over the years, the educational requirement for entering the police force has steadily increased, from around 30 college credits to the current requirement of 60 credits. Without a college degree, becoming a police officer can still be a financially rewarding career path. However, the best financial benefits come later when you can collect a generous pension.

The Rewards of a Dynamic Career

For those who enjoy a varied and challenging work environment, a career in law enforcement offers a unique experience. Each day is unpredictable, and your tasks range from routine duties to high-stakes missions. Unlike a desk job, you are constantly on your toes and engaged in active problem-solving. The commute and mundane tasks associated with many careers are a thing of the past. Instead, the excitement of working as part of a fugitive warrant unit, where you might find yourself out in the field early every morning, can provide a fulfilling and stimulating experience.

The Core of the Job: Respecting and Helping Others

Respect is another key component of law enforcement. As a law enforcement officer, you are trained to treat everyone with dignity and respect. My experience has shown that most people, when approached with kindness and understanding, respond in kind. This is not to say that there isn't abuse; on rare occasions, there are individuals who may not appreciate the role you play in enforcing regulations. However, the overwhelming majority of interactions are positive, and showing respect goes a long way in creating a sense of community.

The Ultimate Satisfaction: Making a Difference

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a law enforcement officer is the satisfaction of making a positive impact in the community. Whether it's arresting a dangerous criminal or saving a life, the sense of fulfillment is immense. The narrative of my son's patrol experience exemplifies this. One morning, he quickly responded to a panic-stricken woman who was holding a baby that wasn't breathing. Utilizing the CPR techniques he learned during his training, he managed to revive the baby and ensure that both the mother and child received prompt medical attention. To me, such a moment in time defines a successful career and a well-lived life.

While making a difference can be seen in countless ways every day, the task of arresting bad guys and improving community life is truly the essence of law enforcement. Regardless of what other aspects of life may bring, this sort of act is what defines a career in law enforcement. It's a job that requires dedication, courage, and a commitment to protecting the community. And on the days when everything seems tiring and mundane, knowing that you have made a positive impact in someone's life can be a constant reminder of why you chose this path.