Despite the low job growth rate, police officers are always going to be needed. But much more than a lot of other positions, there are some serious disadvantages to the benefits of the job. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of being a police officer.
Pro: You’re a hero!
Being a police officer can be incredibly rewarding. You can make a huge difference in many people’s lives over the span of a career—and in general the public will thank you many times over for your service. Police officers are in charge of a broad range of public service acts. You respond to car accidents, track down lost children and run away criminals, have your fellow officers’ backs, and try to prevent robberies and drug deals.
Con: But...you’re also a jerk.
Unfortunately, part of the job is also saving the public from themselves. That means writing speeding tickets, locking up drunk drivers, and hauling away criminals. You not only have to deal with mean looks and nasty insults from the people who don’t understand, but you also have to be prepared to deal with this yourself. Can you arrest someone in front of their children? Can you write a little old lady a ticket for unsafe driving? Can you defend yourself in a dangerous situation? All of these are important questions to consider before you head off to the police academy.
Pro: The Academy isn’t excruciatingly expensive, and it doesn’t take half your life to get through the pre-reqs.
Being a police officer still requires an education, but one that’s a little different from the standard collegiate graduation ceremony. While many departments ask for only a high school diploma, the new norm is to require at least an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice or a similar field. Once you’re on the list, most states have police academies that their trainees are sent to.
Many departments will pay to send you to the academy, and even pay you a salary while you’re in training. As you become applicable for promotions, you may need additional training or college courses, and some departments will even fund that. Smaller police departments sometimes require you to pay for “start up fees,” such as uniforms and equipment, which can be pricey—but nothing compared to spending a decade in college!
Con: You’re risking yourself, physically and mentally, on a daily basis.
Being a police officer can be incredibly dangerous. If you have a family, it’s important to include them in your decision to join the force. People may attack you, stab you, or shoot you. Depending on where you live, it can be more or less dangerous; for example, an officer in inner New York City is likely to face more dangerous situations more frequently than a small town officer. The job can be hard on your mind, too. Many officers have to deal with extreme levels of stress, anxiety, and some will develop PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Not knowing when to apply the appropriate amount of force can lead to some bad situations—you could lose your life, or take someone else’s unnecessarily. If you aren’t confident in your own judgement, being a police officer might not be a good choice for you.
Pro: There are specialties, promotions, and retirement funds available.
Once you get past the rookie stage, there are a lot of opportunities available to you. The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team is sent into situations that are considerably more dangerous than what average officers handle. Some officers specialize in tracking down illegal drugs; others are trained to handle hostage or suicidal situations. Detectives investigate tough-to-crack cases. You can also become a higher ranking officer, such as a lieutenant or even the Chief of Police.
You also have a choice as to which level of law enforcement you work at, from county, to state, to federal. Some officers move from a local police department to federal organizations like the DEA or FBI. Additionally, the people who stay in service for life (generally at least 20 years) often get a very respectable retirement or pension fund.
Con: The hours are rough, and the salary is pretty poor compared to the responsibilities.
Being a police officer is not a standard nine to five job, so don’t expect to go home every afternoon for dinner like Andy Griffith. Different departments and positions work different hours, but starting out, you can expect to work four 12-hour shifts in a row, then be off for three days.
You’re also not going to make your millions as a patrol officer. Higher ranking officers have a better salary, but none of them are living in penthouses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average patrol officers salary is about $60,000. Those in the lower percentiles make closer to $33,000 a year, while the upper percentiles may make as much as $96,000 a year (although this is generally in dangerous areas with a high cost of living, after many years of experience).
