Why You Should Never Join The Police
So you’re considering joining the ranks of the boys and girls in blue (or whatever color they wear where you live). Policing – it’s a calling as old as civilization itself. Protect and serve, maintain law and order, maybe get a pet police dog to boot.
Some of the reasons people find themselves drawn to this profession include the promise of excitement, the challenge of problem-solving, a desire to make a real difference in people’s lives, or perhaps even the allure of a steady paycheck and retirement plan.
Indeed, these are all fantastic reasons, and who wouldn’t want to be part of a job that holds the potential to make such a profound impact?
But what about the flip side? You know, the not-so-glossy parts that TV shows and movies conveniently leave out. There’s a whole other side to policing that’s a tad less charming, and it’s crucial to give it some thought before you decide to embrace the world of law enforcement.
So, let’s dive right into why joining the police force might not be the dream gig you’re picturing.
13 reasons why you shouldn’t join the police force
1. Say goodbye to your personal life
When you sign up for the police force, your personal life doesn’t just take a back seat – it gets shoved right into the trunk. Policing isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle.
You’re going to be working long, irregular hours that can be quite unpredictable, to say the least. Holidays, weekends, your kid’s birthday party? Don’t count on being there for all of them. Your time is no longer your own, but belongs to the demands of the job.
2. Stress and mental health challenges
Ever thought being stuck in traffic was stressful? Try dealing with life-and-death situations, hostile confrontations, and the constant exposure to the darker sides of society on a daily basis.
Research has shown that police officers are at a higher risk for a host of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even suicide. It’s no walk in the park, that’s for sure.
3. The ‘Us vs Them’ mentality
Whether you like it or not, once you don that uniform, you’re seen as a representative of the entire police force – the good, the bad, and the ugly. This can often lead to an ‘us vs them’ mentality between the police and the communities they serve.
Building trust, establishing meaningful relationships, it all becomes more difficult when you’re often seen as an outsider or, worse, a threat.
4. Your physical health might take a hit
Police work isn’t just mentally taxing, it’s physically demanding too. Late nights, sedentary hours in a patrol car, fast food on the go – it’s a recipe for health disasters. Obesity, heart disease, and other health problems are common among police officers. The high-stress nature of the job also ups the risk for things like high blood pressure and insomnia.
5. Police work can strain relationships
Remember point one about saying goodbye to your personal life? Well, it’s not just your time that’s impacted. The nature of the job can put a significant strain on relationships.
With a high divorce rate among law enforcement officers, maintaining a healthy and happy personal relationship can become a challenging task in its own right.
6. Dealing with the bureaucracy
Let’s face it – bureaucracy is a drag, but it’s an inescapable part of police work. Red tape, paperwork, constantly changing policies, it can often feel like you’re spending more time navigating the system than actually doing what you signed up for – helping people.
7. Negative public perception
In the current social climate, there’s a fair amount of negative public perception surrounding police officers. This isn’t helped by the instances of police misconduct that make the headlines, creating a skewed image of the profession as a whole. This can make the job even tougher, with potential hostility and mistrust from the community.
8. The danger is real
Sure, those high-speed chases and dramatic standoffs you see on TV look exciting, but let’s not forget – they’re also incredibly dangerous.
As a police officer, you’re consistently putting yourself in harm’s way. Gun violence, physical altercations, high-speed pursuits – the risk is part of the job description. This constant threat can take a toll not just on you, but also on your loved ones who spend every day worrying about your safety.
9. Pay might not match the effort
Despite the high stakes and demanding nature of police work, the compensation might not always reflect that. While there are certainly departments where officers are well-compensated, the average cop isn’t exactly raking in the big bucks.
When you factor in the risk, the stress, the long hours, and the personal sacrifices, the paychecks no longer seem so appealing.
10. Carrying the weight of responsibility
As a police officer, the decisions you make on a daily basis carry a tremendous amount of responsibility. You’re dealing with people’s lives, their safety, their freedom. One wrong move, one moment of poor judgment can have serious, even fatal, consequences. That kind of pressure isn’t for everyone.
11. Living up to the moral code
Being a police officer isn’t just about enforcing the law – it’s about embodying it. You’re expected to maintain a high standard of ethical and moral behavior both on and off the job. There’s no room for slip-ups or “bad days”.
Your actions, your character, are constantly under scrutiny and one misstep could not only cost you your job, but also tarnish your reputation and that of your department.
12. Navigating prejudices, racism, and a lack of representation
Like any long-standing institution, the police force is not immune to ingrained prejudices and systemic bias. Historically, there’s been a lack of representation among law enforcement, particularly when it comes to people of color and women.
Although efforts are being made to diversify police departments, you may still encounter discriminatory attitudes, practices, and a general resistance to change.
Moreover, if you’re an officer from a minority group, you might find yourself dealing with a double-edged sword – grappling with bias within the department, while also dealing with community mistrust due to perceived solidarity with a system that has historically perpetuated discriminatory practices.
That’s a tough tightrope to walk, and it’s certainly something to consider before stepping into the uniform.
13. Risk of developing a “holier-than-thou” attitude
Sometimes, wearing the badge and having the authority to enforce the law can blur the line between who’s the enforcer and who’s subject to it. You might find yourself starting to believe you’re above the same rules you’re sworn to uphold.
This power dynamic is a slippery slope and can lead to serious ethical lapses, damaging both your career and the public’s trust in law enforcement (even more than it already is).
Always remember, nobody is above the law – not even those entrusted to enforce it.
Wrapping things up
Look, this isn’t meant to discourage anyone from pursuing a career in law enforcement if their heart is set on it. It’s a noble profession that comes with unique rewards of its own – the ability to serve and protect, to make a real difference in your community.
But it’s not a decision to be taken lightly, and these points are worth considering as you weigh your options. Indeed, going in with a clear understanding of what you’re signing up for is essential. Think of it as a bit of a reality check, if you will.
Joining the police force requires a whole lot more than just the desire to chase bad guys and solve mysteries. It demands resilience, dedication, and a whole lot of heart. It’s about standing up for justice, maintaining law and order, and playing a pivotal role in the community.
Now, if this sounds like you, by all means, go for it. Who am I to stop you?