No one wants to be a cop these days?

Question

Is it because of the pay, stress, or violence that comes with the job? It seems like the younger generation these days are looking elsewhere then law enforcement for work.

Answer 1

i do,

i guess we just r interested in other thingss

but not me!!  

Answer 2

Not too sure where you are from, but we received over 100 applications for our last opening. That is pretty good for a small sized department.

Answer 3

Dunno where you get your info, but there were over 100 applications for a single opening in our department.  Problem is, in some cities, the pay is SO low that they have to offer recruiting bonuses, which is good for the first year, but doesn't help much after that.  But the tax base has a lot to do with that.  Still, if I wanted to be a cop, why would I apply for a job at low pay when I could get the same job in another city for better pay?

Answer 4

I don't know where you got that from but I want to be a police officer. Ever since I was 7 too. I don't care about the pay I would rather wake up in the morning wanting to go to a job I like then go to a job I hate that pays more. And in the town I want to be an officer in doesn't have much violence so that's not bothering me.

Answer 5

Most people these days can't pass the credit history background investigation.

Answer 6

I'm in recruitment now... it's pretty competitive.

And pay is certainly not bad (here, anyway), especially for a field that doesn't necessarily require a degree.  

Stress was a factor I considered when deciding on a career path, for sure, but I must be one of the old-fashioned people who wants my job to mean something and wants to do the most good for the most people.  It's a fair trade-off in my mind. :-)

In what area are you noticing this lack of interest?  Maybe I should look for a department there!!

Answer 7

Yes it is in NYC you can be sued by the civilians even if you are cleared of any wrong doing. Taking away your home or all your asses-ts not worth it and no law to protect you or your family the job is not worth it for 30,000 dollars a year starting. Do you believe that?

Answer 8

There are waiting lists at most police departments. You obviously don't read the questions in YA very often since many here want the requirements for getting hired.

Answer 9

when i was growing up (with the exceptions of places like chicago,new york etc.) cops were looked up to, even admired. today they have had to adapt to fight the gangs and the drug trade and in the process they lost sight of the constitution and their self respect. it takes a certain personality type to be a cop today and thankfully there aren't that many around. i know a few good cops but they are sorely in the minority, and most of the good ones end up in the highway patrol.

Answer 10

i want to be a cop