Highway Patrol Career?

[rockin86ranger]

I'm sure you guys are getting tired of seeing threads like this, but I'm at a crossroad in my life and just trying to figure out which way to go. I have been considering pursuing a career as a Highway Patrol Officer, I know the job comes with dangers and stress. I just thought i would ask for a first hand look at what to truely expect from this career choice, I know we have a few officers or retired officers on here.

 

[03ranger30]

I don't have any experience with this, but I think it would be a pretty good choice if you don't mind the dangers and stress. I personally enjoy driving, even though the job isn't all about that, I think it would be somewhat fun at some points. Just my 2 cents.

 

[88_Eddie]

you need jim to chime in, iirc he was HP at one point

 

[rockin86ranger]

Well here are my plus points: I get to drive around using somone elses gas (Which I'm sure will get old after awhile but oh well), I get to help people (Which is very important to me), I get to make people pay for being stupid (Also something i enjoy), And it gives me a chance to use my god given gift of whitty sarcasm in a daily setting. I would also love to work up to be a crash reconstructionist.

 

[rockin86ranger]

you need jim to chime in, iirc he was HP at one point

That's one of the people i knew was retired HP.


Also it would give me a good reason to restore an SSP Mustang

 

[03ranger30]

Well then it looks like this job is perfect for you haha

 

[Rose2300]

My dad has been a police officer for the past 12 years. It definately changed who he was (lots of stress, seeing mutilated bodies, etc), but it's definately a good field to get into because there is a ton of opportunity to move up the ranks and you get a pension

 

[det107]

Law Enforcement is one thing, Being an officer of the law also means being a social worker & helping people in general. One must set an example so trust/bond can be formed with the public-

 

[Mark_88]

And remember that being a PO is one of the most stressful jobs...I have met and made friends with many...and one of the most common complaints is they become isolated from friends...partly due to the public impression of law enforcement and partly due to the fact that only other law enforcement officers speak the same language...

but you will be respected, feared, hated and, most of all, appreciated by those you help...

What it boils down to is...can you walk into any situation, take control and feel the weight of your responsibilities without resorting to alcohol to dull your senses or become a "cop people only" type...and accept that for what it is...

It's not a bad life...but it is stressful...

EDIT: I lost touch with one of my students (Tae Kwon Do) who went on to become a SWAT team leader with Metropolitan Toronto Police. He wrote a book on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that I intend to find and read soon enough. But I wasn't too surprised by this since the last time I saw him he looked like he was very stressed.

check out Crack in the Armour by Jimmy Bremner...a true story...but he was SWAT so it's probably considerably more stressful than HP...I remember seeing his picture on the front page of a Toronto newspaper where he rappeled down an apartment building, entered through a balcony and shot gun wielding man who was in a domestic fight with his wife...he made the mistake of pointing his gun at Jim...

 

[straycat]

Good choice of a Carree, Bro. Jim Oaks was a trooper. I never see any openings for any here in Florida, but we see a lot of troopers. You get a pension and great pay and get to take the car or SUV home and get to carry a GUN!!!! lol

 

[doorgunner]

Good choice of a Carree, Bro. Jim Oaks was a trooper. I never see any openings for any here in Florida, but we see a lot of troopers. You get a pension and great pay and get to take the car or SUV home and get to carry a GUN!!!! lol

Stray!!!!

Sounds like the perfect job for you......think they'll let you keep a bullet in your shirt pocket?


(Justtttttttt pickingggggg......I like the way you described the job!)