Should I Become A Police Officer In 2024? - Advice from Officers

As someone who did not make it in law enforcement, here’s my advice: you need to reflect on your life and ask yourself am I willing to put myself into harms ways on a daily basis and am I okay with stepping up in a situation where I may lose my life? For me that answer was no. I was on the job and had that answer come to me only a couple months in. I resigned because I couldn’t handle it. There are thousands of people who can, and the majority of the public respect LE and call on them every day. If you can answer their call, do it but think about the risk before you apply and raise your right hand

Thanks for this Scott!

I did for over 35 years. I have no regrets but I am glad it's behind me. All of the coppers I used to work who are also retired all say the same thing as well. If I had to do over again knowing what I know now, I wouldn't do it. If you are really determined I would suggest going federal.

This was inspirational. Thank you.

Thank you guys in the video for giving your advice...

Prayers to all cops & their families. It’s a sacrifice that many do not understand unless they are a cop or a spouse of a cop. Many thanks! 💙💙

I put in 25 years as a state game warden, and it nearly put me in an early grave. Not just because of bad guys with bad intentions. Every cop has to deal with that. It was the stress, compounded by 24/7 call with no sleep, irregular diet, sporadic exercise, no social life to speak of, abusive command staff, and a string of governors who hated game wardens. The lot of us were burned out beyond our time. At one point, I even quit using high beams and take-downs at night to avoid pissing someone off and the inevitable complaint that would soon follow. Yes, it can get THAT bad.

Thanks

Respect brother, just got my dream job working mobile patrol

Im certain this is what I want to do. I have worked a dozen different jobs over the last 10 years, and have always come back to wanting to get into law enforcement. Its like its gnawing at the back of my mind, "you can do more" "you can be better". I want to help people, and from what I have dealt with in my life, I know that I can do some good in this world, because I am always willing to do the things that noone else is willing to do. What ever it takes to make my community safe for the people I care about, and set a good example for those around me. There is a lot of crime in my area, and while I wont be able to stop it all, I can at least have a direct hand in its reduction. Your videos along with officer 401 and Mike the Cop have been very informative and helpful in learning a portion of what Im in for. I know there are a lot of bad things out there, but thats why I want to do this. Not because I want to see dead people, but because I want that victim's family to sleep easy knowing that the person who caused all their grief is behind bars. Im doing this because I care about people. If it works out, I'm more than likely going to become a detective. LET THE PAPERWORK ROLL IN!

Wow thanks for the inspiration nd advice which reinforced my dream to be a great cop…more vids like this!👌

Thanks for the video Scott! I’m excited after the army to go out and apply to my local dependents, it isn’t till 2026 tho

This was so cool to watch! I appreciate how the advice is always leaning towards “remember who you are and why you got into this”. It seems like many of the outcomes in the job depends on an individual’s attitude. As someone who is seriously thinking about joining Law Enforcement, I was wondering if you have any insight as to how life is during the academy and during the probationary period/rookie year (year 1). I assume it’s stressful given you have to study and learn everyday especially as a new officer. However, something I will be prioritizing after leaving my current career is to ensure I have a work/life balance and time for my family/personal relationships. So my question is the following - do recruit officers during the academy and rookie officers during their 1st year have the ability to create a work/life balance? Thank you for your insight! Your videos are amazing and very informative to those of us who want to join this career and make a difference.

Love this! Usually you’d expect everyone to say “no” because of the stigma around law enforcement nowadays but this motivates me to stay true to myself and continue to pursue a law enforcement career!

I did 36 years. If I started today, I would have never made it. If I did, I would have had bad mental problems.

Just started the process now. Passed the written exam and have the fitness test in two weeks. Being a Police Officer is something I always wanted to do. I am 21 years old now and finishing my Bachelor’s degree now

New officer here: been on the job 5 months now and let me tell you everyday i think about walking away. A year ago me would have thought i was crazy. The academy was brutal but that’s just how it goes. I thought i knew what i was getting myself into but i didn’t. I had ride alongs and they made the job seem fun. Honestly the ride alongs made me want to do it. But being on the other side of the seat it’s different. But i don’t want sit here and be a negative Nancy. If it is something you wanna do, go for it. Just understand the job can be something you end up working really hard to get in to, and may end up not enjoying the job.

I wanna say if you wanna do law enforcement as a career try doing a ride along to see what is like. I did that and I knew from the start I loved this job

I’m almost 20, and I’m very glad I watched this video. I’ve had a desire to be a police officer my whole life. It’s nice to see the real side of it and remind myself why i want to be a police officer.

I see videosand can’t believe how patient cops have to be. And it’s like mischief makers try to act up to generate a lawsuit. I couldn’t do it for 1 day.