The Pew Research Center reports that over half of all police officers describe their job as frustrating and unfulfilling, which compares to 29 percent of workers in other occupations who feel that same level of discontent with their profession. The BLS projects that 46,038 new police officer jobs will be added between 2016 and 2026, representing a 7 percent increase in the force. The excitement is one of the practical benefits of being a police officer. Not getting … There are extreme stressors present in the position every day. 9. Researchers compared police officers' health risks with that of other people and found that police officers are at increased risk for obesity, metabolic syndrome and suicide. 1. Police officers get to shape their communities. Police / law enforcement officers run a high risk of being attacked, wounded or even killed by criminals, hoodlums and other people whose behavior disagrees with the law and the society norms. Police officers have the good fortune of being able to retire early due to the stress and physicality of the job. The police are often the first, and sometimes the only, contact many citizens will have with a government representative. 2. Police officers must maintain a healthy lifestyle to be effective at what they do. Helping students succeed has been her passion while serving in many areas of student affairs and adjunct teaching. Being a police officer is hard to begin with. 2. Even police officers without a college degree earn an average annual salary of $62,760, or $30.17 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It's more dangerous to live in Baltimore (35.01 murders per 100,000 residents) than to be a cop in 2014. You get to change tires for the elderly. Most departments don’t experience a lot of turnover, but it is possible to become enrolled in police academies or training institutes to prepare for this career option. Many police / law enforcement officers are involved in work-related accidents - vehicle crashes, falls during chase, rescue and similar operations, etc. The Risks of Being a Police Officer or Firefighter. Add that to the constant exposure to the negative elements of humanity, and you’ll find many officers dealing with stress every day. As a police officer, you will be responsible for improving community relationships and protecting civilian rights. Whether they are conducting traffic control at an accident scene in 100 degree heat or providing crime scene security in freezing temperatures, they are at the mercy of the elements. There is great comfort in knowing that if the worst-case scenario happens, there will be shoulders for you to lean on to help you make it through. Police officers also seem to have relationship problems at work, typically with superiors or with political oversight, though the evidence is largely anecdotal and controversial. Although I know LE is dangerous, I feel like that's a little over the top. 2. You’re working on your own, with partners, and in a team environment all at the same time in many jurisdictions. 44 of those officers were shot and killed. PTSD is an occupational hazard and another con of being a police officer. Over the life course, about 1 in every 1,000 black men can expect to be killed by police. Even if you don’t have a college degree, the average pay for a police officer in the U.S. is over $62,000. In 1699, the structure created for Paris was distributed throughout the rest of France. Uncertainty is an inherent feature of operational decision making 1. We all know about the dangers of getting shot or losing your life in a serious fire. Most police officers work for local and state government agencies mired in bureaucracy. At the same time, they are also tasked with providing safety and security to their jurisdiction. These stereotypes influence how many people see the police officers in their community, which can lead to misunderstandings about who they are as people. Danger Is Everywhere The biggest issue with being a police officer is the simple fact that it is extremely dangerous. Although times are changing in TV shows and movies, police officers are often portrayed as people who eat a lot of doughnuts, like to thump heads, and tend to have the intelligence comparable to a rhesus monkey. You can find many appealing reasons for becoming a police officer, including fighting crime, enforcing laws, catching bad guys and the adrenalin rush of a late night shift. In 2017, 127 police officers died doing their job. They see this conflict on an almost daily basis, then are asked to write you a speeding ticket if you break the law. People who get into law enforcement are naturally ambitious because each officer wants to help themselves, their families, and their community to the best of their ability. If you're looking for a job that's going to let you keep up with the Joneses, you probably want to look elsewhere. But unlike in the movies, officers seldom fire their guns. Although the statistics are fuzzy, clinically treated alcohol addiction rates are usually calculated to be about twice as high for police officers than for the general population … Job satisfaction rates are high for police officers. There can be a lot of perks available to police officers. 5. Working as a police officer means you’re exposed to events that may be frightening. Police officers are forced to deal with many stereotypes. The job benefits of being a police officer are quite valuable in many communities – and we’re not talking about the free coffee that local businesses might offer. 6. They also are threatened, which can lead to stress and depression. On the other hand, police are also scrutinized and criticized, especially in cases of officer-involved shootings. Finally, it does seem worth noting that all of us are at far more risk of being killed by other civilians than by police officers, and that this is especially true for Black men. 1. Geographical location is another factor affecting wages. In California, if you have a minimum of 5 years of service on the job, then you are eligible to retire to collect a partial pension at age 50. Many jurisdictions offer their officers a free gym membership to help them stay fit. In 2017, there were 128 police officers killed in the line of duty in the United States. Cops work long, erratic hours, which wreaks havoc on the body and relationships. 7. 4. PTSD is a common issue found in the world of law enforcement. Officers are also exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods of time. Extended levels of stress can cause fatigue, depression or suicidal thoughts. Most fatalities occur on Fridays, so working weekends is potentially more dangerous. 6. Policing today has professional standards and high expectations of those who enter. However, most people in the community are not aware of the extent of that risk. Many organizations allow workouts on duty and participate in dietetic and nutritional training for their employees. More often, long dull hours are spent patrolling bucolic neighborhoods and ticketing stop sign violators. Although laws change and expectations shift, these critical points always seem to form the foundation of whether or not someone believes in their personal ability to protect and serve. Communities regularly hold events to celebrate and honor the law enforcement. Texas led the country with 14 fatalities, while Florida and New York at 9 each. These stereotypes influence how many people see the police officers in their community, which can lead to misunderstandings about who … List of Cons of Being a Police Officer. Alcoholism is considered another aberrant statistic for police officers. It is a career where you are always active in some way. The Job Is Not for Everyone . According to the International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, police are at a much greater risk than the general population for developing PTSD symptoms, including sleep disturbances, anxiety and hyperarousal, and alcohol abuse. When you are called into action while serving, or just dealing with a personal crisis of some type, your fellow officers are going to be there for you. Salaries, benefits and retirement packages are attractive, too. For what we consider “modern” policing, efforts were started in the late 17th century in Paris to create a police force that would ensure people had access to the “peace and quiet” they deserved. Mary Dowd holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master’s in counseling and student affairs from Minnesota State Mankato. What is unique about this profession is that the advantages and disadvantages of being a police officer haven’t changed much in all that time. It is a job where you’re faced with human misery every day. A video I put together about the dangers of being a police officer. Police violence is a leading cause of death for young men in the United States. That includes being mentally active in addition to the physical requirements asked of each person. 4. However, it is important to keep both professional and personal enjoyment at hand to have a rewarding outcome. If you have leadership qualities and a desire to rise to the top, you may enjoy the career ladder of the law enforcement profession. Another frustration is the expectation that police officers must work harder to compensate for budget cuts and understaffing. Such horrendous incidents go far beyond what the average person could handle. The average citizen is more likely to call the employer of a police officer if a dispute arises than any other profession. 1. Law enforcement officials often see the divisiveness of communities at a personal level every day. And yet, when it comes to people being killed by police officers, there's no data on that. It is the job of police officers and firefighters to subject themselves to risk in order to protect the people of their communities. Risk to Life According to many studies, a roofer and plumber or an electrician, construction worker and sanitation worker among others would be equally at risk. Risk of being killed by police peaks between the ages of 20 y and 35 y for men and women and for all racial and ethnic groups. As a group, police officers have one of the nation's highest suicide rates due to the severe and unrelenting stress of the profession. According to information released by the Pew Research Center, over 50% of police officers in the United States describe their job as being “frustrating.” Another term is used there as well: “unfulfilling.” That is almost double the national average in the United States for people who are discontent with their jobs. Officers with a bachelor’s degree can earn more money than police officers with an associate degree or high school diploma. Even if you get into police work as a person who isn’t competitive, the environments of law enforcement will often change that perspective. Everything from victim advocacy to crime prevention is recognized in this profession, which makes it easier to do the hard work that is asked of you each day. Another outcome of high stress conditions is poor sleep. These changes often come with company benefits. Tweet. I am pretty set on a career in law enforcement and have been doing a little research about the dangers of being a cop. Others are not that lucky. After gaining experience as a patrol officer, you may be tapped for positions of increasing responsibility, such as lieutenant, commander, captain, sergeant, detective, police chief or public safety director, depending on the ranks and titles within your department. Many people look up to the police, especially young kids. Another 83 percent cited an overall lack of respect for the profession as the reason they would not recommend joining law enforcement. The point is, for cops, the things we complain about most are things that drew us to the job in the first place. You get to work in an environment that is highly competitive. Police officers of some type may have been around since the very beginning of modern human cultures. § 1983 are considered to be the most common filed against police officers as they can be filed against any officer who has been accused of violating a person’s statutory or constitutional rights as described by law. Anything a police officer does, whether on-duty or not, becomes the subject of community complaints and internal investigations. Currently she is a dean of students at a large, public university. Their duties included making arrests, handling prisoners, and investigating crimes committed – similar to what a modern police officer is asked to do. Every police officer faces the risk of injury and death every day. All of that comes together to create people who are often cynical as their first reaction. Not only will you have to be very physically fit but mentally sharp as well. You get to go into dark houses and look for the bad guys . Working alone. These advantages and disadvantages of being a police officer shed insight into what it takes to serve a community every day. Not everyone can be a police officer, but everyone can support their local law enforcement officials in some way. The obvious downside of working in law enforcement is the risk of injury or death. Professionalism is recognized and highly regarded in law enforcement. IUL vs Roth IRA – Pros and Cons Comparison of Both Plans, Fundly vs GoFundMe – Reviews of the Two Popular Crowdfunding Sites, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. Police officers are often seen as heroes who put their lives on the line. California, New Jersey and Alaska pay police officers more on average than other states, but the cost of living is higher, too. Many people feel like their work goes unrecognized every day. 1. It is a profession that is always under much scrutiny. The work is challenging, with long hours and dangerous situations to manage. It’s challenging. Police officers are forced to deal with many stereotypes. Decision making in dynamic situations often has to take place on … You will have to have a quick reaction time, and good reflexes. Being fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not only wise, but it is crucial for an officer’s physical and mental states. They are asked to respond to situations where people are experiencing one of their worst days. The relationships built by police officers are some of the strongest known. That might be through performance standards, talent application, or skill-based activities. Another 58,627 were struck by assailants in 2016. That represents a 7% increase in the number of available positions. Fatigue from shift work. Police officers are not the most highly paid individuals, so the stress of making a living on a cop's salary is another addition to the stress meter. These filings are typically called a “Bivens action” in reference to the case of Bivens v. Six Unknown Agents, 403 U.S. 388 (1971). Being a police officer is a very respectable thing. Just 7.5 percent of police officers said they would recommend the job. jtgriffin07 / Getty Images. This life structure helps each person stay strong mentally and physically. Even when an officer breaks the law, most are still compassionate, caring, and smart individuals who want to make a positive impact on their community. In a new study, police officers are at increased risk for many physical and mental diseases. Many police departments thrive on the competition of officers pushing on another to become better at what they do. The long nights and rotating shifts take a toll on families who worry about the safety of their loved one. Awards are conveyed at the local, state, national, and global levels when you do exemplary work. At times, you may even be required to save lives. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious mental health condition that may occur after exposure to a violent, shocking, frightening or disturbing event. Police officers are often working long shifts after not getting a chance to rest properly the night before. Opportunities will be best for those who have military experience, a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement and fluency in more than one language. 7. Psychological stress or trauma. Whether they’re on patrol or doing paperwork in the office, it would be fair to say that there is always a constant threat of danger to worry about. In states like California, police officers with at least five years of service are eligible to retire and collect a pension at age 50, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. 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