Law Enforcement Officers Please Respond

[puffer]

A long time ago, (late 60s-80s) I was an LEO. I still interact with LEOs ( local,county,state,&fed.) as a Range Officer & have been called upon by my pastor, to help consul officers.( in the past, I was also a firearms instructor)
The comments of the LEOs, that have been posted, reflect what I experienced, as well as the thoughts I have heard in my talking with LEOs. But I would like to add 2 things that, IMHO, are VERY IMPORTANT.

Social Stigma - Sad to say not all of our society view LEOs as individuals they want to socialize with. ( I am not referring to the "PUNKS") Far too often, LEOs find themselves socially isolated.

Your Marriage - You mentioned that your wife is NOT enthusiastic about you becoming an LEO. The JOB often takes a "terrible" toll on marriages.You will be handling a LOT of physiological "baggage. ( Frustration with the legal system, the "crap you have to deal with on the street, etc.) & when you come home, how will you handle it ?????

BTW, do the Dept.s in your area have a "Reserve Officer program ( I started out as a RO) or a volunteer "civilian" program ?? It might be a way to "feel" it out. Another idea would be to check out your airport police Dept.

Respectively Puffer