Hello all. I was hoping that I could solicit some advice on applying for the job of a city police officer. Ill apologize in advance for the length of this post but wanted to give some personal background info.
Im 34 years old, hold a BS degree in biology and worked from 98 08 at a desk job for a pharmaceutical company. For the last 16 months Ive been employed by a Christian missions organization and have lived in Mexico City learning Spanish and working as a missionary with children. However, the last year has taught my wife, our four-year old son and I that we should not remain in Mexico City. Our family is existing here but not thriving. This is a tough place to work/raise a family and for various reasons weve decided to return to the States. (Ive always believed that the health of ones family should come before your vocation and this is a large factor in our impending return to the US.)
Currently, Ive been considering applying for a police officer position once returning. Back in my college days I volunteered with a local fire department and had fairly regular interaction with LEOs. I feel that I received a small picture of a police officers duties then. I have friends working for similar sized departments (city population of just under 500,000) and know their accounts of what this job entails. Im confident that my background checks will not pose any roadblocks nor will passing the physical tests. Additionally, Im comfortable with the salary that officers in my area receive.
My main question is: what should I expect (pros, cons, etc.) in considering this occupation? I really want to be in a position where I can (forgive the cliché) serve people, work with colleagues that have a deeper commitment to one another than what Ive previously encountered and NOT return to an office/desk job.
Thank you gentlemen for your advice.
Im 34 years old, hold a BS degree in biology and worked from 98 08 at a desk job for a pharmaceutical company. For the last 16 months Ive been employed by a Christian missions organization and have lived in Mexico City learning Spanish and working as a missionary with children. However, the last year has taught my wife, our four-year old son and I that we should not remain in Mexico City. Our family is existing here but not thriving. This is a tough place to work/raise a family and for various reasons weve decided to return to the States. (Ive always believed that the health of ones family should come before your vocation and this is a large factor in our impending return to the US.)
Currently, Ive been considering applying for a police officer position once returning. Back in my college days I volunteered with a local fire department and had fairly regular interaction with LEOs. I feel that I received a small picture of a police officers duties then. I have friends working for similar sized departments (city population of just under 500,000) and know their accounts of what this job entails. Im confident that my background checks will not pose any roadblocks nor will passing the physical tests. Additionally, Im comfortable with the salary that officers in my area receive.
My main question is: what should I expect (pros, cons, etc.) in considering this occupation? I really want to be in a position where I can (forgive the cliché) serve people, work with colleagues that have a deeper commitment to one another than what Ive previously encountered and NOT return to an office/desk job.
Thank you gentlemen for your advice.