What is it like being a police officer?

What is it like to be a Police Officer?

• Okay. I am 16 years old and I have been wanting to join the police force since I was like, 5 years old. I have always wanted to make a positive difference in my community and being a police officer would be a very big honor. I have some questions though. 1. How is the academy? What is the training like and how physically fit do you need to be? What is some of the physical training like? What other training is there? 2. Is it hard to get the job because of so many people wanting the same job as you? What are the odds of getting denied of being a police officer? 3. If you get on the force. what are your coworkers like? Is it a competition between each other or do most of them have your back. I understand if you are a dick to other people, they will act the same back but in general, how do they act? 4. I know there is quite a bit of paperwork so what is it like? Hard, complex, and long or easy once you do some paperwork overtime? Opinions? 5. How is the stress and pressure of being a police officer? Do you spend time at night laying in your bed (if not working night shift) thinking about what you could have done better? Do you let that kind of stuff bother you? Probably the thing I worry about most of being a police officer is making split-second decisions and if I do something wrong, it will bother me forever. Like pulling the trigger too early or trying to save someones life when there is no EMS around and you have to try to save someones life all by yourself. I know that is a bit dramatic and doesn't happen often at all but that kind of stuff worries me. The split-second decisions that will happen 1/10 times. Also, I understand that each department is different and I will get different answers from people that are in different locations. I personally live in Ontario, Canada and will be applying for the OPP. Thank you so much and honest answers only. Take care. Jakob

• Answer:

  Ok, I don't think this is an 'official' answer to your question, for I am not a police officer [yet], but just a suggestion. Maybe you should try going down to your local police station and acquiring about an explorer program. Most departments have explorer programs for youths who may want to pursue a career in law enforcement. You must be 14 or older an have an average GPA of 3.5 or higher (at least those are the requirements at my department). You will have to go to 'explorer academy' and once you graduate, you can help out at public events and do ride alongs with real officers. Cheers, A