Becoming a COP.. !?

[s0biek]

Hi there, my name is Cesar I am from Connecticut, USA. Originally born in the state of Parana, Brazil, I moved to America when I was 13.
I grew up in a rough neighborhood and I saw at least 1 copcar parked near our house at least once a day. Cops here in this country are a total different thing then in my country, as far as the experience I had with cops goes, they are very well educated, they treat you with respect and they totally HAVE the power :thumbs_up

I started thinking about becoming a COP. But I am still not sure because I have no clue where to start, what classes I could take in high school(or college) (senior year!) or where I could go to get a start up on law enforcement career.. or at least see what it's like.
I really don't care downside of being a cop, if I really want to do something, I will go for it and never quit.

Well enough about me. I have a few questions.
What does a cop do on a regular day basis? What time do you have to get up? How long are your shifts? Does every cop have a copcar? Do you ever get called at like 3am to do an emergency or something?? What courses would you consider if in college and pursuing a career in law enforcement? Can you live in a town and work for your neighboors town Department?? These are just some questions that came to my head right now as I am sleepy hehe.. but I am sure tomorrow I will have more!!
I am sorry if I sound stupid or make little sense.. I don't know much about law enforcement/cops so please excuse me!

thanks for any help!

[Sipowicz]

Hi there, my name is Cesar I am from Connecticut, USA. Originally born in the state of Parana, Brazil, I moved to America when I was 13.
I grew up in a rough neighborhood and I saw at least 1 copcar parked near our house at least once a day. Cops here in this country are a total different thing then in my country, as far as the experience I had with cops goes, they are very well educated, they treat you with respect and they totally HAVE the power :thumbs_up

Welcome to PW.N!

I started thinking about becoming a COP. But I am still not sure because I have no clue where to start, what classes I could take in high school(or college) (senior year!) or where I could go to get a start up on law enforcement career.. or at least see what it's like.
I really don't care downside of being a cop, if I really want to do something, I will go for it and never quit.

Never quitting is a good attitude to have. I'm still on my road to being a cop, but I am knocking on the door (I'm in a non-sworn law enforcement position). We were taught that as soon as you quit, you're dead.

Well enough about me. I have a few questions.
What does a cop do on a regular day basis?

It really varies due to the size of the community, number of officers on the street, and issues needing to be addressed. There can be a lot of down time, but there can be times where you're crazy busy. Responding to calls, traffic stops, investigations, and many other things can happen in a "standard" day.

What time do you have to get up?

Hee hee hee, many have similar questions. Typically there are 3 shifts; days, mids, and dog watch. Smaller departments may only have 2 shifts, or may even only have on call service. Generally, with the 3 shifts, days start somewhere between 0700 and 0900, mids start around 1600 to 1800, and dog watch around 2200 to 2400 (0000).

How long are your shifts?

This varies too. In my department, both the officers and agents (my position) are on 8 hour shifts. 10 hour shifts are somewhat popular, and 12 hour shifts are out there, but are typically hated. That makes for a long day.

Does every cop have a copcar?

Generally no, at least from a city/town standpoint. I don't know of any departments in MN that are city/town that have a car for every officer. I know State Patrol here has a car for each trooper as they take them home. Many counties follow that same suit.

Do you ever get called at like 3am to do an emergency or something??

In shift work, generally no, but that doesn't mean it can't happen. Smaller departments have a higher likelihood (sp?) of that happening.

What courses would you consider if in college and pursuing a career in law enforcement?

Interestingly enough, I know that answer (mostly) for the state you live in. Connecticut, like MN, requires Peace Officer Standard Training (POST) certification. Typically this requires a 2 year degree in law enforcement or whatever the state calls the program. If you search "CT POST requirements" in a search engine you'll find what you need to be a cop in CT. I have a friend that is a State Trooper in CT.

Can you live in a town and work for your neighboors town Department??

Check your local and state statutes. Here in MN, it is illegal for the department to require residency in the city/town worked. May be different elsewhere in the states.

These are just some questions that came to my head right now as I am sleepy hehe.. but I am sure tomorrow I will have more!!
I am sorry if I sound stupid or make little sense.. I don't know much about law enforcement/cops so please excuse me!

thanks for any help!

No problems whatsoever. You've got to start somewhere, and the only stupid question is one not asked!

[s0biek]

Thanks Sipowicz!! I guess you answered all my question hehe!
:)