PoliceLink

Hi, I would just like to hear from any Christian police officers out there.

I am 19 years old and would love to become a police officer here in Maryland.

How should I explain to other fellow believers that I am not going against Gods will by become a cop?

It seems like all anyone hears are the bad stories and not the ones where you guys help people and keep the peace.

Thanks, and if anyone has some input on the career a Local City Cop versus that of a State Trooper (who I want to be), and the steps on becoming one (like training, exams, psysical ability).

Thanks!

-Vik

One more thing ... ask them this question: if you had to call the police to your home for any reason, would you rather it be a Christian or a non-Christian?

I like to refer to it as the Blues Brothers verse.  :)

"Were on a mission from God." 

King James Version

Rom 13:1
¶
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Rom 13:2
 
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Rom 13:3
 
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

Rom 13:4
 
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Rom 13:5
 
Wherefore [ye] must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

Rom 13:6
 
For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Hey Dewood~

I struggled with this too. I worked for a church running their kid's programs for several years, and some people were horrified to realize that I wanted to be a cop. But let me tell you, if its what you were created for, do it. God has dreams for you. Fulfill them. You'll never be happier.

And three are people out there who could never be cops. One of my best guy friends is a youth pastor and can't imagine ever shooting anyone, even in defense of someone else.  I just told him, "I do what I do so you can do what you do."

abrooke0124 says ...

Hey Dewood~

I struggled with this too. I worked for a church running their kid's programs for several years, and some people were horrified to realize that I wanted to be a cop. But let me tell you, if its what you were created for, do it. God has dreams for you. Fulfill them. You'll never be happier.

And three are people out there who could never be cops. One of my best guy friends is a youth pastor and can't imagine ever shooting anyone, even in defense of someone else.  I just told him, "I do what I do so you can do what you do."

I struggled with it too. I was already a pastor when I became a police officer. Lots of prayer, Romans 13 and a talk with a good Christian friend was what convinced me. We have several ministers in our department and most of the officers are Christians ... a lot of them are carnal Christians, but Christians nonetheless.

I am a christian albeit not as good of one as i should be..........I have had a few people say that it makes me a hypocrite by being a police officer but for the most part everyone in my church supports me whole heartedly. My pastor even made the comment in open church one sunday that me being a police officer was a calling i had to answer much the same as his being called to preach the word. Stay strong in your beliefs.

cento_k9 says ...

I am a christian albeit not as good of one as i should be..........I have had a few people say that it makes me a hypocrite by being a police officer but for the most part everyone in my church supports me whole heartedly. My pastor even made the comment in open church one sunday that me being a police officer was a calling i had to answer much the same as his being called to preach the word. Stay strong in your beliefs.

Cento, I tell people that I feel just as called to be a police officer as I do to be a pastor.

goodlight says ...

cento_k9 says ...

I am a christian albeit not as good of one as i should be..........I have had a few people say that it makes me a hypocrite by being a police officer but for the most part everyone in my church supports me whole heartedly. My pastor even made the comment in open church one sunday that me being a police officer was a calling i had to answer much the same as his being called to preach the word. Stay strong in your beliefs.

BTW, none of us are as good as we should be in our walk with Christ. Thankfully, God is a patient and forgiving God.

Very well said Mr goodlight.

Why would it be going against gods will to be a LEO? If its because of the commandment "Thou shalt not kill."

I ask you why did David (Gods servant) Kill Goliath??? or for that matter Why did God kill all of Egypt's first born to release the Isreialites from slavery????

Ones decision to be a LEO shouldn't be based on religion, finance, or power but on principle. Doing the right thing.... Serving your community.

If the people that ask you these questions are Jehovah's witnesses. I understand I had one tell me I was going to hell for joining the Navy back in 1987. All I can say is I retired as a CTR1(SW) with 20 years, and am proud to say that I served my country then, just like I am currently trying to as a LEO in Idaho.

We lost one of our own on 7/18/08.  Andrew Widman FMPD#413, was a missonary prior to becoming a cop.  He and his wife beleive it was gods will he became a cop.  Now he is home wiht the Lord.  I spoke with his parents, his father is a Pastor.  They beleive he made the the ultimate sacrifice in Jesus' name and that he rests with the Lord.  If you feel called follow your heart.  I am not even close to the man that Andrew was but he served in the name of the Lord.  Good luck to yu and pray for our Brothers in Blue. 

Matthew 5.9 

 “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God.”

Police Officers are Peacemakers

LjB says ...

 Wow it was great to see this topic/thread on here... I've been asked many times about being a cop and a Christian... I'll have to reference Romans 13 next time too

Yeah, and don't forget Mt. 5:9 as someone else posted. I've been asked about it many times myself and I always use these verses along with the question: if you have to call the police out to your house, would you rather it be a Christian or a non-Christian? Of course I live in an area in which 95% of the population is Christian. But even if someone is not a Christian, they know that Christians have (or at least should have) a certain morality about them.

Hey Dewood,

I am a 42 year old cop and a Christian.  I don't think I could have passed all the requirements to be a cop if I hadn't been a Christian.  After all, the Lord looked out for me through all of it.  Furthermore, I don't think I would remain a cop without the protection of His Almighty Hand on me.  Bless you in your pursuit.

We are ministers in a target-rich environment.