Just wanting to do the job is not enough of a reason to become a law enforcement officer. Television and the movies have given our profession of glamour or scorn. If you believe you are going to clean up the world once you get hired, think again.

Police work is often boring with numerous tasks (mostly non-LE related) handed to you on a daily basis. The administration (bosses) usually are out of touch with the work you do and cater to the whims of polititians or alledged community leaders. Remember, LE work is run in paramilitary style. Orders are not requests, but are commands that if not obeyed could get you fired or arrested.

Once you are in the LE field, get ready for the change of life. You are now "the COP". People will introduce you as one, your neighbors will treat and look at you differently. Even your family will treat you strangely. You WILL lose friends you once had because of your job.

Other things/skills you will need is an education (can't write a report if you can't read-NOTE: a lot of police work is hand written, no spellcheck), good physical presence (make sure you can do this job physically-I don't mean you have to be a steroid freak- remember, you NEED to stay in shape for ALL of your career, not just for the academy), great emotional and health (you will get hurt in this job, you will be berated by the public and see crazy things), and life experience (get a feel on life and how it works before coming into a career that mandates that we change other lives).

Now, the MOST IMPORTANT thing.......family (especially your spouse and children- or future spouse and kids). These are the people who see you change though your career and life. LEOs tend to let their career and cop friend dominate their lives. It's a funny thing: cops usually tell distraught kids or fringe gang members that the only one who will care about them when something happens is their family. Advise I wish some officers would take. REMEMBER the toll this takes or will take on them when choosing this career. Expect this!

I haven't even touched on the dangers or discipline involved in police work!

I'm not trying to steer anyone from this career. I think this is the greatest job in the world. As a field training officer I see too many new officers not prepared to do this job. Hopefully new prospective recruits read this and understand at least a little of the sacrifice needed for this line or work.

Good luck to all!