10 Reasons Why Being A Law Enforcement Officer is Awesome
Being a law enforcement officer is about more than job security and benefits. Those things help, of course, but there are a bunch of other reasons why being a law enforcement officer is awesome.
1) Helping Others
Law enforcement officers are in a rare position where they can directly see their impact on the community. People feel safe when they know that the police are active and on duty. Seeing people feel like this is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a law enforcement officer.
2) Training
There’s a plethora of useful skills that you can learn during your law enforcement training. From combat training to first aid and advanced driving lessons. All these skills are useful not just for when you’re on duty, but also can be useful skills to have in case of emergencies.
You never know when you might need to use first aid or CPR. You also never know when you might need to defend yourself or your loved ones from harm. Law enforcement training helps you prepare for these situations.
3) The Gear
Carrying a gun is cool, but the rest of the gear that law enforcement officers are given are equally as cool. Law enforcement officers get to carry an amazing flashlight, handcuffs, and a series of other tools that help them carry out their day-to-day task. The best part? You get a utility bet - yes, like Batman.
4) Police Cars
You know that feeling when you see a police car. Admiration. Awe. Even a little bit of curiosity. Will the siren go off? Will they pull someone over? Police cars are a symbol of the duties that law enforcement officers are expected to uphold.
Police are given cars to carry out their duties on the force. Some departments even grant their law enforcement officers with take-home cars that they can drive home in every day. The advanced driving training teaches you how to handle the car properly, so that you always feel confident on the road. And yes, you get to turn the siren on sometimes.
5) The Camaraderie
If you’ve ever been a part of a sports team, a club, or any sort of tight-knit group, you know about the powers of camaraderie. Few things can motivate your, or make you feel as comfortable as a solid group of friends who share something special.
When I was an athlete, I bonded with my teammates because we all worked hard and shared that bond. We had different interests, but were an extremely tight-knit group thanks to that connection. Law enforcement officers share a special bond through their work that few other professions can have.
6) The Authority
Being able to take charge and use your authority is a rewarding skill. Few people are able to develop this skill in their lifetime. That’s why being a LEO is such a great job. You quickly learn how to develop your authority, and when the right time to use it is. This can make you a better partner, friend, and parent.
7) Saving Lives
Saving lives is probably the most rewarding part about being an LEO. A lot of the other stuff is cool and can be fun, but this is why most of us do the job. At the end of the day, LEOs are here to protect and serve. Nothing is better than knowing you saved a life, and that your community is safe.
8) The Excitement
No, being a LEO isn’t like it is on TV. We don’t get in high paced car chases very often, and we rarely go undercover or make a massive drug bust. But, there are definitely exciting parts of being a LEO, and they’re sprinkled throughout your career with just enough regularity to keep things fresh. Sometimes, it’s as simple as closing an issue that’s been open for a while. LEOs know how rewarding that feels!
9) The Responsibility
The responsibility given to LEOs is a big part of the job. It helps you realize what’s important, and gives you valuable skills you can use in your everyday life. Whether you’re in charge of an entire precinct, or just your specific area, you have to learn to organize and lead.
Whether you’ve always been responsible or not, becoming a LEO will make sure you are. You’ll take that responsibility home with you, and show the people you love just how reliable you are in any situation.
10) The Respect
Respect is a two-way street. If you show your community respect, and protect them the way you’re supposed to, you’d be shocked at how much respect they’ll show you in turn. It’s all about building relationships within your community, and being a LEO is great for that.
There’s a lot of negative media portrayal of LEOs, but people forget all about that when they need one. Better yet, you can make a difference in people’s opinions simply by doing your job right, and respecting your community.
Fun and Rewarding Career
These are just some reasons why being a LEO is the best job in the world. Sure, we’re a little biased, but we think serving our amazing communities is reason enough to call this job one of the best you can have. All these other things? They’re just the cherry on top.
Frank Beachel
September 09, 2019
Totally agree, but guess I want to throw out there(vent) that when you start to deteriorate, especially when it seems to happen both mentally and physically at the same time, and you “lose” that feeling of authority that you had in your neighborhood, let alone at home. DON’T BE AFRAID TO REACH OUT FOR SOME HELP!!!!!!! To go from an avid Competitive 3D archer, Pistol shooter and hunter, to a maybe helping grandson get a deer just by sitting in the stand with him. I can’t practice so I’m not going to risk injuring an animal. And to stop any of the younger generations, yes my muscle memory would allow me to be able to take COMFORTABLE 10-20YD SHOTS, but if that monster walk out at 40, I’m of the mind to let him walk and wait for Crossbow or Firearm season. So. If it’s not in my hand I can’t risk spooking it or worse, injure it and make it suffer and me suffer with all the extra walking would cause for days.
Back on Point: sorry but with all the medical issues I’ve had this summer, plus the emotional/mental stress that came along with complications , you throw hunting season, or rather maybe NO HUNTING SEASON you have a guy who could carry a WHOLE COMMUNITY ON HIS SHOULDERS, who now has trouble remember to take his Antibiotics or remember why he walked out to the garage in the middle a of project, turn around and start something else new.