Calling all LEOs. I have some questions.

[Ri22o]

I figured this would be the best place to ask this.

I have thought about looking into becoming an LEO, and naturally I have some questions.

First off, what all is involved? Is it anything at all like the Police Academy movies? Seriously though, I haven't researched it much, because I don't know where to start. I don't even know what questions to ask. Can any of the LEOs on here give me some insight into this, maybe even just point me in the right direction? What made you get into this field? Why do you stay in this field? I realize I would probably be taking a pay cut from my current job, but would it be worth it? I have decent job security right now, but if anything were to happen to my Uncle (who I sub-contract for), then I would be up that proverbial creek.

Maybe at some point I could look into doing a ride-a-long with one of you, if possible, to see if this is something I would still be interested in.

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can give.

[esrice]

Nick I can set up a ride-along with a good friend of mine. He's just a few counties south. It will really give you a feel of the day-in and day-out aspects.

I've done it like 5 times this year! lol

[pmpmstrb]

Can you carry on ride alongs??

[Ri22o]

Originally Posted by esrice

Nick I can set up a ride-along with a good friend of mine. He's just a few counties south. It will really give you a feel of the day-in and day-out aspects.

I've done it like 5 times this year! lol

What all is in involved with that? What did you think of it?

[lovemywoods]

You cannot carry during the ride along. You also have to sign a disclaimer before going.

It's really fun. You see the situations from a new perspective.

[esrice]

Nick, I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone considering a career in law enforcement, or for those who just like to have a good time and learn something new. It will change your perspective.

Here is what it basically involves:

I meet the officer (my friend) at a pre-determined location. (We meet in a Burger King parking lot)

I jump in his car and we head to his station. I fill out and sign a waiver that basically states that I'm a good person and will obey the officer's commands. I also sign that I won't carry a weapon or get out of the car. (however, he shows me the locations of his other weapons in the car to make sure I can access them in a SHTF situation)

Then we get back to the car and the fun begins. You sit and chat while figuring out what you're going to do. Maybe pull over some speeders, investigate some suspicious types, do lunch or dinner at some point. And of course answer calls of service. There's nothing like going 110mph with lights and sirens blaring!

And it can vary from time to time. Once I got a tour of the jail facilities. Once we spent the entire shift dealing with just one drunk/stoned/drugged guy. It all depends on the day.

Hope that helps.

[Ri22o]

Originally Posted by esrice

Nick, I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone considering a career in law enforcement, or for those who just like to have a good time and learn something new. It will change your perspective.

Here is what it basically involves:

I meet the officer (my friend) at a pre-determined location. (We meet in a Burger King parking lot)

I jump in his car and we head to his station. I fill out and sign a waiver that basically states that I'm a good person and will obey the officer's commands. I also sign that I won't carry a weapon or get out of the car. (however, he shows me the locations of his other weapons in the car to make sure I can access them in a SHTF situation)

Then we get back to the car and the fun begins. You sit and chat while figuring out what you're going to do. Maybe pull over some speeders, investigate some suspicious types, do lunch or dinner at some point. And of course answer calls of service. There's nothing like going 110mph with lights and sirens blaring!

And it can vary from time to time. Once I got a tour of the jail facilities. Once we spent the entire shift dealing with just one drunk/stoned/drugged guy. It all depends on the day.

Hope that helps.

Yea, that's definitely something I would like to do. Where does your friend work out of? Is there a chance I could ride along with him?

That helps, but it would be nice to hear from some LEOs as well. I guess they're all busy fighting crime and hanging out with Scruff McGruff.

[ick]

I'd be down for a ride-along as well. Not that I'm in anyplace in my life to drop shit and become a LEO. Nick, on the other hand, go for it.

[Ri22o]

No one?

[esrice]

Nick's not getting any LEO love. . .