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Top 25 Cities for Police Officers
Photo: Franco Folini | CreativeCommons
Kevin Powers, PoliceLink.com
Not every U.S. city is created equal, and so when it comes time for a police officer to choose a department, there can be a lot to consider.
Understanding the overall health and standard of living in a city can make a big difference during one's career. A high starting salary can be a major reason for signing on, but will it be worth if if rent dries up most of your pay, unemployment is rising and it takes you two hours to get to the station every morning?
Everything from department funding to the job market for your non-LEO spouse can have an impact on your life, and consequently a review of each prospective new home should be looked at with a wide lens.
So, which cities currently offer the most overall value?
We've adapted this list, which takes into account various economic and quality of life metrics, to provide anyone with an interest or opportunity to compare what these cities have to offer.
The Criteria
We looked at cities' growth rates, average salaries and costs of living.
We factored in average commute time — which, according to experts, has a colossal impact on your overall happiness.
We looked not only at unemployment figures, but also at the rate that unemployment has actually increased since February 2008.
Whether you are just finishing up a degree and looking for a department, or are a seasoned LEO and are simply curious to see where your hometown ranks, read on to see which cities made the list.
The List: City #25 >>
kma438
about 23 hours ago
52 Comments
San Diego PD shouldn't be on this list. San Diego has traditionally paid their police officers less than all neighboring cities and is probably the lowest paid big city in CA. It's also expensive to live here, property is very expensive. Because San Diego is a city that borders Mexico its local politicans will support tough police enforcement. But to keep taxes low, they will not financially support it's police force with higher wages or benefits. The privatizing of some police services is also being considered for this city which means a loss of more police jobs.
SSGTD
7 days ago
34 Comments
OK WHY is Dallas Police Dept(Dallas, TX) not on here, Where is Tampa Police Dept(Tampa, FL), Plano Police(Dallas, TX) mmmmmm bad list
rhile772
17 days ago
28 Comments
yea va beach
police10
18 days ago
6 Comments
Austin, Tx
kyle_emt
27 days ago
38 Comments
#12. Virginia Beach, VA?? That's exactly where I want to apply :D
Charles333
about 1 month ago
18 Comments
Cincinnati really? Didn't they just lay off over 100 officers?
cgregor12
about 1 month ago
2564 Comments
This list is horrible!! some of these departments are going down hill and shouldn't even be ranked in the top 100!! (San Diego PD) There are some agencies that should have been here....(Las Vegas Metro) (Fort Worth PD)
saltwaterjoe
about 1 month ago
16 Comments
Go Salt Lake Go!
HEYSARGE
about 1 month ago
12046 Comments
Ok......I stopped at the first one which is # 25...Come on, if anyone knows San Diego, the cops are leaving by the hand full each month, the pension scandal is still on going and is in court, the reduced pay and benefits are breath taking and the mayor ( Former Police Chief Of SDPD ) is just not making sound decisions and the current Police Chief is just doing his time and not making waves about anything ( Transplant from another Ca. City ).............Enough said!
steppe2223
about 1 month ago
10 Comments
Charlotte just added 125 new police posistions in July. We are still hireing and have a new out of state lateral class. Come on down.
Fleminpj
2 months ago
182 Comments
haha, so outside of Texas, how many of these places are actually hiring, and not laying off veteran officers?
girlinsac
2 months ago
24 Comments
I am shocked to see who is #1, application process is easy to find out just go to the website of the one you sre interested in. Also they usually have a recruit line you can ask questions.
jennieveamore
2 months ago
6 Comments
if anyone has information on how to start the process please advise
MIMI
3 months ago
272 Comments
Yes texas not just Austin there are may more cities!
torribishop
3 months ago
4 Comments
I have tried numerous times to get into becoming an police officer. I have been turned down three times. There is no way to prepare for the test. How do I get mentally prepared for these examination?