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Top 25 Cities for Police Officers

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 >>


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    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.

  • Upclose_max50

    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

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    rhile772

    17 days ago

    28 Comments

    yea va beach

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    police10

    18 days ago

    6 Comments

    Austin, Tx

  • Mfau_avatar_kyle_max50

    kyle_emt

    27 days ago

    38 Comments

    #12. Virginia Beach, VA?? That's exactly where I want to apply :D

  • C_amd_r_max50

    Charles333

    about 1 month ago

    18 Comments

    Cincinnati really? Didn't they just lay off over 100 officers?

  • Nau_max50

    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)

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    saltwaterjoe

    about 1 month ago

    16 Comments

    Go Salt Lake Go!

  • Picture_1109_max50

    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!

  • Copy_of_joe_s_wedding_032_max50

    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.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    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?

  • 501782302_m_max50

    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.

  • Twinz_grad_pics_from_chris_002_max50

    jennieveamore

    2 months ago

    6 Comments

    if anyone has information on how to start the process please advise

  • 000_max600_max50

    MIMI

    3 months ago

    272 Comments

    Yes texas not just Austin there are may more cities!

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    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?

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