Top 25 Cities for Police Officers

135 Comments

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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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Anonymous

over 3 years ago

Hartford, CT has a low cost of living? Umm... CT has one of the highest costs of living in the US. 34K to start sounds a little meager.
jessie_Polanco

over 3 years ago

36 Comments

i would say madison, wi
SAIBET_SALINAS

over 3 years ago

46 Comments

Dallas TX.
jpete87

over 3 years ago

16 Comments

SSGTD i would imagine dallas and tampa are not on here because of higher crime rates. plano probably isnt on here because of a higher cost of living. mmmm good list
MountainSmoky

over 3 years ago

110 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

over 3 years 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

over 3 years ago

210 Comments

yea va beach
police10

over 3 years ago

8 Comments

Austin, Tx
kyle_emt

over 3 years ago

50 Comments

#12. Virginia Beach, VA?? That's exactly where I want to apply :D
Charles333

over 3 years ago

20 Comments

Cincinnati really? Didn't they just lay off over 100 officers?
cgregor12

over 3 years ago

3026 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)
Anonymous

over 3 years ago

Go Salt Lake Go!
HEYSARGE

over 3 years ago

16800 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

over 3 years 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

over 3 years ago

184 Comments

haha, so outside of Texas, how many of these places are actually hiring, and not laying off veteran officers?