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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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    JOEED1962

    4 months ago

    2 Comments

    MY NAME IS JOE ED GARCIA.THANK YOU.YES I WAN TO BE A POLICE OFFICER,PLEASE, CAN YOU TALK ME,WHERE I NEED TO GO AND GET THE RIGHT PERSONS TO FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT.THANKS.JOE

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    AARONPAUL

    4 months ago

    94 Comments

    HEY!! I CAN NOT WAIT TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER..M.P.U.S.ARMY IS NOT THE SAME.I LIVE IN TEXAS ALSO.TEST TIME;THEN OFF TO ACADEMY I GO.AFTER ALL THE OTHER THINGS 1ST I MUST PASS....DID NOT LIKE TRUCK DRIVEING AT ALL.ALL MY LIFE I WANTED TO WORK IN LAW ENFORCEMENT OUTSIDE THE U.S.ARMY (M.P. WORK) HAPPY!!!

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    LDavis86

    4 months ago

    2 Comments

    hey my name larry i have this big thing of becoming a cop.Am current in school taking criminal justice to become an cop.I stay in atlanta georgia could anyone help me.

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    darylriley

    4 months ago

    58 Comments

    I've heard that Austin PD just recently cancelled an academy just a few weeks into it and sent everyone home...I have no first hand information on this, but a relative in Texas State Govt mentioned it to me last week.

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    HuskerSteve

    4 months ago

    2 Comments

    Wondering why Omaha, NE didn't make the list...Low unemployment, short commute time, low cost of living...strong economic growth....Was it just because of starting salary? Hmmmm....

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    jpete87

    4 months ago

    12 Comments

    i know tons of police in san antonio that actuallty pull 6 figures after side jobs and overtime are factored in.

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    geminigod26

    4 months ago

    2 Comments

    iv been thinkin of becomein an officer. im a truck driver now and am gettin burned out. can someone give me some advice on what i need to do.

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    barryedaniel

    4 months ago

    2722 Comments

    WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • August2389_max50

    Achaffee

    4 months ago

    18 Comments

    Wow... down to the details

  • Agent1_max50

    Gursimran

    5 months ago

    2 Comments

    Hmmm..... Interesting...!!!

  • N648515131_94478_8290_max50

    WWilliams86

    5 months ago

    6 Comments

    oh my god, 60,000to start off being a cop n seattle with no degree,i almost have a degree so if if 60,00 is the low for me in seattle send me there

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    Account Removed

    5 months ago

    Hello all, I have a school project were I must research at least 4 police departments that are currently hiring or recruiting for police officers. I have to describe the process of law enforcement recruitment, hiring, and training. Please help me locate these police departments.

  • Pa712-l_max50

    JeMan

    5 months ago

    170 Comments

    I'm surprised not to see any Florida departments.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    Chris4506

    5 months ago

    4 Comments

    San Antonio is really not that great, but just to live in texas is...

  • Police_052_max50

    ThBnn

    6 months ago

    518 Comments

    i need to move to texas!

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