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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 >>
tbbeckham
6 months ago
4 Comments
No suprise Atlanta didn't make the list
Thrash450
6 months ago
14 Comments
if you r bored with your dept and think you have no action in your city you are more than welcome to come to Columbus MS and work your ass off and have fun for around 30k a year.
Thrash450
6 months ago
14 Comments
they should make it a federal law that leo make a min of 40 to 45k for what we do.
Castmin
6 months ago
78 Comments
Aw, Detroit didn't make the top 25.....
police2deputy
6 months ago
180 Comments
Who the hell is kylereedy and why are you even on a LE site?? Your comments make no sence and have no relation to this article. Sounds to me like you are just looking to bash cops.
securetexas
6 months ago
828 Comments
Cannot agree with the commute time... Cool place to live, if you love the water... Lake Travis is # 1
peyork2003
6 months ago
16 Comments
Surprised that Knoxville,TN didn't make the list.....
nmcopper51965
6 months ago
616 Comments
Very interesting and informative. Thanks!
steelnpearls
6 months ago
262 Comments
Austin knows how to treat it's officers and firemen...my brother-in-law is an Austin fireman/EMT...nice city too!
USNPS2850
6 months ago
404 Comments
www.joinapd.org
Account Removed
6 months ago
What about Illinois..............
920527
6 months ago
10 Comments
THE UNIFORM GUYS TAKE THE CRIMINALS OFF THE STREET,CORRECTION OFFICERS KEEP CRIMINALS INSIDE.I CANNOT SEE THE DIFFERENCE IN THE TWO DEPARTMENTS. IT IS LAW ENFORCEMENT AGAINST CRIMINALS.
920527
6 months ago
10 Comments
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR GOOD MEN AND WOMEN. THE PAY IS ALWAYS COMPARABLE TO OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AROUND THE NATION.
RetCop9855
6 months ago
20 Comments
I can't believe Camden NJ PD did not make it ? HA!!!!!!
NJLE
6 months ago
12 Comments
NJ has highest PAY SCALE in NATION and NO department makes list?!
Says more than I can EVER say about the state of this state!
Too much politics, and nepostism, too many regs, too many tick turds to lock up. Crappy commutes, although state government and most (not all local governement!) wholly supports LE here."
State guys just came off 10 year Fed scrutinization for racial profiling, that's pathetic, IMO, as most minorities sadly are doing the racketeering crimes now, drugs, girls, guns, and gangs. Guys hold back, and you cannot do your job "holding back".
Every several years in my home county the county jail has a scandal resulting in arrests of C.O.'s (look it up!)