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Top 25 Cities for Police Officers
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Kevin Powers, PoliceLink.com
#17. Buffalo, NY
Population: 272,632
City’s Average Salary: $38,640
Starting Salary for Police Officers: $44,229
Cost of Living Rank (in a 1-100 list): 1
Average Commute Time: 19.4 minutes
Job Growth Rank (in a list of 372 Highest Growth Cities): 174
Unemployment Rate: 9.6
Known for an abundance of greenery, a historic waterfront and a diverse cuisine, Buffalo has a lot to offer in terms of overall value. New York’s second largest city topped the list for cost-of-living per income ratio, and boasts one of the lowest average commute times in the nation. Unfortunately, this city also has one of highest unemployment rates on the list, so this year it ranks in the bottom half.
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tigerlilly_07
almost 2 years ago
1322 Comments
I'd have to agree with CenTexCop, the one time I was able to see the cops there in action there was a large crowd arguing with every little thing they did.. Poor guys, couldn't even wipe their brows without getting bawled out for it.
Damifino61
about 2 years ago
6 Comments
I have to agree with Centex about Austin.Don't know why S.A always get second rated but as a 33 yr retiree from SAPD, I have to argue for first place. S.A.'s got a better rretirement package than Austin,less traffic hassles and a lower cost of living.Not knocking Austin,it's a nice little city but all things being equal,I'm glad I put in my time here I did.I've been retired now for 8 years and I still feel like I'm part of the "family".
As far as the rest of the list goes,who wants to deal with snow,ice and sleet 6 months out of the year?
CenTexCop
about 2 years ago
52 Comments
Austin always comes out #1 on these lists, which just demonstrates how flawed these lists are. Austin is a wonderful city, but one that is very hard on its police. The population is extremely liberal, and as such is extremely critical of anything and anyone perceived as "establishment" or "government" or "authoritarian." The local media and citizenry are very anti-police, and it is taken for granted that police are ignorant, loutish violent racist neanderthals who only became cops to violate the rights of minorities when they aren't busy beating them or shooting them for sport. So, yes, Austin is a beautiful city and more liveable than most. Yes, Austin has a thriving economy. Yes, Austin pays well and has good benefits. But Austin is also a very hard place to be a police officer, and one of the few places I would purposefully avoid in a job search.
klcardwell
about 2 years ago
452 Comments
I get the job market thing, but the criteria in these lists always seem flawed. How about this: 1) community police relationship (ie: do they hate you?) 2) or just call it "Crime Rate" 3) Historical relationship between the police and the city government/council 3) Retirement system 4) Benefit package 5) Avg age and education of the officers 6) How great is the Chief 6) Oppourtunities for varied assignment. I could go on and on. Stuff real cops want to know. I would bet that many, many guys (& gals!) would want to go where they are wanted, valued, welcomed and respected. This is never covered in these silly lists.
helen23
about 2 years ago
106 Comments
I have to admit this is a very interesting list of the top 25 cities for working in the law enforcement field. I am currently in the process of moving back to my home city of Cleveland to be closer to my parents due to their failing health and age, and was glad to see that Columbus and Cincinnati were both on the list. My dad even though is in his 70's is still a reserve officer for the Euclid police department. So if he can do it so can I. Thanks for this list!!! It helps in making a hard decision a bit easier when it comes to looking for a career move.
delta425
about 2 years ago
216 Comments
This is very good list.
lawnmowerjoe87
over 2 years ago
34 Comments
Born and raised in MN, but I'm proud to say that I'm moving to Austin, TX in a few weeks. Policelink is right. Austin, TX is #1 for several good reasons. If you want to experience a little taste of heaven on earth and escape the economic oppression, than y'all better move to Austin before the Mayan calender stops in 2012. haha :)
kmgibbs
over 2 years ago
8 Comments
Where's Omaha? It has lower cost of living and unemployment than just about all of these places!
Tcop77
almost 3 years ago
48 Comments
San Antonio is an awesome city, especially for two week long training seminars. Went there in 2001 for DARE officer training and had one heck of a time. Love that River Walk.
jrecruitw
almost 3 years ago
8 Comments
Just starting my career in Hartford. Nice to see us on the list.
Anonymous
about 3 years ago
Yeah, go SEATTLE!!!!!
guilmar
over 3 years ago
12 Comments
yeah seattle
ggraves
over 3 years ago
88 Comments
Funny how the last one said Omaha, NE and now its changed!
harborcop4
over 3 years ago
234 Comments
You are all wrong. Port Fourchon Louisiana. Harbor Police Start at $38,000. With 5 years experience you start at $43,800. Then the company pays 100% health insurance on you, the wife and up to 5 kids. We work a 7 & 7 schedule. 7 days on 7 days off. We handle 30 complaints a week. We are an oilfield port so the normal bull calls don't come in that often. 15 of the 30 are unlocking vehicles. Then there is the OT. Way to much OT. With that you can pull in $60k plus. The unemployment rate here is 3%. but I say if your not working here it is because you are lazy.
ac314stl
over 3 years ago
52 Comments
No Saint Louis Metropolitan police department is the the best place to work for police officers.