Top 25 Cities for Police Officers

135 Comments

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#15. Charlotte, NC

Population: 671,588

City’s Average Salary: $41,200 

Starting Salary for Police Officers: $40,245

Cost of Living Rank (in a 1-100 list): 36

Average Commute Time: 25.2 minutes

Job Growth Rank (in a list of 372 Highest Growth Cities): 125

Unemployment Rate: 11.7

Home of eight Fortune 500 companies including retail giants Lowe’s and Family Dollar, this North Carolina city offers a solid salary to cost of living ratio. However, this has also left it more vulnerable to the economic downturn, especially with the fallout at Bank of America which is also headquartered in the city. It would have scored higher on the list were it not for the drastic increase in unemployment since last year (up 6%).

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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

almost 3 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

about 3 years ago

8 Comments

Just starting my career in Hartford. Nice to see us on the list.
Anonymous

over 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.