Off Duty Forums >> Police Family Life >> Aspiring Police Officer and Father. Can you do both in this line of work?
Aspiring Police Officer and Father. Can you do both in this line of work?
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Posted 4 months ago I’m currently a Law and Justice student anticipating graduation in the fall of 2013 with my Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. Right Now I feel that I am at a crossroad with the demand of the job on one side and my family on another. I have a 4-year-old son and we are inseparable on the account that I only see him a few times a week because his mother and I are not together. I am now realizing that joining law enforcement will take a lot of that time away from seeing him grow up. I read through many forums and websites that address issues with juggling a social life with police work and it has given me trepidation on what to pursue. In high school I attended a youth Police Academy in my county and was just inspired to join the blue line with hopes to rise up through the ranks into a K-9 unit. I have absolute respect for the LEOs that do what they do everyday to protect and serve. My question to you all is where can I go from here now? Any advice is much appreciated and will be used to the fullest. Thank you all.
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5884 posts back to top |
| Posted 4 months ago If you really want to you can. You have to learn how to structure your time. It will be the same with any job, not just police work. |
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| Posted 4 months ago What JIMROC said. |
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| Posted 4 months ago Countless Cops do it every day - juggle family life and LEO Life. And not all of them are married to the child's Mother/Father. It'll be tough, but it can be done. It just depends on how much you want to put into itand how badly you want it. |
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| Posted 4 months ago being a father made3 me a better cop and being a cop probably made me a better father. Have ASP will travel. Justice is the one thing you should always find, you gotta saddle up your boys you gotta draw a hard line. When the gun smoke settles we'll sing a victory tune and we'll all meet back at the local saloon. And we'll raise up our glasses against evil forces singing whiskey for my men beer for my horses. |
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Anonymous 0 posts back to top |
| Posted 4 months ago It's possible. Work when you're at work and let it all go when you're off the clock. It's easier said than done, but good luck! |
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| Posted 4 months ago WHAT? Be a cop and a father ?Never heard of it .I believe it's illegal in all jurisdictions.I have seven,what I deem to be normal children.I didn't beat them,took them to church,they had normal friends,etc.We had meals together and entertained one another.Are you perchance inquiring if a sanitation engineer or physician would be a better father?Who's to judge?I did put in a great deal of overtime,tons of court time ,had part time jobs and attended college night courses till I was 41 years of age. |
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| Posted 4 months ago You are way over thinking this. Thousands of men and women have became cops with children. I strongly suggest you speak to a mental health professional. Keep in mind the cop job is not for everyone. |
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| Posted 4 months ago Yep if I could do it and now helping raise 2 energetic Grandsons yeah I think you can do it. Bad stuff happens to good people, handle it and overcome.
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| Posted 4 months ago Thank you all for all your kind words and wisdom. I am still on the fence about what I am considering doing and the outlook for a job opportunity out of college with a bachelor's is still tough especially in New Jersey. Like most careers its a political game about who you know so I am considering continuing my education and achieving my master's in either Criminal Justice or History given my background in law. This is going to be a challenge but viewing all of your comments and adversities has given me hope to be successful. I hope this will lead me in the path I need to become an instructor in the field of education or pledge my oath to protect and serve. All I ever wanted to do was help people, which is why I feel being a police officer was right for me. Either path I take I know I will be making a difference in someone's life. Thanks again everyone. Live long and prosper. |
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| Posted 4 months ago A hearty welcome to Police Link.Jersey huh,love it there.I was stationed at Ft. Dix while my father was stationed at Monmouth,years ago.Your education,attitude and desire will tend to carry you a long way.Good fortune to you...Dave |
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| Posted 3 months ago It can be done! My husband is living proof. Our household, we are both officers. It's a team effort and communication goes a long way. Single parent households are a little bit more challenging, but it can be done! Live, Love, and Laugh often |



