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Why Police Officers Love Their Profession
Why Some People Love Being a Police Officer
11:06 09 May 2024
Have you ever wondered why some people enjoy being a police officer? It’s definitely a profession that requires serious dedication since it’s one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs around. With the amount of anti-police sentiment growing on social media, it’s hard to imagine anyone willingly stepping into one of the most hated professions, but those who are dedicated are willing to take the flak. Plus, organizations like the National Police Association (NPA) are making progress in garnering more public support for the police through education and outreach.
Police officers put their lives on the line every day they show up to work, and on the surface, it can be hard to see the appeal. However, for those who have been or are still police officers, many say it’s the most rewarding job, and they wouldn’t choose any other.
Some people enjoy protecting others
Whether it’s responding to a call for help or a disturbance, some people are just wired to feel fulfilled by serving others, even if it means risking their own lives. For police officers on patrol, they never know specifically what they’re going to walk into when responding to a call, but they know someone needs help, and that’s enough to get them out of bed in the morning.
Scientists actually say that helping others is the way to happiness, and that’s not far from the truth for many police officers. Although the job is extremely stressful, the fact that they get to help people on a daily basis overrides the impact somewhat.
They like helping people
Police officers also regularly find themselves in positions where they get to help people in unexpected ways. For example, some officers run into people who need basic necessities, like food and clothing, and go out of their way to get them what they need. Others encounter people desperate for a ride to get to a job interview after having missed a bus. Some officers even make special trips to visit kids who want to be police officers when they grow up or to attend birthday parties when classmates don’t show up.
Law enforcement is an honorable profession
For many, there is great honor in becoming a police officer. It’s a big responsibility and isn’t something to be taken lightly. Many people choose to become cops because it gives them a purpose and mission in life that also provides the opportunity to support people by showing compassion, empathy, and catching bad guys.
For those who are attracted by the idea of working an honorable job, it doesn’t matter what they have to go through to serve their community. Everything is worth it, including the risk to their safety and life.
Some people just like the challenge of facing the unknown
While many people have deep, meaningful reasons for becoming cops, others just like the challenge and enjoy facing unknown situations with lots of action. Although things will usually be calm, the adrenaline rush of responding to urgent calls is addicting and for some people, that’s all they need for motivation.
People feel like they’re honoring family members
In addition to the technical reasons people enjoy being a police officer, some enjoy it simply because it makes them feel like they’re honoring a family member who was a police officer. For example, when asked why they became a cop, many people say it’s because they had a close relative who was a cop and they wanted to carry on the tradition. Sometimes there are entire families who go into law enforcement in some way.
There are many perks to working in law enforcement
Whether you become a Sheriff’s deputy on patrol, a corrections officer, a K9 handler, or part of an investigative team, there are countless perks to the job. It may be risky and mostly unpredictable, but it’s also one of the most rewarding careers around.