# Would you support your son or daughter's interest in becoming a Police Officer? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 13, 2015, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594 "2015-04-13T21:06:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/1 "2015-04-13T21:06:04Z")
Little boys go through stages of wanting to be a fireman or police officer. They played cops and robbers in neighborhood games. I looked into it during my senior year of high school. Got literature on law enforcement from my guidance counselor. Ultimately I decided to pursue electronics and computers. The world has changed so much today. The public is turning against the police. It’s getting politicized now. Mayors will CYA and fire cops instead of supporting them. Especially in cases of officer involved shootings. They don’t even wait for the trial. Would you support your son or daughter’s interest in becoming a Police Officer? It can be a rewarding career. Most cops never fire their weapon on duty during their career. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/2 "2015-04-13T21:09:49Z")
Sure I would. We can always use more good cops. I’m not at all troubled by what you term “the public is turning against the police.” Better skepticism of police actions is a very good thing, and we have not yet gone far enough in that direction. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/3 "2015-04-13T21:12:27Z")
Absolutely. I don’t think your premise about the public turning against the police is true in general. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/4 "2015-04-13T21:24:58Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > … > > The world has changed so much today. The public is turning against the police. It’s getting politicized now. Mayors will CYA and fire cops instead of supporting them. Especially in cases of officer involved shootings. They don’t even wait for the trial. > > … I half agree with that. I don’t think the public is turning against good police work at all. I think we respect and appreciate what good cops do for us. I support any of my kids endeavors, but then I trust them, they have never let me down. ---
**Author:** ![CaptainAmerica\_1987](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/49beb7/32.png) [@CaptainAmerica\_1987](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaptainAmerica_1987)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/5 "2015-04-13T21:28:54Z")
No because they have much more to offer the world than being a thug beating people up. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/6 "2015-04-13T21:30:51Z")
I voted yes. I’ve been giving it a lot of thought. I’d be concerned for my daughters safety. But they do get very good training at the police academy. The violent incidents are not that common. Officer involved shootings get a lot of news coverage. It distorts the reality that the majority of officers never have to use deadly force. The officers never know when they will run up against somebody very violent and dangerous. It might never happen or it could be during their next shift. That uncertainty and unpredictability of the job makes it unique. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/7 "2015-04-13T22:02:54Z")
I say yes, but I’d be concerned about them becoming extremely cynical, negative or distrusting from the nature of the job. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/8 "2015-04-13T22:08:30Z")
> [@CaptainAmerica\_1987](#): > > No because they have much more to offer the world than being a thug beating people up. You’ve made your feelings about law enforcement quite clear here and in several other posts, but this is threadshitting. Don’t do it again. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/9 "2015-04-13T22:35:49Z")
Support yes, encourage no. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/10 "2015-04-13T22:39:52Z")
_My_ kids? No. My daughter’s heart would be broken and my son’s temper would be a problem? Generic kids? I’d try to steer them into better pay for the effort. ---
**Author:** ![seal\_cleaner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@seal\_cleaner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seal_cleaner)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/11 "2015-04-13T22:51:12Z")
My son was considering it, after 2 tours in Iraq. I was proud but worried. My wife asked him, “Do you just like getting shot at?” He eventually just re-enlisted. I was relieved. Not much chance he’d have done a 3rd tour. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/12 "2015-04-13T22:55:47Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > I say yes, but I’d be concerned about them becoming extremely cynical, negative or distrusting from the nature of the job. That’s a good point. Cops do see humanity at its worst. Day after day, drunks, domestic disputes, assaults, and even worse. It has to effect their outlook and trust in people. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/13 "2015-04-13T23:24:14Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > That’s a good point. Cops do see humanity at its worst. Day after day, drunks, domestic disputes, assaults, and even worse. It has to effect their outlook and trust in people. I imagine that prison guards become horribly hardened and negative over time. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/14 "2015-04-13T23:29:09Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > I imagine that prison guards become horribly hardened and negative over time. I knew a woman who was making excellent money as a prison guard. She gave it up. When I asked why, she explained that she couldn’t handle having shit thrown at her. It took me a while to understand that by “shit” she meant feces. ---
**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2015, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/15 "2015-04-13T23:55:54Z")
More likely that their bad coworkers will be fired? Sounds like an improving career choice. ---
**Author:** ![2gigch1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/2gigch1/32/3313_2.png) [@2gigch1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2gigch1)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2015, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/16 "2015-04-14T00:56:44Z")
My daughter, 15, has expressed interest in federal law enforcement. My philosophy regarding my children’s desires is simple: I will support your decisions but they must be \*informed \*decisions. Therefore as she gets older I will arrange some in depth discussions with some of the folks on the federal level that I have met through my work, and also spend time with some of my friends who are in local law enforcement. If after that time she still has interest I will support and encourage without fail. Same goes for my son who is interested in engineering. ---
**Author:** ![CaptainAmerica\_1987](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/49beb7/32.png) [@CaptainAmerica\_1987](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaptainAmerica_1987)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2015, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/17 "2015-04-14T02:06:58Z")
> [@Asimovian](#): > > You’ve made your feelings about law enforcement quite clear here and in several other posts, but this is threadshitting. Don’t do it again. Threadsitting? What does that even mean? ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2015, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/18 "2015-04-14T02:52:05Z")
I voted no but it sort of depends. A smaller department maybe. A larger city force and that would be a no. In that situation you are sealed off in this climate-controlled cruiser and about the only interaction you are going to have with people is bad. And you are going to be judged/rated as much on mileage and tickets given as you are actual good accomplished. Small department with the right chief and community and I would suggest giving it a try but keep your options open. ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2015, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/19 "2015-04-14T02:58:12Z")
I voted no, but it really is more like this… > [@Loach](#): > > Support yes, encourage no. I’d probably be supportive of any non-criminal goal my kids might have. But my mother’s side of the family was and is cop-heavy ( including my grandfather, a few of my mother’s uncles, a current uncle of mine, a cousin-in-law, etc. ) and this… > [@Velocity](#): > > I say yes, but I’d be concerned about them becoming extremely cynical, negative or distrusting from the nature of the job. …is a real issue. It’s a job that can be pretty rough on some people’s psyches. For the record I feel much the same about social work. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2015, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594/20 "2015-04-14T03:10:42Z")
No. I want her to be happy and have a good life. Working in LE would reduce her chances for that. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-support-your-son-or-daughters-interest-in-becoming-a-police-officer/717594.md?page=2)