Its really pitiful, but I have no one else to to. No family, no friends, my whole life is S2ki anymore, I guess I could do worse. My 21 yr old sweet little daughter just applied to be a cop. There's no earthly reason for me to believe she'll get the job or even get an interview (she's had two traffic tickets-- that's my girl ) or that she'd pass the physical exam, I'm just in shock. I was totally taken off guard at the knowledge she'd even consider such a thing. Anyway, she applied and then told me it was something she'd been thinking about and if she doesn't get it here, then she'll apply in the surrounding localities. I should have known she took that shooting class in college for a reason. I guess I should be glad she's willing to submit to all the drug tests, etc., but I cannot in my wildest dreams imagine my baby girl in a police uniform. Does this mean I have to stop speeding? She already told me if she were a cop, she'd pull me over. Is that selling out your mom? Does that mean she doesn't love me anymore?

 

I thought if you had family in LE, that pretty much meant you could keep speeding?

What exactly is it that bothers you so much about your daughter applying for a job on the force? Is it the fact that she is putting herself in danger every day? Are you simply worried for her safety? If so, those are valid concerns.

Of course, it also sounds like she is determined enough to give it more than one shot. If that's the case, then maybe it means a lot to her to be able to help other people and give back to the community. I have no children, so I can't speak to what it would be like to have one apply for a job in LE, but I can't think of many other professions where I would know each day that someone I love was making a positive difference out there.

PS- All bets are off if she's just doing it for the power trip

 

^^ The thought of her being so vulnerable is the biggest thing that bothers me. I've been living with a son who's fought in Kosovo twice, Afghanistan and Irag, but somehow the long distance removes a little bit of the agony of the what-ifs. Our police force is quite militaristic and they seem to have a "take no prisoners" approach. There are a lot of murders and incidents that happen here despite the lazy little country atmosphere and I can't image her in that place. She's my baby, for crying out loud. No, she's not now nor has she ever been on a "power trip" (as if). A police officer is not a job/career I've ever wanted for any of my children: long hours, cruddy work, climbing around in the sewer of humanity?????? Who in their right mind would send a child for years and years to private schools to want them to be a police officer? She was a cheerleader and is bright, witty and sweet as can be. However, she is her own person as I'd like her to be and I'll support in whatever she chooses to become.

 

Did you fill her mind with nonsense about helping others when she was growing up? Then you only have yourself to blame if she wants a career in public service. You need to raise your children to be more self centered if you want to be sure they will select safe yuppy careers.

 

One could say the same about being a soldier, firefighter, or public school teacher. I'm glad that some competent folks decide to (for whatever reason) do those jobs, though.

 

Thanks, Mike. Knowing you set high standards, I'll take that as a compliment. I guess since she's always been my baby, I never really considered LE as something she'd be interested in doing. She's also mentioned social work as a possibility and since that's similar to work that I did for many years (child support enforcement) I wasn't overly surprised. We've tried to encourage all our children to be individuals and they've all found careers/fields that were quite interesting: US Army pilot, surgical assistant, hospital maintenance supervisor, and now who knows??? She'll find her way and I'll be happy as long as she's happy, I'm just kind of shocked. She's been the one who's always been a wee bit unique, so we'll see what happens.

 

You may be right. She was the one who quipped when I went to work (volunteer) at Daily Bread, our local soup kitchen, "Mom, please . . . I know how you are!! Don't bring any of those people home with you."

 

Val,

Sounds like you did a good job with all of them. She may go into law enforcement and you are allowed to worry and fuss a bit (as long as she doesn't know about it.)

 

In principle, LE is a noble profession, because it provides the safety net that protects our civil society from becoming (too) uncivilized. But it's also a profession that's easy to trivialize compared to its challenges: the job is tough, no doubt about it.

Just like any other career, LE offers a wide range of opportunities for people and, presuming that your opinion is completely objective and unbiased (), your daughter has the potential to rise to the top, to a leadership position. And such positions represent more than leadership in the department -- they wind up as community leadership positions as well. Just like prominent doctors and other professionals, a good police chief and staff are true pillars of the community.

And just think -- if that happens, you'll really be able to get a break on your speeding citations! HPH

 

I have many friends in LE. They will tell you the good days out number the bad days. At least that is the way it is in this rural area, I don't know the area where your daughter plans to work. Very few officers ever get to the point of using a firearm on duty.
In this area most LE departments have great benefits and a 20 yr retirement, along with great job security. I wish her luck if she gets the chance.