Tangent Tuesday: Becoming a Police Officer

Let's just be honest, before I met Nathan, I knew nothing about becoming a police officer. When I was younger, I wanted to be a librarian. Or a teacher. When I got to college and majored in math, I realized teaching probably wasn't what I wanted to do for my entire life—although I loved and still love public speaking, explaining, and learning. I ended up going to graduate school for business and there (I think) I found something I truly love and can be passionate about.

I had this somewhat misguided perception that you went to school to be a police officer (just like you would go to school to be a librarian)—and then you graduated and just like that you were assigned a position. Well turns out it's more like you graduate, fill out twenty page applications, undergo physical and psychological testing, have your entire background examined, go through more testing, wait three to six months, and then maybe get a conditional offer employment... dependent on the results of more tests.

Ok, I'm exaggerating. But in reality the process is significantly more complicated than I ever could have imagined. Even after getting a job, you prepare to go to 12-22 more weeks of police academy, which is in some cases more rigorous both academically and physically than anything you've done so far.

Then you get to wear a hat like this...

Photo Credit.

So attractive.

Nathan has always wanted to be in law enforcement, and obviously I'll support him 100% no matter what he chooses to do. But there's a certain weight attached to a career in law enforcement—just like there is in the military—that you don't necessarily see in job as a librarian or in business, or even as a teacher.

Consider the the Michigan State Police Trooper Pledge:

"I am a Michigan State Trooper, entrusted to keep sacred the traditions of my department. I will always serve honestly and faithfully, surrendering my life for others if necessary. When I am called upon to act, I will not shy from conflict or deviate from my call to duty, serving anyone who may be in peril or distress. I will obey the laws of Michigan, the United States of America and the directives of my department. I will not consider race, color, or creed when enforcing the law. I will perform my duties with excellence, integrity and courtesy, and conduct myself in a manner that honors those who served before me. I am a Michigan State Trooper."