My grandfather served with the Shreveport Police Department for 36 years. In 1993, I chose to continue that tradition and entered the Shreveport Regional Police Academy. Looking back on a career that spans 15 years, I know I made the right choice.
What people see on television is not what policing is all about. As an officer sworn to serve and protect, chasing bad guys and putting them in jail are important parts of the job, but not the biggest part. There are so many little things that police officers do that the average citizen never sees or knows about, like changing a flat tire for someone. Police officers may help an Alzheimer’s patient find his or her way back home one day or take a child out of an abusive environment the next.
It’s not glamorous. It’s not exciting, but it is important because it’s a service. Who else is going to do it? I get great satisfaction in knowing I have helped someone and that I play a vital role in making my community a safer place. Policing also provides a solid income with good benefits that many in the corporate world do not have. Some of the benefits include a uniform allowance, free equipment and training, a retirement pension plan that continues until death, and a take-home vehicle with maintenance and gas included.
Another great benefit is the variety of assignments available. In addition to patrol, officers can become detectives; K-9 handlers; crime scene investigators; and bicycle, mounted, or marine officers. But for me, it’s all about service with a smile.
Learn more about Shreveport Police Department at: http://www.shreveportla.gov/dept/police/