I picked a hell of a time to join the sheriff’s department. Starting the academy any time, as soon as the paperwork clears.
My dad was nearly killed in the Watts riots and he wasn’t even a policeman, just working there that day on a construction project. WWII, Korea and early Vietnam couldn’t get him, but the animals almost did. They’ve been rioting for going on 50 years now.
The Lord gives us gifts and talents to serve others and we shouldn’t let a few bad apples discourage us. The lazy media can find bad apples in every profession: priesthood, academia, police work and nursing. However, we just need supportive Americans and careful mentors to make life worth living.
I retired from my Sheriff’s Department at detective Sergeant in 2002, after 30 years of service. It was a hell of a ride.
Good luck and stay safe.
In the 80s and 90s everyone wanted to be a cop. It was the cool thing to do. Not so much anymore. The internal politics alone cause many to bail and regret. Good luck.
Try being a little more Andy Taylor and a little less Vic Mackey, and you’ll do all right.