These days with all the cop killers and.......

[wyofirebirdbaby]

These days with all the cop killers and general disrespect shown for LEOs,would you encourage or discourage your children from being a LEO?

When my brother was real young he wanted to be a cop and my dad encouraged him while my mom felt differently. Now he's in jail more than out and while he's as far from a cop as you can get,he's even further from being what my mom wanted him to be! (A preacher!)

[mtxpro752]

I don't want my daughter or any future kids of mine to be cops, I want them to be brain surgeons or rocket scientists. I wouldn't be too upset with racecar driver or olympic gold medalist though.

[MidwestCop]

I am not sure. I am not convinced that being a Cop today is anymore dangerous then it used to be. The two concerns I have are, first, how a long career in this business changes you. I am not sure that it is always for the better. Second, how quick the public (and some police administrators too) are so quick to villify an officer based on some cell phone video that is posted to the internet. I have liked being a Cop, but I am not always sure I would do it over again, more or less encourage my children. Oddly enough, I am the child of a Cop, now retired. I have a grown child of my own thinking about being a Cop. I am not encouraging or discouraging the idea.

[Nikk]

My father was a cop and at first discouraged me when I said I wanted to be a cop too. Not because of the danger or disrespect, he didn't want his only daughter to "always see so much of the darkest side of people." I guess he was afraid it would change me. But once he saw I was serious, he became encouraging and helped me a lot in preparing. When I have kids I'll encourage them to be whatever they want.... (within reason! lol)

[LawFowl]

Once my child is 18 I won't care what in the hail he/she does. Do something honorable and I'll support you. Doing something I don't approve of, you can do it without any support. I guess the only thing I would frown upon would be my daughter working at a strip club or something like that.

[CruiserClass]

I wouldn't exactly discourage my son, but I won't encourage him to do this. There's a physical and mental toll that this takes on you, and no one should go into it who isn't really ready for it. Being a cop because daddy was may not be the best idea. I'd be proud of him if he does, but I won't be upset if he doesn't.

[pappy1981]

I just want my children to be happy and successful. Having to go to work everyday to a job you hate is horrible.

[SRT936]

My grandfather tried to convince my dad not be a cop. My dad tried to convince me not to be a cop. I am trying to convince my kids not to be cops.

[wyofirebirdbaby]

In my opinion,the ones who follow in their parents footsteps have been brought up with love and respect for a profession not all can do but with backing for the decision they make in the end! How wonderful!

I wanted to be a paramedic in my early days in the medical field until I thought about all the children I'd have to see in various stages of "horrible" and knew I couldn't do it as I'd never be able to get used to it! I dealt very well with the sick/elderly passing away in the hospital and usually did the "final work" for those that couldn't deal with a person who'd passed on but children are a different story!

Having to deal with the darkest side of people can make one appreciate the ones who don't have one,which is hard for us civilians to do as we aren't exposed to it on a daily basis!

My dad was a finish carpenter and watch/jewlery maker,my mom a teacher and neither field was I interested in. Dad wanted me to be another Peggy Fleming and mom just didn't care. Unfortunately "Grace" isn't in any part of my name and after leaving the medical field I went to a skill I was good at and enjoyed..........driving! My parents were very skilled at what they did but neither encouraged me to follow suit.

Thanks for all the great answers!

[LPD003]

Being a cop is like getting married or going on a blind date. It sounds like a good idea before it happens...

In all reality, I'll support my son with whatever he decides to do. That doesn't mean I can't discourage it before it happens.

[deputy x 2]

IMHO-This is the greatest job on earth.

If I had kids....I would encourge them to follow their dreams...and if it was LE...then so be it.

[ummone]

My grandfather tried to convince my dad not be a cop. My dad tried to convince me not to be a cop. I am trying to convince my kids not to be cops.

+1

[OneAdam12]

I grew up on a farm. Boring! Took a ride offered to me by a trooper when I broke down and was walking home.
Saw all the switches and dials and radios and scanner and badge and gun and, and, well, the rest is history.
My dad just said he was glad I was on this side of the jail bars. I told my kids whatever they wanted to pursue was OK with me as long as it was legal. My son is working as a CNC operator and my daughter has her cosmetology license and is in college for nursing. Now, if they would just leave.

[Resq14]

wyofirebirdbaby -

You should have dinner with 1042 Trooper... he lives in your state. I'm sure he could answer allllllllllllll the questions that are running around in your mind...
... and then some.