View Full Version : Shouldn't police get battle pay too?
No slight or offense intended to .mil folks who receive battlepay as they certainly deserve it and more.
If you look at the conditions some police are exposed to, whether dealing with gang bangers, crackheads or whatever, it seems to me those officers should receive a compensation upgrade compared to the guy at the office looking up stuff on the criminal ID database, processing fingerprint cards, or even the officer giving traffic tickets, due to the additional stress and the additional hazards involved.
dookie1481
08-22-10, 13:18
I got out of the Marine Corps in 2003 as a Sgt with 4 years time in service. I made something like $1700 a month. My buddy's sister has less than 3 years with North Las Vegas PD. She cleared like 70k last year. I believe most police are compensated fairly, particularly when you factor in OT. Try being a Marine and telling your Plt Sgt you should be getting OT pay LMAO
Jay
Gutshot John
08-22-10, 13:30
Not in my opinion.
Sure the job has risks but if they don't like a risky job, find another one. A soldier doesn't have that luxury. There are walking the same streets as we do. If the streets are so unsafe that your average cop requires combat pay, than perhaps they're not doing their jobs.
Any risk should be calculated into their base salary.
Belmont31R
08-22-10, 13:35
I think most LEO's are making pretty decent money already especially with overtime. When I was lower enlisted and single even deployed it would take me 3-4 years to make what some of these guys around here make in 1 year.
So, no, I dont think they need MORE pay for doing the job they signed up to do, and I think combat pay for mil is kinda stupid, too, as is family sep pay. If you think there is a disparagement in LEO pay there is a HUGE one in the mil if you are married or not. It costs way more for a married soldier than a single one. Separate housing, pay, family sep pay when deployed, their kids get medical care, don't get meal costs taken out of their check, etc. I had a guy in my team who's wife needed a breast reduction surgery, and she had to go to a German hospital. It cost more than what I got paid in my entire 1st enlistment all for a fat cunt who sat on her ass all day, and didn't do a damned thing but pop babies out. All the money spent on DOD schools on post and overseas, etc. But if you're single you get fucked, live in a prison cell sized room, and get gyped on pay (in comparison). Some of those married people over there were getting like 1500 euro equivalent a month for an off post apartment (more than I made in a month being single).
I could see K9 handlers getting paid more because they have to take care of a dog 24/7, feed it, and the dog doesn't really belong to them personally.
I'm not sure where in this country the casualty rate is as high as say Afghanistan. :rolleyes:
Also most 11b's arent pulling in six figures, I know plenty of police who are. The starting wage here is around $46k while at the academy. Of course you don't pay into social security so that saves a bit, and when you get out of the academy it's not hard to make $80-100k a year.
Not sure about the east coast, but west coast pays well, CHP gets min $75k starting out.
Cagemonkey
08-22-10, 13:42
I agree with dookie. I'd say the majority of most PO's make good money with salary and OT. Here in Mass. they make a lot on traffic details. Some PO's are making six figure salaries. I feel for the Big City street cops. Their the exception to the rule. The should have a formula. Say take the rate of Homicides, violent crimes, felonies and Officer casualty rates and factor it into their salaries. I'm sick of seeing some small town, Barney Fife acting all bad ass writing up traffic violations in Yuppieville. They should have an exchange programs in place. Send the small town Fife to the Big City. Send the Big City cop to Yuppieville for some R&R. These so called civil servants complain how tough things are. Meanwhile, theirs a waiting list a mile long for job openings never mind affirmative action, nepotism, politics etc.
Most non-LEOs will tell you that they think cops make enough money as it is and probably need a pay cut.
Most LEOs will tell you that given the work that they do day-in, day-out they deserve more money.
They are both right. NYPD officers that retire at age 45 on a pension of over 100k a year, need to be investigated. Rural Tennessee deputies that make $30k and are forced to work 30 years before retirement need a pay raise. It depends on the location, the presents of unions, and the funding of the department.
For me working Federal, I make decent money. There are many city department LEOs that make more than me. I am not allowed to join a union, or else I'll be fired. So, I feel that it keeps my pay reasonable and reflective of the needs of my locality.
I got out of the Marine Corps in 2003 as a Sgt with 4 years time in service. I made something like $1700 a month. My buddy's sister has less than 3 years with North Las Vegas PD. She cleared like 70k last year. I believe most police are compensated fairly, particularly when you factor in OT. Try being a Marine and telling your Plt Sgt you should be getting OT pay LMAO
Jay
I've been an leo for 14 years, base is 51,000. I was also USMC, dont forget when in the service, you get free housing, electric,water,food,clothing allowance, insurance.
Which thanks to Obamacare ours just doubled, if you have kids (I have 4) the "good package would be almost 1,000 a month.
Belmont31R
08-22-10, 13:52
Most non-LEOs will tell you that they think cops make enough money as it is and probably need a pay cut.
Most LEOs will tell you that given the work that they do day-in, day-out they deserve more money.
They are both right. NYPD officers that retire on a pension of over 100k a year, need to be investigated. Rural Tennessee deputies that make $30k and are forced to work 30 years before retirement need a pay raise. It depends on the location, the presents of unions, and the funding of the department.
For me working Federal, I make decent money. There are many city department LEOs that make more than me. I am not allowed to join a union, or else I'll be fired. So, I feel that it keeps my pay reasonable and reflective of the needs of my locality.
I thought the start paying for NYPD was like 25k a year?
Also 30k in a cheap place to live isn't that bad, and with a little overtime you would be doing ok. If you have a wife who makes 20-40k a year also you'd do better than a cop in NYC making 100k a year due to the cost of living.
Belmont31R
08-22-10, 14:01
I've been an leo for 14 years, base is 51,000. I was also USMC, dont forget when in the service, you get free housing, electric,water,food,clothing allowance, insurance.
Which thanks to Obamacare ours just doubled, if you have kids (I have 4) the "good package would be almost 1,000 a month.
Maybe free housing, water, and electric but I always had food money taken out of my check, and it didn't matter how often you ate at the chow hall. Even if we were in the field 200 miles away we got 220 bucks a month taken out even though we never ate there. Finance would never do the "missed meal" forms for us because they'd be doing 3 forms a day for each person. Not too many people ate there 3X a day 7 days a week. So Im sure all the money I got gyped out of meal pay reimbursed them for my electric and water usage and then some. 220X12= $2640 a year I had to pay, and I maybe ate there 4-5X a month averaged out.
these streetz aint "combat," nor anything even fricken close. an 11b in a-stan can expect to take fire pretty regularly, as well as kill people if given the opportunity. most cops will go 20 years without ever getting shot at nor shooting anyone. how is that even comparable?
in my opinion, the militarization of local police officers is a pretty big problem. i dont suppose i'll ever support any effort to give them even more ammo for the argument that they have some crazy dangerous job and need to be given complete and total control of every human being they come into contact with, and display that authority, at every opportunity.
these streetz aint "combat," nor anything even fricken close. an 11b in a-stan can expect to take fire pretty regularly, as well as kill people if given the opportunity. most cops will go 20 years without ever getting shot at nor shooting anyone. how is that even comparable?
in my opinion, the militarization of local police officers is a pretty big problem. i dont suppose i'll ever support any effort to give them even more ammo for the argument that they have some crazy dangerous job and need to be given complete and total control of every human being they come into contact with, and display that authority, at every opportunity.
Unless you are employed with LV Metro. :jester:
these streetz aint "combat," nor anything even fricken close. an 11b in a-stan can expect to take fire pretty regularly, as well as kill people if given the opportunity. most cops will go 20 years without ever getting shot at nor shooting anyone. how is that even comparable?
in my opinion, the militarization of local police officers is a pretty big problem. i dont suppose i'll ever support any effort to give them even more ammo for the argument that they have some crazy dangerous job and need to be given complete and total control of every human being they come into contact with, and display that authority, at every opportunity.
WOW, Take a ride along and see what the average street cop has to deal with on a daily basis before forming such a negative opinion.
I do not believe they should get "combat pay" as they aren't operating in a combat zone. I'm sure there are plenty of cops who work in areas that might be considered war zones due to the amount of crime but they're still a far shot from the Middle East.
But if you're single you get fucked, live in a prison cell sized room, and get gyped on pay (in comparison).
Not me, my "living quarters" were the same underway or in our home port, my rack. This was my glamorous living area for nearly 4 years. So yeah, when you're single you get fucked being in the .mil.
http://a.imageshack.us/img826/3664/mvc162s2.jpg
jklaughrey
08-22-10, 14:27
Do as some of us do and get a second part time gig. I clear over 60k as a LEO and then for about 20 hours a month I do consulting for a manufacturer of ammunition and that pays around 20-25k, plus I get all the freebies as well. Side jobs are the way to market yourself when you transition from LE over to the private sector. That way your "set up" with a retirement gig. Cops have been doing it for years. Combat pay, well only in large Metro areas do I see it as viable.
in my opinion, the militarization of local police officers is a pretty big problem. i dont suppose i'll ever support any effort to give them even more ammo for the argument that they have some crazy dangerous job and need to be given complete and total control of every human being they come into contact with, and display that authority, at every opportunity.
I'm in total agreement.
NCPatrolAR
08-22-10, 14:29
While people talk about LEOs making 6 digit incomes that certainly isnt the case everywhere or even in most places. As has been mentioned before; police pay depends on region, police type, and a host of other reasons. I work for a large agency, been here for over 8 years and gross approximately $55/k annually. Our OT has recently be changed to being paid on a 28 day cycle so there is no extra money there, but there wasn't a lot there to start with. Hell; around here the only way to get paid more is to get promoted. All job assignments pay the exact same.
We do have the ability to work side jobs; but those are paid through the company hiring us and are typically accompanied by a 10-99 at the end of the year.
Law enforcement isn't a career field you enter for the pay.
And when it comes to combat pay; no, LEOs shouldn't get anything like it.
Also before this thread heads down the "cop bashing" route.
I have a nephew that is a grunt with the 101st, did a tour in Iraq, and is in Kandahar now. And yes the combat troops deserve more money for what they do.
And yes some leo's are underpaid for what they do. Depends on where you live/work.
South of the Mason/Dixon generally sucks for pay/benefits.
And yes people choose to live in a certain area, and choose to get into law enforcement. So it is what it is.
I'm glad to have a job and to be able to put food on the table and pay my bills.
No slight or offense intended to .mil folks who receive battlepay as they certainly deserve it and more.
If you look at the conditions some police are exposed to, whether dealing with gang bangers, crackheads or whatever, it seems to me those officers should receive a compensation upgrade compared to the guy at the office looking up stuff on the criminal ID database, processing fingerprint cards, or even the officer giving traffic tickets, due to the additional stress and the additional hazards involved.
Well why not give it to the residents also?
To answer your question, no.
Cops can quit and decide to work at Pizza Hut anytime they wish. Deployed military folks...not so much.
WOW, Take a ride along and see what the average street cop has to deal with on a daily basis before forming such a negative opinion.
it's you who assume- i've rode with every major department in this corner of the state, some of them multiple times. i speak from what i've observed.
also- don't assume just because i am critical that i'm "cop bashing" or "anti-cop." lately i've even been considering applying at my local department, and putting my money where my mouth is, so to speak.
Also before this thread heads down the "cop bashing" route.
I don't think that's anyone's intention and it's certainly not mine. When people ask questions or make statements that are critical of the police and their actions it shouldn't always be perceived as bashing all cops.
Many times, on both sides of the fence, people tend to over react due to their experiences, their profession and their own personal biases. As an example, someone who's always critical of the police may jump on any incident, regardless of an officer's "guilt", and proclaim they're abusing their power, etc. On the other side, when you have an officer who's blatantly guilty of something outside of the law there are LEOs who will jump to their defense regardless of how obvious the problem or situation is.
M4C tends to be very "anti-cop bashing" and sometimes I think that's taken to the extreme. As citizens who pay for our police, we are their customers, we should be critical of their actions and their job performance. Also, as intelligent adults I think there are always 2 sides of the story and sometimes it's a good thing to discuss these differences, it's how we better understand each other's side of the fence. Have a good Sunday! I'm off to the pool :dance3:
Sure LEO's signed up for the job. As far as I know there is no draft either? Do cops deserve a type of combat pay? I really don't think so. On the Military side of things combat pay, or pay for being assigned to a combat zone sounds kinda silly to me also. It is in essence what both signed on the line knowing full well the the potential downsides.
As far as pay goes, a military type, with my amount of time in, with all their living expenses etc, in my location, makes a good amount of money. A good bit more than I do. Now if they get located in a "combat area" they make some considerable scratch. Am I complaining about this? Hell no, good for them. They make a lot of sacrifices, but again they signed up for it.
Now for myself, I am not complaining. LEO's make a lot of sacrifices in how they live their everyday lives. They do this for 20-30 years, not just for their enlistment period, but most don't complain. I am not rich and live a modest life, but I enjoy what I do. I have one of, if not THE best job in all of LE. Sometimes I can't believe I am getting paid to do what I am doing. Is it dangerous? Yes, I have lost several good friends. Could I use a better salary? Of course. Do I get paid a salary commensurate with the duties of the job in combination to my cost of living? No I don't. Am I complaining? No I am not. Would I trade what I do? Nope, sure won't. Will I retire and go on to potentially making more money elsewhere? If that is what I chose to do.
I will say that there are certain activities that as an LEO I can get hazard pay while doing, but as mentioned I would almost pay to do these things. In any event I can get called out to a barricade or HRT situation and be face to face with a guy and a gun and get no hazard pay. No big deal to me as we live for that. But on the other hand the CN teams (negotiators) who are on the phone are getting hazard pay. Go figure. But again, good for them and no big deal to me. I busted my ass to get where I am at because it is what I wanted. I don't ask for anything extra, but sure as hell wouldn't turn it down either. :)
NCPatrolAR
08-22-10, 14:42
in my opinion, the militarization of local police officers is a pretty big problem. .
care to eleborate on this?
care to eleborate on this?
+1
If he is referring to equipment and tactics, they are a direct reflection of the needs area in order to grant a reasonable level of protection for the officers and the citizens. These tactics and equipment also allow the officers to better enforce the rule of law within the limits of the US Constitution.
As it becomes more and more dangerous for officers to carry out their duty and enforce the law, then the equipment and tactics will change accordingly to ensure that the law gets enforced. In some areas of the US, gangs, cartels, and other local influences actually prevent officers from carrying out law enforcement because they are afraid of getting their property damaged, or their loved ones hurt. In some countries, the prevention of law enforcement requires equipment and tactics on par with the military. The US is not at that point yet, thank God.........Mexico seems to be at that point though.
it's you who assume- i've rode with every major department in this corner of the state, some of them multiple times. i speak from what i've observed.
also- don't assume just because i am critical that i'm "cop bashing" or "anti-cop." lately i've even been considering applying at my local department, and putting my money where my mouth is, so to speak.
Put in at least 5-years as a commissioned officer with all the liabilities that come with it and tell me how you feel then.
If they are filling all their slots with candidates of acceptable quality, an meeting their retention goals, then it would be unfair to the taxpayer to raise salaries.
Put in at least 5-years as a commissioned officer with all the liabilities that come with it and tell me how you feel then.
Before you became a police officer you knew the risk, and on top of that believe it or not there are jobs in this country far more dangerous than being in LE. Hell a laborer on a construction job has more risk each morning he gets up statistically. And the guys collecting your trash, they do too. Neither have a higher pay scale however or are regarded highly by society even though with out them we wouldn't have police departments and are streets would be full of trash and disease.
Just like when you sign those forms for uncle sam you know you might get shot at and sent to war for $20k a year.
And when LE starts looking as their career field as combat, that's pretty f'n scary to me, and one of the main reasons I didn't join with my local department when I had the opportunity. It's a bs macho attitude that I obviously disagree with.
If people want combat pay there's a war going on. So it's easy to get right now if they're so inclined.
And as far as the south paying less, the cost of living is relevant to the pay. The only DP I've known of that actually underpays it's officers is the NYPD.
these streetz aint "combat," nor anything even fricken close. an 11b in a-stan can expect to take fire pretty regularly, as well as kill people if given the opportunity. most cops will go 20 years without ever getting shot at nor shooting anyone. how is that even comparable?
in my opinion, the militarization of local police officers is a pretty big problem. i dont suppose i'll ever support any effort to give them even more ammo for the argument that they have some crazy dangerous job and need to be given complete and total control of every human being they come into contact with, and display that authority, at every opportunity.I will say this. I have not been in the military, nor have I been in combat in a war zone, so I am not trying to compare the two. Also not having been in the military I have no point of reference to comment on their experiences.
For cops in a major metro area, working the streets often alone, being in a situation where your gun comes out and the unknown being present is extremely stressful, moreso than when the bullets actually start flying. This everyday grind for 20-30 years is tough. Why do I say this? Because getting shot was not the hard part. Sounds silly? The first time I had bullets flying in my direction, my response was "that mother fucker just shot at me". Of course after my heart jumped a beat, I really didn't feel as stressed as the events leading up to it. I wasn't really angry either. Kinda surreal, but a matter of fact type of response. I thought my response to be odd at the time. It has happened a few more times and each time my internalization of the event was similar.
IMO, the stress of the unknown or the everyday grind on the streets and what we see is way more stressful. While I could stand to never get shot at again in my career, it was not the most stressful things that I have been through in my career either. I get more adverse affects from seeing the carnage of others, in particular partners or kids. I am sure this is the same for military as no doubt the carnage is on a much higher scale in combat. Depending on the person / situation, getting shot at may not be the hard part. Heck even shooting back gives some great stress relief.
The dead kids and funerals are the hard part. This is just my take on it from the LEO side of things. Again, I am not trying to compare anything to the military either as I have no personal experience in the military for a point of reference. So if you have military combat or LE experience, I would love to hear your about your perspective on how it affected you.
If they are filling all their slots with candidates of acceptable quality, an meeting their retention goals, then it would be unfair to the taxpayer to raise salaries.Ryan, I am not tracking on this comment? Are you saying that LEO's should not get raises?
it's you who assume- i've rode with every major department in this corner of the state, some of them multiple times. i speak from what i've observed.
also- don't assume just because i am critical that i'm "cop bashing" or "anti-cop." lately i've even been considering applying at my local department, and putting my money where my mouth is, so to speak.
If you decide to apply, I wish you the best of luck, and hope you get the job. Every department needs motivated and passionate officers.
If you do get hired, you will find out what the job really is, and what officers have to encounter and deal with on a daily basis, day in and day out, year after year.
People have no idea until they do the job.
And you will probably be requesting additional ammo:D
Before you became a police officer you knew the risk, and on top of that believe it or not there are jobs in this country far more dangerous than being in LE. Hell a laborer on a construction job has more risk each morning he gets up statistically. And the guys collecting your trash, they do too. Neither have a higher pay scale however or are regarded highly by society even though with out them we wouldn't have police departments and are streets would be full of trash and disease.
Just like when you sign those forms for uncle sam you know you might get shot at and sent to war for $20k a year.
And when LE starts looking as their career field as combat, that's pretty f'n scary to me, and one of the main reasons I didn't join with my local department when I had the opportunity. It's a bs macho attitude that I obviously disagree with.
If people want combat pay there's a war going on. So it's easy to get right now if they're so inclined.
And as far as the south paying less, the cost of living is relevant to the pay. The only DP I've known of that actually underpays it's officers is the NYPD.
Garbage men and laborer is more hazardous then police officer??? The ONLY pd that under pays is NYPD???
Sorry but that is stupid.
Garbage men and laborer is more hazardous then police officer??? The ONLY pd that under pays is NYPD???
Sorry but that is stupid.
So numbers are bs? Emotions have more value?
I said from what I've seen yes, NYPD underpays. Most of the departments in the south that pay $30k a year the median income is around $14-15k. And cost of living is matches the median income. So $30k would be a comfortable living wage, unless you plan to drive a BMW, and if that's the case, go become an investment banker.
I never said NYPD is the only under payed department, because I don't know what every department in the country pays. I simply stated from what I've seen. I've looked into quite a few a some years back. And the majority pay extremely well.
If people want combat pay there's a war going on. So it's easy to get right now if they're so inclined.
And as far as the south paying less, the cost of living is relevant to the pay. The only DP I've known of that actually underpays it's officers is the NYPD.I have yet to see 1 LEO here say that they think there should be something similar to combat pay.
If NYPD is the only place you can think of that underpays its Officers, then your knowledge base is very limited. And no I am not going to run down a list to try and educate you either. As has been mentioned, most cops don't do this job for the money. They often do it, maybe naive, thinking that we wanted to actually make a difference in our communities. Novel idea isn't it? I sure did take a hell of a hit on my salary when I took this job. Not complaining as I could leave tomorrow and make more money, but I enjoy what I do and I like to think that I am making a difference. For me life isn't about money and I live a modest life, but I am happy.
I like to think as was posted earlier, that I am "putting my money where my mouth is". Not just complaining about it on the internet.
Ryan, I am not tracking on this comment? Are you saying that LEO's should not get raises?
If a company or government agency can find the people they want and keep them at the current pay level then there is no need to pay them more. That is the only reason to raise pay. If the quality of candidates at that price point decreases or people that the agency or company wishes to retain start to leave, a raise is in order.
To do less is a waste of the taxpayer or shareholders money.
If a company or government agency can find the people they want and keep them at the current pay level then there is no need to pay them more. That is the only reason to raise pay. If the quality of candidates at that price point decreases or people that the agency or company wishes to retain start to leave, a raise is in order.
To do less is a waste of the taxpayer or shareholders money.Ryan, your analogy is logically flawed. How the hell do you expect to retain or hire quality candidates if you do not at the least expect to give raises, hopefully at the least commensurate with inflation, so that these employees quality of life does not diminish over time in their career? LE is not something that you just want to turn over batches of new Officers every couple of years. Your company / agency is doomed from the get go and your community will be the loser in the long run. Don't think this is true? There are a lot of models of this currently happening nationwide.
Garbage men and laborer is more hazardous then police officer??? The ONLY pd that under pays is NYPD???
Sorry but that is stupid.
http://www.forbes.com/2008/08/25/dangerous-jobs-fishing-lead-careers-cx_mk_0825danger.html
The late increase in public safety deaths put police on the top ten most dangerous list. A position they don't normally occupy.
Ryan, your analogy is logically flawed. How the hell do you expect to retain or hire quality candidates if you do not at the least expect to give raises, hopefully at the least commensurate with inflation, so that these employees quality of life does not diminish over time in their career? LE is not something that you just want to turn over batches of new Officers every couple of years. Your company / agency is doomed from the get go and your community will be the loser in the long run. Don't think this is true? There are a lot of models of this currently happening nationwide.
You're missing the point. If recruiting and retaining good people requires that you promise them a certain raise schedule, then my statement was entirely correct. Then a raise is entirely appropriate.
My point is that raises are given as an employment incentive, not because of a moral obligation to reward someone for employment.
NCPatrolAR
08-22-10, 15:55
*Mod hat on*
Let's keep things civil and try to avoid any personal attacks*
I've been on both sides of the fence (mil and LE). Each career has it's own difficulties and perks. From what I've seen in training recruits coming through the academy is that the military guys realize they are entering a much more restrictive career
I have yet to see 1 LEO here say that they think there should be something similar to combat pay.
If NYPD is the only place you can think of that underpays its Officers, then your knowledge base is very limited. And no I am not going to run down a list to try and educate you either. As has been mentioned, most cops don't do this job for the money. They often do it, maybe naive, thinking that we wanted to actually make a difference in our communities. Novel idea isn't it? I sure did take a hell of a hit on my salary when I took this job. Not complaining as I could leave tomorrow and make more money, but I enjoy what I do and I like to think that I am making a difference. For me life isn't about money and I live a modest life, but I am happy.
I like to think as was posted earlier, that I am "putting my money where my mouth is". Not just complaining about it on the internet.
Wait, you're not bitching about the pay? What exactly are you doing than? I just read a post about you having to take a pay cut, but it's not about the money, but you're forced to live a modest life, but you're happy. But you're not complaining about it on the internet lol.
LMAO. Why defend yourself? For one thing, I'm bitching about LEO's that consider their job combat, if you don't that what do you have to defend?
Secondly, I'm pretty sure if you look at the average LE wage compared to just about any other "blue collar" job the pay is quite a bit more. And those salaries that are $30k... How many hours of overtime are allowed.
I know plenty of cops, and even was training to become one myself (read about me not liking the macho bs :P ), but that's like saying I have black friends if some one calls me a racist, right ;P
And I have no problem with a good officer who just truly wants to do good, I have a huge problem with the guys who want to be hardcore and think they're hot shit. You know, the ones who make for bad press and cause shit because they like to deny people their rights because the public are just "civilians", I love that one...
jklaughrey
08-22-10, 16:01
Do you do this intentionally, or is that you can't help yourself and are deliberate in your posting of argumentative ideology...Smiles, dude really if you dislike cops so much then just say so. That way we can see you coming.
I have check Pay here In Alabama Close to Birmingham was Looking Myself to Going into LEO .Starting Pay is around 27K some places More Like 19-21K .
I was Offered a Job As A Corrections Officer and was told 11.00 Bucks a Hour which I would not Take .They did Not even supply Vest and 3 Officers were "shanked" Reason they wanted me so bad running out of folks that wanted to do it.
I am Headed back into the NG as a MP if all goes well and plan on Coming back after training and seeing if the LEO field is for Me .
But to the OP question No Combat pay for LE maybe better pay and benefits and equipment .
So numbers are bs? Emotions have more value?
I said from what I've seen yes, NYPD underpays. Most of the departments in the south that pay $30k a year the median income is around $14-15k. And cost of living is matches the median income. So $30k would be a comfortable living wage, unless you plan to drive a BMW, and if that's the case, go become an investment banker.
I never said NYPD is the only under payed department, because I don't know what every department in the country pays. I simply stated from what I've seen. I've looked into quite a few a some years back. And the majority pay extremely well.
Strike 2! On average a police officer dies in the line of duty every 72 hours. How many garbage men or roofers die every 72 hours?
The title of the thread is a little off. A better title might have been, "Do you think SOME law enforcement officers are underpaid and why"
LEO'S dont think that they should be paid combat pay.
To say "the majority pay extremely well" is again false.
Some departments pay well, some pay fair, and some underpay.
Again people dont get into law enforcement for the pay, just like people dont join the service for pay. We join to help ,and protect the communities and the country.
Ask a majority of people if they would put their own life on the line everyday for property that isn't theirs, and for people they dont even know, and most would say no thanks. Especially for a whole $30,000 a year.
Checkout odmp.org might give you a different perspective.
Strike 2! On average a police officer dies in the line of duty every 72 hours. How many garbage men or roofers die every 72 hours?
The title of the thread is a little off. A better title might have been, "Do you think SOME law enforcement officers are underpaid and why"
LEO'S dont think that they should be paid combat pay.
To say "the majority pay extremely well" is again false.
Some departments pay well, some pay fair, and some underpay.
Again people dont get into law enforcement for the pay, just like people dont join the service for pay. We join to help ,and protect the communities and the country.
Ask a majority of people if they would put their own life on the line everyday for property that isn't theirs, and for people they dont even know, and most would say no thanks. Especially for a whole $30,000 a year.
Checkout odmp.org might give you a different perspective.
I'm familiar with the officer down memorial page, and any one LE or not who gives their life for another is a hero.
And as far as pay goes, again, the numbers don't lie. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm
Compared to the national average
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000
Take away white collar jobs, executives etc, and the number would be around $26k.
So LE pays extremely well. Like it or not, if you wish to be a martyr about it that's fine, but you're ignoring the facts.
Strike 2! On average a police officer dies in the line of duty every 72 hours. How many garbage men or roofers die every 72 hours?
more than cops. you are gonna be REALLY surprised... i put together some numbers using FBI stats and BOLI stats on on the job injuries and fatalities a few months ago.
i'll put some stuff together for you and post tonight. if everyone realized just how far down the list Police Officer really is on the most-dangerous-jobs list, we'd see some pretty rapid and drastic changes in this country.
+1
If he is referring to equipment and tactics, they are a direct reflection of the needs area in order to grant a reasonable level of protection for the officers and the citizens. These tactics and equipment also allow the officers to better enforce the rule of law within the limits of the US Constitution.
As it becomes more and more dangerous for officers to carry out their duty and enforce the law, then the equipment and tactics will change accordingly to ensure that the law gets enforced. In some areas of the US, gangs, cartels, and other local influences actually prevent officers from carrying out law enforcement because they are afraid of getting their property damaged, or their loved ones hurt. In some countries, the prevention of law enforcement requires equipment and tactics on par with the military. The US is not at that point yet, thank God.........Mexico seems to be at that point though.
I think the bigger issue is with the frequency(and seemingly low threshold that's often required)for use of said equipment and tactics.
PRGGodfather
08-22-10, 16:40
As a cop -- no, I don't think we deserve "combat" pay. Been at it 25 years, and it has its benefits and liabilities, like many professions.
As a citizen, I think paying cops reasonably as to individual community standards is important, as it tends to reduce corruption -- given the enormous public trust and authority we are given. Can we eliminate corruption? No more than we can raise perfect children.
As a person of mixed heritage, I can say the most discrimination I have EVER endured was due to the color of my uniform -- and I will continue to suffer it gladly. I knew it would happen. It still doesn't make the discrimination any better, or the folks who blamed me for their own actions or that of others any less biased. The fact that I will always pay for the actions of other cops, no longer bothers me, either. Simply, I don't allow bias to affect how I feel about myself -- whether it be my heritage, my income or my occupation.
What makes cops and soldiers different from other callings, careers or vocations -- is there is an expressed societal expectation of self-sacrifice for the greater good, as it should be. Without self-sacrifice, who would care at all? Self-sacrifice IS a virtue all of us should appreciate.
While self-sacrifice does NOT make us better than anyone -- as truly, all give some, but only some give all -- it does mean when we DO end up sacrificing ourselves for others, society is bettered for our having done it -- even if the good cops and soldiers don't do it for the money or the medals. No one wants to die, but expending oneself in a worthy cause is a distinction worth noting. How much is that self-sacrifice worth? Shall we assign a dollar figure based on community standards? Shall we ask the loved ones left behind what they think will restore them?
C'mon.
Government exists primarily for the common defense, and when government agents or representatives forget that -- all of us have a right to be angry. It pisses me off when POTUS does it, when Congress does it, and when the cops in my command do it.
I am also ashamed when I occasionally fall into it. Fortunately, I have a good wife, and she will never allow me to feel sorry for myself!
Frankly, it is disturbing why folks seem to find it so easy to paint others with such a broad brush. Usually, we would (and should!) bristle, if such conduct were levied against US -- as people, gun owners or citizens.
Yes, there are some idiot, jerk and even criminal cops. Just like idiot, jerk and criminal bankers, bakers, and candlestick makers.
Good cops don't do it for the money or accolades, and simply, both are usually lacking for the best ones when they do their best work. I won't tell you every time someone in my command does his or her job well. The press will certainly call me -- if and when -- one doesn't.
Simply, it is the sense of individual entitlement -- such selfishness -- regardless of who has it -- that makes all of us angry. We KNOW no one owes us anything. People who have a sense of entitlement suck. Cops who behave as if they are entitled to something, suck. After all, it's always someone else who sucks, right?
We need look in the mirror first.
THAT, I would imagine, is something upon which we can agree.
Lastly, cops and soldiers are just like everyone else. Some are really cool, some are complete jerks -- and most fall somewhere in the middle. Human improvement comes only after honest self-evaluation, and that, I am afraid, is something most of us do not do very well. Shame on the selfish folks! Shame on us for allowing it! Shame on us for everytime we forget we are them.
We have real enemies, and it is not each other other; as we discuss philosophy on the Internet. God Bless America for the freedom to have such civil disagreements. Let's pray we can work together to remember such truths.
Be safe, and best to you and yours.
Wait, you're not bitching about the pay? What exactly are you doing than? I just read a post about you having to take a pay cut, but it's not about the money, but you're forced to live a modest life, but you're happy. But you're not complaining about it on the internet lol.
LMAO. Why defend yourself? For one thing, I'm bitching about LEO's that consider their job combat, if you don't that what do you have to defend?
mr_smiles,
You seem to be missing the point. I gladly took a pay cut because LE was what I wanted to do. I am not complaining about it. Simply stating the fact that if money is what I wanted, than I could do something other than LE. Not sure how you can't understand that?
Again, I have yet to see one LEO, ask for combat pay, or say that what we do is combat in the military sense of things. I really don't see that I am defending anything. You seem to be the one confused about the issues and I am just trying to help you understand another perspective.
Everyone has their own opinion. It is very hard to change someones opinion. If you feel like a police officer who makes 30,000 a year is fair compensation, that's what you feel.
That's your opinion, and your entitled to it.
Nothing anybody can say will change anyone's mind.
Nobody is going to win this debate.(as usual)
Again, it is what it is. There are a lot of officers that are being laid off, so I'm happy that I have a job that I can be proud of doing.
You're missing the point. If recruiting and retaining good people requires that you promise them a certain raise schedule, then my statement was entirely correct. Then a raise is entirely appropriate.
My point is that raises are given as an employment incentive, not because of a moral obligation to reward someone for employment.Ryan,
I think I understood your point. However the point is at least from what I see is, the first part of your statement is not happening. The price point or starting salary for many agencies is not drawing the best people for the job.
The second point is retention of good employees by not meeting a raise schedule. I too am speaking in regards to employment incentive or retention incentives and definitely not in regards to any type of reward situation.
Then at that agency the employees are underpaid. As someone at TOS likes to say, if you pay peanuts you get monkeys.
Belmont31R
08-22-10, 17:13
Ryan,
I think I understood your point. However the point is at least from what I see is, the first part of your statement is not happening. The price point or starting salary for many agencies is not drawing the best people for the job.
The second point is retention of good employees by not meeting a raise schedule. I too am speaking in regards to employment incentive or retention incentives and definitely not in regards to any type of reward situation.
A raise schedule? Most people are not getting raises or taking pay cuts to keep their jobs right now.
I had thought about LE but decided I didn't want my job to be writing tickets and busting people for drugs (which I think should be legal). There are other duties, too, of course, but I couldn't enforce laws on other people I don't even agree with. Ive been to quite a few countries in my time, and lived in a few states within the US. Seems the primary purpose to being an LEO is to sit on the side of the road and write tickets. Thats pretty much all they do around here as we have very little crime, and I can't drive 30 minutes in any direction without seeing 4-5 LEO either writing a ticket or trying to catch someone to write a ticket. The few times Ive "needed" an LEO they didn't want to help. One rolled his eyes at me when I requested a report for insurance purposes after my car was vandalized, one wrote a false report after my wife was hit by a car full of illegals....no license, no insurance, and they didn't know who the car was registered to. The illegals called someone with a license, and the LEO let the licensed driver drive the car off without writing them a ticket for their at-fault accident. Then we got dinged on our insurance because of it. She told my wife they wouldn't show up for court so there was no purpose of doing anything to them. Its raised our insurance $50 month until the "accident" goes off her record which is 3 years. So because Mrs. LEO didn't want to do the paperwork on the illegals we get to pay $1800 over 3 years.
I know lots of "qualified" people who could do the job well but don't due to the way LE is run nowadays. Not too many people want to spend their days writing tickets (unless its an illegal) instead of actually being their to help their community.
A raise schedule? Most people are not getting raises or taking pay cuts to keep their jobs right now.
I had thought about LE but decided I didn't want my job to be writing tickets and busting people for drugs (which I think should be legal). There are other duties, too, of course, but I couldn't enforce laws on other people I don't even agree with. Ive been to quite a few countries in my time, and lived in a few states within the US. Seems the primary purpose to being an LEO is to sit on the side of the road and write tickets. Thats pretty much all they do around here as we have very little crime, and I can't drive 30 minutes in any direction without seeing 4-5 LEO either writing a ticket or trying to catch someone to write a ticket. The few times Ive "needed" an LEO they didn't want to help. One rolled his eyes at me when I requested a report for insurance purposes after my car was vandalized, one wrote a false report after my wife was hit by a car full of illegals....no license, no insurance, and they didn't know who the car was registered to. The illegals called someone with a license, and the LEO let the licensed driver drive the car off without writing them a ticket for their at-fault accident. Then we got dinged on our insurance because of it. She told my wife they wouldn't show up for court so there was no purpose of doing anything to them. Its raised our insurance $50 month until the "accident" goes off her record which is 3 years. So because Mrs. LEO didn't want to do the paperwork on the illegals we get to pay $1800 over 3 years.
I know lots of "qualified" people who could do the job well but don't due to the way LE is run nowadays. Not too many people want to spend their days writing tickets (unless its an illegal) instead of actually being their to help their community.
Can you say BROAD BRUSH???
Can you say BROAD BRUSH???
Exactly.
Belmont31R
08-22-10, 17:31
Can you say BROAD BRUSH???
Thats how it worked everywhere I lived. Low crime spots so LEO's spend a majority of their time writing tickets. Sorry if you don't like that but thats how it is, and why people don't want to become LEO's to get the qualified candidates LE needs.
And NO I am not "bashing cops". Im just saying that is what I see the most, and I dont like driving 30 minutes running into numerous LEO's out to hand out tickets. Especially the little towns along hwy's. In TX they are notorious for handing out tickets like crazy even for a few MPH over in these little "pass through" towns. Thats how they make their money. There is a little town like this I have to go through to get to the range, and somehow this tiny town can afford a bunch of officers all driving brand new Chargers and Tahoes. Everytime I go through there I see 2-3 on the side of the road running radar, and it only take but 5 minutes to get through there at the most.
So no, people who want to help their community aren't going to apply to a job where their primary purposes is to run radar and write people tickets. I once got stopped 4 times in less than an hour for a tail light being out. What a waste of time especially the last one when I showed him the 3 warnings I had just gotten in the last hour. He still wrote me out a warning, and ran my license.
I have a lot of respect for LEO when they actually do things their citizens need them to do, and to help keep the place safer. Not when by far my most likely interaction is for going 45 in a 40.
A raise schedule? Most people are not getting raises or taking pay cuts to keep their jobs right now.Trust me everyone is feeling the hard times right now. Don't think that LE isn't feeling the crunch like everyone else. Furloughs, lay-offs, not getting contracted raises etc.. Everyone is taking a bite of the shit sandwich.
I had thought about LE but decided I didn't want my job to be writing tickets and busting people for drugs (which I think should be legal).
snip.......
I know lots of "qualified" people who could do the job well but don't due to the way LE is run nowadays. Not too many people want to spend their days writing tickets (unless its an illegal) instead of actually being their to help their community.We can come up with any number of reasons not to do something. It is often easier that way. It is much harder to actually go ahead and do something and try to make a difference despite knowing the possible roadblocks that you may face along the way.
LE is not for everyone and I would never try to convince someone to enter into the profession if they were unsure. It is not an easy life and unless if someone is really passionate about the job, I am talking 100% passionate, then it probably isn't for them, or they will not be happy doing it.
I didn't like to write tickets, do traffic related duties, etc, etc, but I paid my dues, while maintaining integrity. I like to think that my hard work and ethics brought me to the position that I am at today. A position that I wanted to be in and worked hard to get. Just like most professions, you don't just get handed the golden ticket the day you join. You need to earn it, with hard work.
LEO combat pay, we don't rate it. I tip my hat to the men and women in miliatry service, they deserve better pay and medical care when they need it. I get paid well and know I earn my pay. I didn't get into LEO for the money, perhaps today they do and maybe some job security. Be safe all.
Belmont31R
08-22-10, 17:40
Exactly.
So you tell me what my town's officers are doing other than writing tickets when we have all 86 of them, and we have maybe 20 burglaries a year, and maybe 2 murders a year. Pop is around 45k.
dookie1481
08-22-10, 17:42
I've been an leo for 14 years, base is 51,000. I was also USMC, dont forget when in the service, you get free housing, electric,water,food,clothing allowance, insurance.
Which thanks to Obamacare ours just doubled, if you have kids (I have 4) the "good package would be almost 1,000 a month.
I know, I wasn't saying ALL LEOs make that much, just using an example I am familiar with.
Jay
If your town only has 20 burgs a year with a pop of 45k, sounds like their doing job:D
RogerinTPA
08-22-10, 17:48
Short answer, no.
Being in the Armed Forces (me a 20 year Army commissioned officer), LEO or Fire Fighter, I believe for most who want a career in those fields, it is a calling.... at least initially. You chose those occupations (the most dangerous) to protect others in our society, our nation and our way of life. You will sacrifice much (being away, family, marriages) and you will never be compensated commensurate with the risks that come with the job. You will at most, live a meager existence, with some doing well and some not so well. At times, you will be looked down upon by some, carried in disdain, and spit upon by others. Real Americans will honor your service because you are truly a patriot. You serve because you give a shit, wanted to make a difference, protect and defend others who aren't cut from the same cloth. At the end of the day, if you can look back along your career and say "I proudly served and made a difference" then IMHO, that's the most reward we can honorably reap.
Belmont31R
08-22-10, 17:49
Trust me everyone is feeling the hard times right now. Don't think that LE isn't feeling the crunch like everyone else. Furloughs, lay-offs, not getting contracted raises etc.. Everyone is taking a bite of the shit sandwich.
We can come up with any number of reasons not to do something. It is often easier that way. It is much harder to actually go ahead and do something and try to make a difference despite knowing the possible roadblocks that you may face along the way.
LE is not for everyone and I would never try to convince someone to enter into the profession if they were unsure. It is not an easy life and unless if someone is really passionate about the job, I am talking 100% passionate, then it probably isn't for them, or they will not be happy doing it.
I didn't like to write tickets, do traffic related duties, etc, etc, but I paid my dues, while maintaining integrity. I like to think that my hard work and ethics brought me to the position that I am at today. A position that I wanted to be in and worked hard to get. Just like most professions, you don't just get handed the golden ticket the day you join. You need to earn it, with hard work.
I understand "traffic" is something you LEO's have to do for a while to get into the "good" units or become detectives but I dont think it should be that way.
All Im saying is what I see LE doing the most is writing tickets, and when I actually needed them they didn't want to do their jobs for things that would actually benefit me. For the vandalism Id need a report for insurance reasons, and the LEO who came out rolled his eyes at me when I asked. I understand their are roadblocks like when it came to my wifes accident with the illegals but like I said due to that LEO not doing her job now we are paying $1800 for the increased insurance, and had to pay to get her car fixed for what the insurance didn't cover. I talked to my insurance co, and if it had been written as the illegals fault we would not have had an increase. Coming from my shoes would you be happy to pay all that because someone didn't want to write a report out accurately?
And Im not really blaming the LEO's for this since I believe this is just a representation of the top down syndrome. There was a county manager out here who was complaining because his county was facing a 750k budget gap because ticket revenue had gone down. I blame these type of people before Ill blame an LEO.
Short answer, no.
Being in the Armed Forces (me a 20 year Army commissioned officer), LEO or Fire Fighter, I believe for most who want a career in those fields, it is a calling.... at least initially. You chose those occupations (the most dangerous) to protect others in our society, our nation and our way of life. You will sacrifice much (being away, family, marriages) and you will never be compensated commensurate with the risks that come with the job. You will at most, live a meager existence, with some doing well and some not so well. At times, you will be looked down upon by some, carried in disdain, and spit upon by others. Real Americans will honor your service because you are truly a patriot. You serve because you give a shit, wanted to make a difference, protect and defend others who aren't cut from the same cloth. At the end of the day, if you can look back along your career and say "I proudly served and made a difference" then IMHO, that's the most reward we can honorably reap.
Best post yet.
Belmont31R
08-22-10, 17:52
If your town only has 20 burgs a year with a pop of 45k, sounds like their doing job:D
We had a slight increase this year because something like 13 homes got hit in under a month. The newspaper articles I read said it was a crime ring doing this, and they would move to a new town within a month. I havent read about any lately. There were never any arrests here for the crimes. They had hit up 2 other surrounding towns, too, and they never caught them either.
Our 2 murders this year was a murder/suicide in an apartment complex down the road a bit.
Last statistic I saw put 52% of LE/citizen interactions as traffic stops.
That will have an effect on your relationship with the community. Something to consider.
Belmont31R
08-22-10, 17:54
BTW if any of think Im making this up here is my car:
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/CAR2-1.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/photo-2.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/CAR4.jpg
Oh and Im not pissed about getting tickets or anything. The last time I got a ticket was 2005. Im 26 now, and have had my car (350Z) since early 2007. Ive never been pulled over in it at all much less gotten a ticket in it. How many people my age could drive this car, and never even get pulled over at least once?
NCPatrolAR
08-22-10, 17:59
Anyone that thinks traffic stops are only about revenue doesn't have as much knowledge about law enforcement as they like to think they do
Belmont31R
08-22-10, 18:05
Anyone that thinks traffic stops are only about revenue don't have as much knowledge about law enforcement as they like to think they do
Yeah I know they catch a lot of DUI's, warrants, and drugs that way, too.
However ticket revenues are a factor just like the county manager here I mentoned just now who was quoted by the press complaining about a budget gap due to lost revenue from decreased tickets. There is no way some of these small towns around here could afford the things they do without all the tickets they write.
And yes I understand these same LEO's who write tickets also respond to real things, too, like people beating up on each other. I got to see that one first hand when a guy 2 houses down got cheating, and his wife started smacking on him at 2AM. When she wasn't slapping him she was throwing all his clothes in the yard. 2 kids together, and he was a VP at a middle school....explain that one...lol
BTW if any of think Im making this up here is my car:
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/CAR2-1.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/photo-2.jpg
[IMG]http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/BM31R/CAR4.jpg[/I
Oh and Im not pissed about getting tickets or anything. The last time I got a ticket was 2005. Im 26 now, and have had my car (350Z) since early 2007. Ive never been pulled over in it at all much less gotten a ticket in it. How many people my age could drive this car, and never even get pulled over at least once?
There are some lazy cops. You should have called a supervisor to the scene. Any super worth his or her salt would have ripped that officer a new one.
I want to apologize to you, and your wife for that sloths lack of professionalism.
Most officers are there to help, and will treat people as they treat us.
Then at that agency the employees are underpaid. As someone at TOS likes to say, if you pay peanuts you get monkeys.Agreed. You get what you pay for.
Personally I like to pay a bit more to get quality the first time around and this goes for anything, be it guns, tools, public servants you name it. So as a community we can pony up, or we can just settle for monkeys. And this isn't relegated to just LE either IMO.
Agreed. Actually public safety isn't where the fat needs to be cut anyway. Parks are usually poorly managed in comparison.
My biggest complaint with the police is that you don't shoot enough bad guys. :D
So you tell me what my town's officers are doing other than writing tickets when we have all 86 of them, and we have maybe 20 burglaries a year, and maybe 2 murders a year. Pop is around 45k.
Yes, that sounds pretty much like it.
Having lived in a handfull of cities CONUS and a few countries still does not qualify you to make such a broad statement as you did earlier. Believe it or not law enforcement is more than just writing tickets.
I've had less than favorable interactions with police officers due to my race but it doesn't make me think that every LEO is a keystone cop.
NCPatrolAR
08-22-10, 18:22
Yeah I know they catch a lot of DUI's, warrants, and drugs that way, too.
However ticket revenues are a factor just like the county manager here I mentoned just now who was quoted by the press complaining about a budget gap due to lost revenue from decreased tickets. There is no way some of these small towns around here could afford the things they do without all the tickets they write.
And yes I understand these same LEO's who write tickets also respond to real things, too, like people beating up on each other. I got to see that one first hand when a guy 2 houses down got cheating, and his wife started smacking on him at 2AM. When she wasn't slapping him she was throwing all his clothes in the yard. 2 kids together, and he was a VP at a middle school....explain that one...lol
Don't project what small towns do on to every agency. For example money gained from tickets go into a general fund and we aren't pushed to write any more tickets now than we were years ago.
Belmont31R
08-22-10, 18:29
There are some lazy cops. You should have called a supervisor to the scene. Any super worth his or her salt would have ripped that officer a new one.
I want to apologize to you, and your wife for that sloths lack of professionalism.
Most officers are there to help, and will treat people as they treat us.
Eh there was not much they could anyways but I appreciate the response. I just thought it was odd I was the only one in the vicinity that has mil decals, and the only car that got "hit". The deputy said it was probably kids but you'd think they would have done more cars than just mine. This was in Olympia, WA which is fully of anti-mil hippies. Even had to take riot control classes from the MP's when that whole LT Watada thing was going down- the shit bag officer who refused to deploy to Iraq, and the hippies were protesting at the gates. Ft. Lewis was definately a lot more lively than where I was in Germany. The only thing we had to worry about there was turks but at Lewis it seemed half the off post guys had vehicle issues with breaks ins and vandalism.
Anyways I think Im gonna run to the range while I still have a few hours of daylight. The twins and wifey are passed out anyways...:cool: And I just want to say I am not anti-LEO at all but my personal feelings are more to do with the politicians who control things not with each individual LEO. I try to judge each person individually, and I met plenty of shit birds in mil service as well. That goes all the way back to basic in 2003 when we got our platoon flag taken away because of a bunch of shit birds. My resistance to the whole ticketing thing comes from the fact I grew up in socal where the fast lane was 80-90MPH and people didn't get tickets but rarely, and then getting stationed in Germany where half the place doesnt have a speed limit. TX seems to be heavy on the ticket enforcement thing so its just not something Im used to seeing a whole lot. When I got that ticket in 2005 it was for 92 in a 75, and where'd I'd been living 92 was slow. I used to ride my bike to the Frankfurt airport and back...I wouldnt drop below 100 except to turn around. If I did that here Id get arrested...even still I feel like Im chomping on the bit seeing a 65MPH limit on a wide open 2 lane freeway. No personal malice intended to any individual LEO, or LEO in general.
Belmont31R
08-22-10, 18:37
Don't project what small towns do on to every agency. For example money gained from tickets go into a general fund and we aren't pushed to write any more tickets now than we were years ago.
Im just stating what happens around here. I realize every state is different. Some towns around here who are notorious for speed traps somehow afford 5-10 brand new chargers/tahoes, and every time you drive through you see 2-3 of them out running radar or giving tickets. These are towns with like 500-1k pops.
Some of our state hwy's are 70MPH, and then you hit a little 500 pop town. Speed limit drops down to 35MPH all of a sudden, and they patrol that 35MPH limit like crazy. Even 2-3MPH over will get you a ticket in places like this.
Even when I drive from Austin area to Dallas I see lots of LEO out every time. One thing Ive noticed here is that local LE patrols the interstates when I thought that was usually reserved for state level LE. Here you get state, county, and local LE all patrolling the interstates unless its a big city.
lonewolf21
08-22-10, 19:16
I'm going on 5 years as an Leo and sometimes think that I am overpaid for what I do. As some have said it's a calling. Not the money. Sure it's nice to be compensated more for any job if you can but I was given a description of the job before hand and understood what it entailed.you take the bad with the good; shift work that makes it hard on a family, risk of injury, low pay, public perception of you (usually as a racist), and dealing with dept nonsense. The goods outweigh the bad ie; helping people, general thankfullness from the community for what you do, and I'll admit the rush and excitement we encounter. I think sometimes. "wow, I'm an ultimate fighter, NASCAR driver, competitave shooter, and phycologist". That's in 8 hours a day. Not many can say that for their jobs.
No I do not enjoy writing tickets or reports all that much. But that's the job and I strive to do the best on every call for assistance so that I fullfill my obligation. Now I don't want to get all "strength and honor" about this and I work with, as everybody does in their jobs some that do not do what they should and what is expected. I can't comment on those officers or Leo work as a whole. But I think most should understand that we become unhappy when we have to back up or respond to calls where an officer half assed his job previously and we take the blunt end of it.
When it comes to money you have to look at it, at least from my standpoint, that other things than money come into our compensation. I have a friend who works for the county of the city I am employed. He's been there 17+ years and makes less than I do. But doesn't have the call load, has a take home car, and much more freedom to work, and has way better side jobs. So I think he comes out ahead on the compensation bracket. Just my 2 cents.
NCPatrolAR
08-22-10, 20:52
Since the original topic has been covered pretty well; its time to close this one down and move on to something else.
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