I'm thinking of joining the police force...

[Coyote]

... and I need some people to talk some sense into me.

After a year at tech, I can't get a job in the industry I trained for (auto refinishing). Fewer people want panel work done to their cars so shops aren't looking to hire staff and some are even laying off workers.

Before I give up and go work at a supermarket, I've been thinking about other options. One of those ideas is the Police.

I've had mixed messages about what being a policemen is like, typically ranging between ok and shit. But I expect most jobs to be shit and from what I understand, policemen are paid well.

Do you think becoming an officer is worth pursuing? Or should I avoid this career path like the plague?

On their site to see if I've got what it takes, it says that I need a full NZ drivers licence. I've yet to get my restricted, though I'm confident I will get it soon. However I've had my bike full for almost 2 years. Would I be able to get in with my bike licence or have to wait a year and a half until I can go for my full? Ultimately I'd like to be a bikie cop, but I'm guessing I'd have to know people I don't and it's a bit of a dreamy idea. Unless someone can tell me otherwise.

[sinfull]

Do it ! Need more good cooonts on cop bikes !!!!

[Gremlin]

Like any industry/profession, there are guys that are great, and guys that are wankers. There are those that know their jobs well, and then those that mystify the rest as to how they got the job.

You will quite possibly struggle in social situations when people find out you're a cop, the whole attitude of people change. Thats why a lot of cops stick to their own. Ultimately, you need to be happy with your own work, as there will always be people trying to bring you down, no matter what profession (police is just more public). Employment wise, its a government department, they look after you to a degree, but you don't have the freedom of private sector employment, and there is usually a ton of beaucratic bullshit to sift through.

Re bikey cop, I believe you have to have done general duties for a minimum of 2 years... which involves driving a car around.

[slofox]

When you are a copper, the entire world is criminal......
(Just as when you are a doctor the entire world is sick.....and when you are a teacher, the entire world is THICK!!)
You have to be able to deal with that......

[slimjim]

nothing wrong with trying....don't know about not having full car licene..however at least you'll get the chance to get it...

[Madness]

Thought about being a moto-postie?. They have quite a few of them working out of Te Puni Mail Centre in Petone.

Also, what about taking your trade skills and going into trade sales?.

There's gotta be loads of options before becoming a cunt in a blue hat.

[Hoon]

Go for it. I had a bunch of mates who were stuck in menial jobs with no career. A cop mate roped them into becoming Police and they're all lapping it up now. The pay is pretty respectable too. These mates told other mates and now they're joining up too. Seems I have more cop mates than non-cop mates these days.

Downside is that they all work shift work and are busy as fuck, frequently miss weekend pissups and BBQ/poker games. When they do turn up they end up talking shop most the time as well. But I'm glad that they are financial stable with a good career and comfortably providing for their families now.

[portokiwi]

Go for it mate, You get a lot of good benifets that go with the job too.
Including I think it adds up to 6 weeks leave.

[fireball]

if it something you will enjoy go for it.

work is one of those things you must enjoy because you are going to spend over half your life doing it, dont just do it because its a job.

[fatmonkey]

go join the army, do that for a couple of years, then join the cops. best way to learn how to abuse the system:

[BOGAR]

I rub shoulders with some in my area doing Search and Rescue. All bar none are good Blokes and blokesses and have a good laugh when they can and are serious when they need to be. I have been considering it but I can’t decide if I won’t to go the training academy in Porirua for the year. Let us know what it is like if you do.

[Jantar]

Two simple questions to ask yourself about ethics will give you the answer you require:

"Have you always kept to the speed limit?"

"Could you, in good concience, give someone else a ticket for exceeding the speed limit?"

[scumdog]

Give it a shot

You MAY end up hating it.

But if you haven't had a go you'll never know, you'll always wonder.....

And don't worry about Jantar, he probably doesn't expect his doctor to smoke cigarettes either...

[wbks]

I don't know of one cop I've ever met or been pulled up by who hasn't sped on their own time once or twice. And I think the law has nothing to do with having a concience. Being a cop sounds like a good job in terms of getting your own car and good pay etc.

[nighthawk]

Ring your local station and make an appointment with the area recruiting officer, he will be able to answer all your questions.
Ask about going out on scope for a look at the sharp end, then you will know if its for you or not...

best of luck, hope all goes well