Cop/Social Worker/probation officer
- Thread starter Ashley
- Start date
Help Support Miniature Horse Talk Forums:
nootka
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2002
- Messages
- 7,547
- Reaction score
- 0
My brother in law was a cop, well, in training to be, as he died on a ridealong while he was a cadet, but his observations were that the pay wasn't that great at first and depending on your area (ours was not high risk), there is great risk and little respect, but he loved it and had a real desire, so he went for it. The pay was better than he'd been getting in the CG, though, so he was excited.
I don't know about the other things, but they sound like fairly similar so the schooling might at least be that way until you decided for sure?
Oh, about his requirements, I think he needed to take some short courses to make the police officer, but he was taking tests (written) and had taken several physical tests as well such as running and lifting, etc. I don't know if his Coast Guard experience made it so he didn't have to take certain things but he had no college at that point, either.
Liz
I don't know about the other things, but they sound like fairly similar so the schooling might at least be that way until you decided for sure?
Oh, about his requirements, I think he needed to take some short courses to make the police officer, but he was taking tests (written) and had taken several physical tests as well such as running and lifting, etc. I don't know if his Coast Guard experience made it so he didn't have to take certain things but he had no college at that point, either.
Liz
Last edited by a moderator:
Robin1
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2002
- Messages
- 1,472
- Reaction score
- 1
There are usually 3 tests that need to be taken to get on the police force. The written, oral, and physical exams. Now you will have to take them for "each" town/city you want to apply for as the results don't transfer. If you don't get hired right away you will have to take the tests every time you apply.
The thing I have found with the police (several in the family), social workers, and probation officers, and I will throw in paramedics here too (family). They eventually see everything that is "wrong" and nothing of the good. They get tired of trying to help and getting NO respect or thanks for what they do. They see a lot of bad things and become desensitized to everything. One of my family members said, "they were not bothered by arriving at an accident with people screaming in pain and not have it bother them." , "though they never got used to the screaming of a child."
I have done a couple ride alongs with the police dept. and really enjoyed them. I have that warped sense of humor that most police have so we got along well. I have been asked by the officers I did the ride alongs with and my family members to join the force.
I have done ride alongs with the ambulance companies and they also tried to get me to join.
Spend some time, do some ride alongs with them. You may find that after listening to some of their stories , this is or isn't for you. It is not uncommon to hear a story with it ending,' but that one died." after hearing that repeated for hours I asked them about it, as it didn't seem to be fazing them. There reaction was if they let it bother them they would "off" themselves.
These are not jobs for just anybody and I thank God that there are people out there that are willing to do it. I think I would enjoy , most, of the work but started having panic/anxiety attacks several years ago and the two just don't mix.
Good Luck,
Robin
The thing I have found with the police (several in the family), social workers, and probation officers, and I will throw in paramedics here too (family). They eventually see everything that is "wrong" and nothing of the good. They get tired of trying to help and getting NO respect or thanks for what they do. They see a lot of bad things and become desensitized to everything. One of my family members said, "they were not bothered by arriving at an accident with people screaming in pain and not have it bother them." , "though they never got used to the screaming of a child."
I have done a couple ride alongs with the police dept. and really enjoyed them. I have that warped sense of humor that most police have so we got along well. I have been asked by the officers I did the ride alongs with and my family members to join the force.
I have done ride alongs with the ambulance companies and they also tried to get me to join.
Spend some time, do some ride alongs with them. You may find that after listening to some of their stories , this is or isn't for you. It is not uncommon to hear a story with it ending,' but that one died." after hearing that repeated for hours I asked them about it, as it didn't seem to be fazing them. There reaction was if they let it bother them they would "off" themselves.
These are not jobs for just anybody and I thank God that there are people out there that are willing to do it. I think I would enjoy , most, of the work but started having panic/anxiety attacks several years ago and the two just don't mix.
Good Luck,
Robin
I ditto what Robin said. I have both in the family a number of police officers one social worker. I believe the shutting down of any feelings occurs quite quickly its the only way to survive the only way either, not to kill the a^*holes you must deal with everyday and see these same (animals) walk free after putting hours of time and energy to put them away. To see horribly sad situations you are supposed to, and want to,"fix" but in reality can't.
I would not want to see anyone I loved and cared about become a police officer.
A social worker needs a bachelors degree up here anyway. The conditions are awful, to many people assigned to one person and the pay is awful. Burn out is common and again one must become desensitised to the awful things you see going on. That said my sister loves her job, but I see the toll on her.
Yhese are the people who should be making hundreds of thousands a year not a drugged out rocker punk,well you know what I mean.
Look what a emt does in one day!
These people are are my heroes all of them!!!
JMO
Bonnie
I ditto what Robin said. I have both in the family a number of police officers one social worker. I believe the shutting down of any feelings occurs quite quickly its the only way to survive the only way either, not to kill the a^*holes you must deal with everyday and see these same (animals) walk free after putting hours of time and energy to put them away. To see horribly sad situations you are supposed to, and want to,"fix" but in reality can't.
I would not want to see anyone I loved and cared about become a police officer.
A social worker needs a bachelors degree up here anyway. The conditions are awful, to many people assigned to one person and the pay is awful. Burn out is common and again one must become desensitised to the awful things you see going on. That said, my sister loves her job, but I see the toll on her.
these are the people who should be making hundreds of thousands a year not a drugged out rocker punk,well you know what I mean.
Look what a emt does in one day!
These people are are my heroes all of them!!!
JMO
Bonnie
I would not want to see anyone I loved and cared about become a police officer.
A social worker needs a bachelors degree up here anyway. The conditions are awful, to many people assigned to one person and the pay is awful. Burn out is common and again one must become desensitised to the awful things you see going on. That said my sister loves her job, but I see the toll on her.
Yhese are the people who should be making hundreds of thousands a year not a drugged out rocker punk,well you know what I mean.
Look what a emt does in one day!
These people are are my heroes all of them!!!
JMO
Bonnie
I ditto what Robin said. I have both in the family a number of police officers one social worker. I believe the shutting down of any feelings occurs quite quickly its the only way to survive the only way either, not to kill the a^*holes you must deal with everyday and see these same (animals) walk free after putting hours of time and energy to put them away. To see horribly sad situations you are supposed to, and want to,"fix" but in reality can't.
I would not want to see anyone I loved and cared about become a police officer.
A social worker needs a bachelors degree up here anyway. The conditions are awful, to many people assigned to one person and the pay is awful. Burn out is common and again one must become desensitised to the awful things you see going on. That said, my sister loves her job, but I see the toll on her.
these are the people who should be making hundreds of thousands a year not a drugged out rocker punk,well you know what I mean.
Look what a emt does in one day!
These people are are my heroes all of them!!!
JMO
Bonnie
My son is a state trooper in Alaska. In Alaska there are actually 4 tests you go thru. The
3 that Robin and Bonnie mentioned and one more. The mental and emotional testing
by a Psyciatrist (sp). Also in Alaska the spouse also has lengthy conversations with this
same examiner to see if they are prepared for what their lives will be like. Possibly they
go a little farther up there than other states due to the extreme conditions. "Darkness" and the cold
and the areas they cover. My son goes by plane to some of the villages up North.
Proud of him? Yes I am!
Scared and worried for him? Yes I am!!!
I think with time you mask it in front of them. My
my Father-in-law was a police officer and I had some wonderful talks with my MIL about
living with someone in law enforcement.
Whenever, we are in Alaska visiting he never leaves the house without my telling
him to "Be Safe".
3 that Robin and Bonnie mentioned and one more. The mental and emotional testing
by a Psyciatrist (sp). Also in Alaska the spouse also has lengthy conversations with this
same examiner to see if they are prepared for what their lives will be like. Possibly they
go a little farther up there than other states due to the extreme conditions. "Darkness" and the cold
and the areas they cover. My son goes by plane to some of the villages up North.
Proud of him? Yes I am!
Scared and worried for him? Yes I am!!!
I think with time you mask it in front of them. My
my Father-in-law was a police officer and I had some wonderful talks with my MIL about
living with someone in law enforcement.
Whenever, we are in Alaska visiting he never leaves the house without my telling
him to "Be Safe".
My husband being a paramedic/firefighter, he works closely with a lot of cops. Most of them love their job BUT they don't get paid near enough to put their lives on the line on a daily basis.
One of our cousins is a CO (corrections officer) at one of the prisons and one of my friends is a CO at another facility. They like their jobs but again, pay isn't that great, you deal with thugs daily, and you have to develop a hard core attitude. Sometimes it makes it difficult to be around "normal" folks because of it.
One of our cousins is a CO (corrections officer) at one of the prisons and one of my friends is a CO at another facility. They like their jobs but again, pay isn't that great, you deal with thugs daily, and you have to develop a hard core attitude. Sometimes it makes it difficult to be around "normal" folks because of it.
runamuk
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2002
- Messages
- 2,604
- Reaction score
- 0
I know alot of social workers the pay is low the work is endless usually they are way overburdened with client load....thats the bad.......depending on which area of social work some of the good is seeing a child endup in an adoptive home, watching children grow up and go on to better things, and being able to help those less fortunate get out of bad spots are some of the good.........
I have considered social work and still think about it but I cannot afford (time or money) the 4 years to get the MSW which is what is usually needed .........
I only have one relative who was in law enforcement he was a CO/PO who is a psychologist so he treated convicts in a therapy situation.......he made good money but the work was tough seeing the same guys come and go and come back......he retired on permanent disability .....it is hard work both mentally and physically and takes its toll.........
PO's also work long hours are usually carrying very high client loads and take alot of abuse mentally and sometimes physically......the pay is not what it should be for what they do but it can be decent......one thing with the PO is they are often "on duty" 24/7 as they get called if one of their clients is involved in anything day or night so it is not a true 9-5 type job.......the up side would be the sucess stories where they do help someone get back on track and stay there.....
All are great choices that I doubt have any declining need
: so the jobs will still be there when you finish school unlike some areas of study
:
I have considered social work and still think about it but I cannot afford (time or money) the 4 years to get the MSW which is what is usually needed .........
I only have one relative who was in law enforcement he was a CO/PO who is a psychologist so he treated convicts in a therapy situation.......he made good money but the work was tough seeing the same guys come and go and come back......he retired on permanent disability .....it is hard work both mentally and physically and takes its toll.........
PO's also work long hours are usually carrying very high client loads and take alot of abuse mentally and sometimes physically......the pay is not what it should be for what they do but it can be decent......one thing with the PO is they are often "on duty" 24/7 as they get called if one of their clients is involved in anything day or night so it is not a true 9-5 type job.......the up side would be the sucess stories where they do help someone get back on track and stay there.....
All are great choices that I doubt have any declining need
jayne
Well-Known Member
OK, I'm going to come at this from a little different angle...seeing that I was a career counselor for a long time, a HR Manager, and a Career Ed Teacher for high school students for a while too.
It is important that you know about YOU before you start looking at potential occupations. There are three main areas you need to consider:
1. Your APTITUDES: Do I like working by myself, or more as a part of a group? Do I enjoy working with lots of close detail with my hands, or do I like to see the big picture and be creative? These are the kinds of things that will make the difference between liking a career and not liking one. (I made the mistake very early on to pursue a job for money alone - Air Traffic Controller! What I found was that I did not like sitting in a dark room, communicating with people only in the most abbreviated manner, and not being able to move about, and of course knowing that every blip on the screen meant LIVES!...so eventually no amount of money could make me happy and I left.)
2. Your VALUES: What are your core beliefs about truth and justice and honesty and beauty? Things like that. Which things are negotiable and which things are absolutely non-negotiable?
3. Your ABILITIES: What is it that you can actually do or have the potential to learn to do? Say you are interested in a career in accounting, but you never made it past Math 101 in high school. This would lead me to believe that a career that is heavily dependent on mathematical abilities isn't probably a good fit. Say you want to manage a busy car repair shop? How is your ability to mentally order things and communicate successfully with people in a way that they want to come back?
There are lots of places that offer assessments that will help point you toward what careers you might explore. It would be a mistake, and I know because I've done it, to choose to put a LOT of time into training for a career that is not a good fit for who you are. I would start with your local community college and ask to meet with their career services people and see what they offer. It is imperative that you answer every question on the assessments with brutal honesty about yourself, as that will give you the best results from which to work from.
I'll stop my 'teacher-mode' for now! Sorry! Hope that helps some though!
Jayne
It is important that you know about YOU before you start looking at potential occupations. There are three main areas you need to consider:
1. Your APTITUDES: Do I like working by myself, or more as a part of a group? Do I enjoy working with lots of close detail with my hands, or do I like to see the big picture and be creative? These are the kinds of things that will make the difference between liking a career and not liking one. (I made the mistake very early on to pursue a job for money alone - Air Traffic Controller! What I found was that I did not like sitting in a dark room, communicating with people only in the most abbreviated manner, and not being able to move about, and of course knowing that every blip on the screen meant LIVES!...so eventually no amount of money could make me happy and I left.)
2. Your VALUES: What are your core beliefs about truth and justice and honesty and beauty? Things like that. Which things are negotiable and which things are absolutely non-negotiable?
3. Your ABILITIES: What is it that you can actually do or have the potential to learn to do? Say you are interested in a career in accounting, but you never made it past Math 101 in high school. This would lead me to believe that a career that is heavily dependent on mathematical abilities isn't probably a good fit. Say you want to manage a busy car repair shop? How is your ability to mentally order things and communicate successfully with people in a way that they want to come back?
There are lots of places that offer assessments that will help point you toward what careers you might explore. It would be a mistake, and I know because I've done it, to choose to put a LOT of time into training for a career that is not a good fit for who you are. I would start with your local community college and ask to meet with their career services people and see what they offer. It is imperative that you answer every question on the assessments with brutal honesty about yourself, as that will give you the best results from which to work from.
I'll stop my 'teacher-mode' for now! Sorry! Hope that helps some though!
Jayne
lyn_j
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2002
- Messages
- 6,159
- Reaction score
- 1
[SIZE=14pt]AMEN to what Jayne said. Unless and until you are ABSOLUTELY SURE who you are none of these jobs are for you.... None of these jobs in my opinion as an Ex Psych nurse are for anyone who has emotional difficulties already. Depression, feeling overwhelmed etc become 10 times more with these jobs. Shutting down to be able to handle the job is inevitable. I did coverage in two maximum security prisons when I was working and believe me it wasnt easy. Schooling for social work is a bachelors level job. Even police now take college classes in criminal science. When thinking about these jobs think very long and hard![/SIZE]
Lyn
Lyn
Kim
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2002
- Messages
- 417
- Reaction score
- 0
Hi Ashley,
I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree, and while I really enjoyed the work that I did, I did not work in the field for very long because I went back to school. I can tell you that you can do many, many jobs with a degree in Social Work. A child welfare worker, an adoption worker, a hospital social worker, a school social worker, an addictions counsellor, a mediator, a youth group home worker, a group therapist at a jail, and a marriage therapist are just a very few examples. Most jobs in Social Work are very stressful and demanding, however, and you should know that beforehand. There is a very high burnout rate for Social Workers. Also, the pay that you will receive is very low for what you will be doing. The good thing about the field, however, is that if you have 'social work' values, these types of jobs can be very rewarding. Like previous posters have mentioned, it is a very good idea to know about yourself and about the types of jobs you would be suited for before making the decision to become a Social Worker.
In terms of education, many community colleges will offer a two year diploma in social work or a related area. You can get jobs in the area of Social Work with just a diploma, but to be an accredited Social Worker, and to have access to the best jobs, you need at least a 4 year Bachelor's degree. If you go on to get your Masters of Social Work (which is another 1-2 years), you will have even better jobs (and pay) available to you.
Here is a good website to check out:
National Association of Social Workers
www.naswdc.org
And here are a couple websites where you can search Social Work jobs to see if anything sounds like something you would want to do:
www.socialservice.com
www.socialwork.com
I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree, and while I really enjoyed the work that I did, I did not work in the field for very long because I went back to school. I can tell you that you can do many, many jobs with a degree in Social Work. A child welfare worker, an adoption worker, a hospital social worker, a school social worker, an addictions counsellor, a mediator, a youth group home worker, a group therapist at a jail, and a marriage therapist are just a very few examples. Most jobs in Social Work are very stressful and demanding, however, and you should know that beforehand. There is a very high burnout rate for Social Workers. Also, the pay that you will receive is very low for what you will be doing. The good thing about the field, however, is that if you have 'social work' values, these types of jobs can be very rewarding. Like previous posters have mentioned, it is a very good idea to know about yourself and about the types of jobs you would be suited for before making the decision to become a Social Worker.
In terms of education, many community colleges will offer a two year diploma in social work or a related area. You can get jobs in the area of Social Work with just a diploma, but to be an accredited Social Worker, and to have access to the best jobs, you need at least a 4 year Bachelor's degree. If you go on to get your Masters of Social Work (which is another 1-2 years), you will have even better jobs (and pay) available to you.
Here is a good website to check out:
National Association of Social Workers
www.naswdc.org
And here are a couple websites where you can search Social Work jobs to see if anything sounds like something you would want to do:
www.socialservice.com
www.socialwork.com
MeadowRidge Farm
Well-Known Member
Ashley, I have quit a few very close "cop friends" and also a close social worker friend. If you would like I can have them email you and you can ask them personally what they think of there jobs, etc. All are right here in Wisconsin. Corinne
Valerie
Well-Known Member
Hello,
I am Valeries Husband, and I am a Deputy Sheriff. Becoming a law enforcement officer involves a fair amount of testing and a little bit of luck. You must take three tests. These are a physical agility test, a written test, and an oral board. This ranks you on a list. If you are chosen from the list, you must then take a psych test, a polygraph test, and a complete background test. Once a person is hired, they must complete a challenging law enforcement acadamy. In Washington State the training acadamy is 5 months long. This is followed by a 3 month field training with your agency. It is a huge commitment of time and energy before a person is released onto their own to do the job.
The positive aspects of law enforcement include relatively good pay depending on where you live. Benefits can be excellent, and there is the always the understanding that you are giving back to your community. Most importantly you belong to a community of professionals that look out for each other.
The negative aspects of law enforcement can be found in the fact that we see things that no one should ever have to see. When other people are running away from the gunfire we are running towards it. We are expected to be the social workers of the community when the people we are dealing with do not want to be helped. I have lost count of the number of birthdays, holidays, and weekend events that I have missed because I was working. Law enforcement is never a 9 to 5 job. I have worked days that stretched into 18 hours or more.
With that said, would I do it again. In a heart beat. It is the best job in the world.
If you are interested in knowing what we do, I would recommend that you contact your local law enforcement agency and see if they will allow you to take a citizen ride along. We do this and it really can be informative for the people who are riding with us.
If you choose to undertake this journey, I wish you the very best success. This is a noble profession and we need all of the dedicated people we can get.
If you have any other questions feel free to E-mail Valerie.
Kenneth Clark
I am Valeries Husband, and I am a Deputy Sheriff. Becoming a law enforcement officer involves a fair amount of testing and a little bit of luck. You must take three tests. These are a physical agility test, a written test, and an oral board. This ranks you on a list. If you are chosen from the list, you must then take a psych test, a polygraph test, and a complete background test. Once a person is hired, they must complete a challenging law enforcement acadamy. In Washington State the training acadamy is 5 months long. This is followed by a 3 month field training with your agency. It is a huge commitment of time and energy before a person is released onto their own to do the job.
The positive aspects of law enforcement include relatively good pay depending on where you live. Benefits can be excellent, and there is the always the understanding that you are giving back to your community. Most importantly you belong to a community of professionals that look out for each other.
The negative aspects of law enforcement can be found in the fact that we see things that no one should ever have to see. When other people are running away from the gunfire we are running towards it. We are expected to be the social workers of the community when the people we are dealing with do not want to be helped. I have lost count of the number of birthdays, holidays, and weekend events that I have missed because I was working. Law enforcement is never a 9 to 5 job. I have worked days that stretched into 18 hours or more.
With that said, would I do it again. In a heart beat. It is the best job in the world.
If you are interested in knowing what we do, I would recommend that you contact your local law enforcement agency and see if they will allow you to take a citizen ride along. We do this and it really can be informative for the people who are riding with us.
If you choose to undertake this journey, I wish you the very best success. This is a noble profession and we need all of the dedicated people we can get.
If you have any other questions feel free to E-mail Valerie.
Kenneth Clark
