Do You Want to Be a Police Officer? Here’s the Real Advice You Need
Becoming a police officer is more than mastering the skills of handling a firearm, writing reports, or enforcing laws, it’s a full-on lifestyle choice. The job can be deeply rewarding, offering a chance to make a real difference in your community, but it also comes with demands that go far beyond what most people expect. If you’re serious about a career in law enforcement, preparation isn’t just about physical fitness or tactical know-how. It’s about setting yourself up mentally and emotionally for the long haul.
Retired Baltimore Police Sergeant John J. "Jay" Wiley, host of the nationally syndicated Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show, has spent years interviewing officers from across the country. Drawing from their experiences—and his own—he’s distilled two key pieces of advice for anyone aspiring to wear the badge: prioritize your mental well-being and build a life beyond policing.
Take Care of Your Mental Health, Before You Think You Need It
When people imagine a career in policing, they often envision high-energy shifts, cracking cases, and serving the public. What’s less glamorous—and less talked about—is the mental toll the job can take. Wiley’s top recommendation might catch you off guard: start working with a trauma-informed therapist before you even step into the role.
“You get a physical every year, and you visit the dentist regularly. Why wouldn’t you do the same for your mental health?” Wiley asks. It’s a simple question with a profound point. Policing isn’t just physically demanding; it’s a mental marathon.
Research backs this up: over the course of their careers, police officers encounter an average of 178 critical incidents, think shootings, accidents, or violent confrontations. Compare that to the two or three traumatic events a typical civilian might face in a lifetime. This constant exposure can quietly stack up, raising the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unlike a single, dramatic event that might trigger an immediate reaction, cumulative PTSD creeps in over time, often going unnoticed until it’s too late.
“By the time PTSD shows up, officers are often deep into their careers or even nearing retirement,” Wiley explains. “That’s why it’s critical to establish a relationship with a therapist early, before the weight of the job catches up with you.”
There’s another practical reason to seek out your own therapist: privacy. When officers arrange their own mental health care, they’re afforded stronger confidentiality protections than if they rely on department-provided services. Wiley warns that municipal contracts for mental health support often go to the lowest bidder, which doesn’t always translate to quality care. “Finding your own trauma-informed therapist means you’re working with someone who gets what you’re going through,” he says.
Build a Life Outside of Law Enforcement
Wiley’s second piece of advice hits just as hard: don’t let policing define your entire existence.
The job has a way of pulling you in. Between unpredictable schedules, tight-knit camaraderie, and the adrenaline of the work, it’s easy to let law enforcement become your whole world. But Wiley cautions that this all-in approach can leave you vulnerable. “Whether it’s fishing, church, camping, or even square dancing, find something that keeps you grounded,” he advises. “Too many officers make policing their sole identity, and when the job gets tough, they’ve got nothing else to lean on.”
The stakes are high. Studies tie police work to elevated risks of heart disease, digestive problems, and depression. Without healthy outlets, that stress doesn’t just stay at work, it seeps into your relationships and your health. “Police academies do a solid job preparing you for the streets,” Wiley notes. “But they don’t always teach you how to safeguard your mental and physical well-being or nurture a life outside the badge.”
Set Yourself Up for a Long, Fulfilling Career
If you’re dreaming of becoming a police officer, don’t just focus on passing the fitness test or acing the training drills. Think bigger: how will you protect your mind and your personal life through the ups and downs of this career?
“These tips aren’t the flashiest,” Wiley admits, “but they’re the ones that matter most. Take care of your mental health and carve out a life beyond policing, and you’ll be ready to tackle the challenges ahead.”
Being a police officer isn’t just about wearing the badge, it’s about building a career that’s sustainable and balanced. Start preparing now, and you’ll be equipped to serve your community and yourself for years to come.
John Jay Wiley is the host of the nationally syndicated Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and podcast, you can listen to podcast episodes for free on their website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or most major podcast platforms. You can stay updated about his story and many others simply by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and most all social media platforms.
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