BIG HUGE CAREER CHANGE!!!

[Alphacowboy]

I currently am a lead computer technician for AT&T Broadband... I make pretty good money but am not very happy with what I do. I am good at it and enjoy it... but I feel like it is not me.... I am looking at changing to Law Enforcement... big change huh? But I am wondering if any of you know of a law enforcement job that combines my too pasions? Computers and being a cop? Also... you think its a big mistake? I figure you spend about 75% of your life working so why not enjoy what you are doing?!

 

[nateholtrop]

how old are you when you are making this change?

nate

 

[Doggiedog]

That's funny that you are considering becoming a police officer because my buddy, who is a VP in technology at a very large investment bank, told me last week he wanted to quit and be a cop too.

 

[Alphacowboy]

I am 23. I am going to start school possibly this week, If I cant get in this semester I will start next semester. I have wanted to do this since I was in Jr. High, finally decided to do what I want to do!

 

[fastz28]

check you local PD and see if they have a high-tech crime division.

 

[Ryan]

DOuble post, sorry

 

[Ryan]

YOu could look for child porn distributors on the net, if you were a cop.

 

[Batti]

Digital Forensics is a big area right now, and combines both these disciplines nicely. Look into Information Security.

 

[Alphacowboy]

fastz28.... try driving a 2000 1500 RAM 4x4 the color of the State Troopers with a brush guard and off-road lamps... everyone just moves out of my way.... its funny some even hit the breaks and move to the next lane when I pull up behind them if they are speeding!

 

[Alphacowboy]

I would love to bust those kiddy porn a$$ holes... that $hit really bothers me!

 

[fastz28]

Alphacowboy,

You refering to my sig? How about this Pic

 

[Alphacowboy]

nateholtrop... you from Grand Rapids Minnesota?

 

[Alphacowboy]

fastz28... DAMN sweet Police car! To bad in Minnesota you can only drive it 6 months out of 12... lol! If I were to become a cop I want to be a trooper... and I would love to drive a truck... but I know I would get a Crown Vic! UNLESS... the troopers will be getting a new proto type car to test later this year that is loaded to the gills with techno stuff.... supposidly you could drive it blind!!!

 

[huanaku]

That's a big change salary-wise. You've got to look at both sides of the issue. 1-less salary, more enjoyment. Will you be able to support yourself/and/or/your family?

 

[Alphacowboy]

I know I might take a hit on the salary end... I make ~18 bucks an hour now... my GF makes 13.50 as a Community Service Officer. I have no family to support and my GF is pretty independent and does not expect me to buy her anything (I love that!) The only thing that scares me is I have to pay for my truck... of which cost me 632 bucks a month! and rent of course!

I feel like this is the right decision... I just hope its not making a big ol' mistake!

 

[AmigaMan]

If you don't want to drive a Crown Vic, then come to NC. We just got some Camaro Trooper cars on the road. Scary looking at one in your rear view mirror!

 

[Alphacowboy]

Any other people think I am crazy?

 

[Tripleshot]

Try the FBI or CIA. They do a great deal of computer type serveylence and the like. I'm not sure what their education requirements are though.

 

[Alphacowboy]

FBI or CIA... hmmm I value life a little more than that.... lol

 

[StageLeft]

No that isn't crazy. Just don't quit your day job until you get into the place...I was thinking about RCMP earlier this year (until recently actually), but moving to the states made the application process somewhat impossible. I haven't spoken to many cops but I would think that as long as you don't hate the job job satisfaction could be pretty good.

 

[Alphacowboy]

I will not quit here until I know for sure that I have a job in a department. I am very lucky that my job I have now would allow me time to do school work at work so I think I will beable to do very well if I put forth the effort! I am so pumped to do this its amazing... I have never in my life been so devoted to accomplish a goal such as this. Its kind of a scary thought that I would throw away a career in IT for a Law Enforcement career... But in my heart I feel like it is what I should do! Again, if anyone has any info on the possability of merging these two careers I would much appreciate it!

EDIT: No, I do not want to be a system admin... argh that would suck... no offence to you admins... I need action and interaction with other people, and I like to be outside. Plus cruzing around in a car is something I LOVE to do. Also, my biggest bother on the road is people who do not know how to drive and I would be so stoked to beable to do something about it! So if I ever stop you, mention ANANDTECH and I just might let ya off the hook. Hey Anand, if you happen to run across this thread (maybe you admin guys could give him a push... hint hint hint) I would love to here your opinion on this.