It’s been almost two years since my transfer to Area 22. Violent crime is down. The gangsters here don’t gang bang like they used to. Some of this has to do with the nationwide trend of falling crime rates. A lot has to do with the sheer number of cops assigned to this area that weren’t here before.
The downtime has given me time to think about what I want to do next. Do I put in for a transfer to Area 14? Still plenty of homicides there to keep the troops busy. If I go, I’d be the new kid all over again, which would suck.
I could put in for narcotics. But I’m not interested in chasing around a bunch of baseheads or tweakers. Most of them seem pathetic to me. Not that I feel sorry for them, but locking up these fuckers for mere possession has proven to be pointless.
There’s also vice. Mostly misdemeanors–prostitution, gambling, liquor law violations. But the guys in vice always look like they’re having fun. Plus, some of them get to drink while on duty.
I don’t feel like I’m ready for the detective test. Besides, I’m not ready to go inside yet, so getting a detective’s shield is out of the question–for now.
These are the thoughts I’ve been batting around. I was going to write about something else, but my mind has been preoccupied with my next move.
Stay tuned!
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Diane
08/28/2010
How about NCIS, FBI, DEA etc.?
Butler, W. #64539
08/28/2010
Hi Diane,
Federal agencies, in general, don’t impress me. The FBI, in particular, rubs me the wrong way. Especially when they swoop in and take credit for stuff they have no business taking credit for. And the way they look down on street cops.
Bob G.
08/28/2010
Diane:
Off. Butler’s correct…I worked for the Treasury Dept, and I know for a fact that they LOVE to “claim” their te4rritory (when it already belongsd to the local constabulary).
It’s like watching a bunch of stray dogs pee on the fire hydrant outside your house…where YOUR dog goes.
Then there’s always this “incentivism” practiced by the FEDS…they revel in seizing stuff…ANY stuff. They hold “contests” to see which agent can garner the most “points”.
They do good work once in a while, but the local PD always knows more about the specifics of a city than the Feds.
Off Butler:
You have to follow your gut on this one…
If making a move drops you down “the ladder”, and you’re OK with that…fine.
But if you want to stay where it’s getting quieter (because YOU are making that difference) and wish to continue doing so, to demonstarte that GOOD policing pays off…that’s fine, too.
Gather ALL the facts, and make the best decision based on those PLUS your experience.
EIther way, what YOU decide should be something you’re OK with.
Roll safe out there.
Butler, W. #64539
08/29/2010
Hey Bob,
Thanks for the words of wisdom. Over the next few months, I’ll be going on ride-a-longs with some specialized units to see what they do, and how they operate. Shopping around, I guess. We’ll see what happens!
Diane
08/29/2010
How funny, my dad has always said the same thing about the FBI… he could never stand them or lawyers. Okay, well if you don’t want to be a walking acronym… how about teaching in a police academy?
Butler, W. #64539
08/30/2010
I don’t know how long it’s been around, but there is always some sort of mutual disdain between the FBI and municipal cops. As for the academy, I think it might be a while before I go there. With slowdown in hiring (which may crawl to a stop here soon), there aren’t many recruits in the academy to teach.
The more I think of it, the more the idea of working vice appeals to me. It’s a job that will keep me in the field, and also yield plenty of laughs. And the idea of working in plain clothes, or even undercover, sounds really appealing. All that equipment is starting to put a strain on my lower back!
Dyeve
08/31/2010
That job.. that you have must match with your personality, to represent you and say more about you, I thnk. If you are looking for jobs .. ( I don’t know how is there..) and do not know what area you want to work, do not rush, think about what you want do well in the future and deciding who will lead you to think that the future you want.
Service should not be viewed only as a source of wealth in financial terms but also as a passion to be maintained by work and study.. just sayin’
Wishing you the best in life and the best choice for you!
same Dy,
xo
Butler, W. #64539
09/01/2010
I agree.
If I wanted to be wealthy, I would have chosen a different line of work.
Ann T. Hathaway
08/31/2010
Dear Officer Butler,
Just going with what you’ve written, and what little I know, I would think Vice would be a never-ending set of close encounters and near-misses. Like you, I believe in being entertained on the job and having a learning curve.
Whatever you choose, I supportcha.
Ann T.
Butler, W. #64539
09/01/2010
Thank you for your support! I’m giving my current assignment ’till the end of the year. We’ll see how it goes from there!
Yellow
08/31/2010
Have you ever been to a “shit pond” where the waters are stagnant? It starts to stink. It’s that way with life too. But then again I think anything in Law enforcement would give most people a constant change. Good luck!
Butler, W. #64539
09/01/2010
Yes indeed. When it gets slow, management starts finding ways to fuck with the troops, thus creating one shitty pond.
Funkkeejooce
08/31/2010
Sounds like you’re getting restless.
Imagine the blogposts you’ll have here once you’re into detective work. First hand real life crime story! Detective work sounds fantastic and challenging, but I guess I have been reading too many books lately.
Butler, W. #64539
09/01/2010
Most detectives sit behind a desk all day. It’s not like the movies where they’re out and about, fresh on the trail of the bad guys.