Will I be able to have a successful marriage and family if I am a Philadelphia Police Officer?

Question

I recently decided that I wanted to go into law enforcement in the city of Philadelphia where I will gain more experience due to the amount of activity that goes on in the city.  There is also more opportunity in the city.  However, my friend told me that if I become a cop in the city that I won't have a successful marriage because I will be away from my family a lot.  His dad was a Philly cop and he claimed he didn't really have a relationship with his dad until he was older.

Sue C · Accepted Answer

I live in So. Jersey, just 15 mins. from Phila. Granted, Phila. IS a large city with LOTS of crimes as in any other large cities. My Cousin was a Cop in Camden, NJ. Started out on the Police Force, took an inside job as Detective ASAP. He didn't "enjoy" being a "beat cop". He's been married for 30 some yrs. to the same great person. They NEVER had problems within their marriage all these yrs. You'd have hrs. just as with any other job, unless of course being short handed. My Cousin also retired at the early age of 50 & they settled in a beautiful home in FL. I see NO reason what so ever being a Cop vs any other type job. I'd say to do what you feel you'd be happiest doing with your career. If you wife truly loves you, you too should have one happy marriage. My ans. is based on a true story & of all things in the same very area you're referring to. If your wife agrees with your choice, I see NO reason not to fulfill your dreams...best to you...:)

? · Answer

That is mostly up to you and your wife or future wife. Being a police officer can be great. Being a police officer, regardless of where you work, can also be very difficult at times. There are many things about being a police officer that can be hard on relationships. Working different shifts, working on holidays, and working long hours are just a few examples of them. Not "bringing your work home" can be very important. Having great communication with your spouse is always important. It can take a lot of work sometimes, but you can definitely have a successful marriage. Best of luck!

honeybaby729 · Answer

I've been w/ my fiance for 5yrs. He's a PA state trooper. (PSP is really the way to go, if you can make it out of the academy) He's worked in specialized positions where he worked the banker hours. More recently, back on patrol where it's been more night shifts than day shifts. If he didn't get bored w/ the specialized position, he'd still be working the day shift, everyday. I know some wives complain about the night shifts, but HELLO?!!! Police work all hours. Sometimes it's part of the job.

Anonymous · Answer

Find a woman that understands the life of a police officer and loves you for who you are at the same time.  Not everyone demands their spouse be at home with them all the time.  Even married people need to have a little space/life of their own.

Serene E · Answer

Look up any study and you'll see law enforcement personnel have one of the highest divorce rates of all careers.
Not just working all kinds of hours, but seeing the horrors you don't want to talk to your spouse about.   Most try to deaden their emotions so they don't feel the horrors.

You should look into this further.  Yahoo.com, 'divorce rates among police'.

Anonymous · Answer

ohhh bad career choice for someone whos family orientated statistics say thats a low percentage due to the nature of the beast i understand that odds are only odds again odds are odds

Trending News

Will I be able to have a successful marriage and family if I am a Philadelphia Police Officer?

6 Answers