I have a few queries:
As a newbie, how long will I be relegated to night/midnight shift? Is it possible to get evening shift or am I guaranteed to be put on night shift and if so for how many years?
What does the current environment look like? What do the department politics look like?
How often can cops use the Bob Bolen center for range time to practice range skills?
How much overtime is allowed monthly? Could I do 80 hours?
Is it overstaffed, understaffed, or neither at the moment?
Background on me:
Currently a software engineer, been at my job for about 4 years now. Coding has never been my thing, the job itself has great benefits. I've always been interested in combat, physical fitness, and can appreciate danger. I don't feel like I'm doing much for the world at my current job, and would prefer to be doing something more meaningful and doing the community I live in a service. I understand the job is dangerous. I understand it'll take a toll on my mental health. I understand I'll see things that will change me. I'm okay with that. I'd like to eventually get on the swat team, but if that doesn't work out, police work itself seems to be up my alley with the research I've done.
Edit: Wanted to clarify some things.
When I meant I was interested in combat, I did not mean that I'd be looking to get into fire fights, physical fights, etc while out on patrol. I understand the point of being a police officer is to keep the peace, and resolve things as peacefully as possible. What I appreciated about it is the connection between how prepared I was to use things like martial arts, fitness, etc in the event I needed to to protect someone. I understand most things will probably resolve peacefully, and I'd prefer that.
I ask about the night shift because i have a family. My partner and I are trying to understand what to expect in terms of shifts for the first few years so we can plan accordingly.
I've spent a while getting ready for the physical assessment, and would love to be pointed towards resources for the written aspect.