I’ll ask the question, why would you want to be a cop?

Wait, before you answer, let me guess…

You want to pin that shinny badge upon your chest,
You want to wear that gun on your side,
You want to wear that uniform of blue, so crisp, clean and looking your best,
You want to stand tall, respected by all.
Sorry, the badge means nothing, you probably won’t use your gun,
Your uniform will get dirty and wrinkled,
You won’t be respected by any and condemned by many.

You want to uphold the law, stop crime and all,
You want to catch the murderers, rapist and robbers,
You want to get rid of the dope dealers, protect the kids,
Make your town a better place to live.
Guess what?  There was crime before you came along
And there will be crime once you are gone
The criminals are back on the street
Before you are at home asleep.

You want to make a difference, help those in need,
Protect the rights of others, serve your community,
Clean up the streets and ask for nothing in return.
Well, those in need don’t want your help, you won’t see a return,
The rights you protect will have to be yours
When you get sued and sit in the courtroom.
And the streets?  Just get a broom.

I see you have a family.  You know what that means, right?
You have to support them, a house, cars and food,
All on a cop’s salary that, for what you do, is pretty crude.
Your kids will get ridiculed because your dad is just a cop,
You’ll miss their games and school functions and they won’t understand why.
Your wife will cook you dinner that you don’t get home to eat,
She will spend countless nights without you there,
Sit at home wondering if you really care.

So I ask again, why do you want to be a cop?

It is because of all the above.
I know it is not a glorious job and the rewards are few,
I can make a difference, albeit may be small, I know I can’t please them all.
Protect those that don’t ask, serve everyone without regard,
Treat everyone fairly, I know it will be hard.
You see, the uniform means nothing, a cop comes from the heart.
If I can protect or change one person, I will have done my part.