Choosing Between Athens Clarke County PD and Georgia State Patrol: A Comprehensive Guide
As a potential candidate for law enforcement, you may be torn between two paths: joining the Athens Clarke County Police Department (PD) or the Georgia State Patrol (GSP). While the GSP offers a higher salary, your concern is whether to engage in writing tickets and investigating crashes. This article aims to help you make an informed decision based on the reality of what each role involves and offers.
Understanding the Reality of Law Enforcement
One thing is certain in the field of law enforcement: you will likely be responsible for writing tickets and investigating crashes, regardless of the department. While the Athens Clarke County PD and GSP have different focuses and environments, the core duties of law enforcement officers often overlap. The GSP, for instance, performs a wide range of law enforcement tasks, including investigations and community engagement, beyond just issuing traffic citations.
State Patrol: A Diverse Range of Responsibilities
The Georgia State Patrol is known for its comprehensive role in law enforcement. Unlike a city police department, the GSP's jurisdiction includes a wide area, allowing them to handle a variety of law enforcement situations beyond just traffic stops. This includes drug trafficking, community outreach, and other critical law enforcement activities. The GSP offers more diverse job roles and pathways, which may better align with your career aspirations.
City Police Work vs. State Patrol
City police work, typically through the Athens Clarke County PD, often involves more variety and freedom in terms of assignments. However, as a patrol officer, you will still write tickets and handle crashes. The difference lies in the specific tasks and the focus of the department. While the GSP might be more structured and regimented in terms of enforcing laws and regulations, it also provides opportunities for career growth and specialization.
Career Flexibility and Growth
While the GSP might offer a more structured and specialized career path initially, this can also be seen as an advantage. The GSP often has internal pathways for career growth and specialization, allowing you to develop skills in areas beyond just traffic enforcement. Additionally, after completing your initial years in the GSP, you can explore other roles within the department, such as community outreach or traffic safety initiatives. This flexibility can make your career more satisfying and rewarding.
Potential Happiness and Job Satisfaction
Based on personal experience and feedback, working for the Athens Clarke County PD can be challenging, especially dealing with college students who might be intoxicated. This can be a significant drawback, as it may impact your job satisfaction and mental well-being. On the other hand, the GSP offers a more structured and potentially more interesting career path, with opportunities for growth and specialization.
Final Thoughts and Advice
As a fellow law enforcement officer with considerable experience, I strongly advise you to consider the Georgia State Patrol. The career path offers more variety, growth, and job satisfaction. While you may face challenges initially, the GSP's structured environment can provide a solid foundation for a fulfilling career in law enforcement. Remember, you can always change departments if you find that it does not meet your needs.
Whether you choose Athens Clarke County PD or Georgia State Patrol, getting hired and completing the training is a challenging process. Departmental policies and requirements vary, so it's essential to apply to multiple departments to increase your chances of success. Best of luck on your career journey!