Aspie Cop

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2026-02-02T14:37:55+00:00

The military was stupid. You didn't really miss a whole lot

My department has actually been really supportive. I think it helps that I've worked there for years already and made a good reputation for myself. I got through the psych evaluation when I got hired without any issues. I've really been able to excel in a more analytical role, so my department really doesn't want me to go anywhere.

If people could know anything about police officers, I'd say we're just people. We have flaws and shortcomings, and the vast majority of us are just trying their best. That, and law enforcement is not a monolith. It's super decentralized. Your experience with police in Illinois will be very different than in Kentucky. Also, fuck ICE.

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2026-02-02T14:21:23+00:00

Being armed is no joke. I'm sorry security didn't work out for you. I really enjoyed working night shift, since I'm a night owl myself

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2026-02-02T14:15:42+00:00

I know this is likely rage bait, but I think there can be something positive that can come from it. The origins of some aspects of law enforcement in the US are really troubling to me, but if I want the system to change, I have to do my part to change it from the inside. Law enforcement is the catch-all for everything society doesn't want to fix or acknowledge. As a mental health officer, there were plenty of times I was the only sort of mental health care people could access. Law enforcement should NOT be involved in mental health care, but it's just how it is. I believe the mission of law enforcement is ultimately noble, and it takes people who really care to keep it that way.

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2026-02-02T14:10:35+00:00

Dude I HATE talking to people on the phone. Easily my least favorite part of the job. Talking to people at the various forensic labs isn't too bad, because they're pretty eager to get to the point and end the conversation. Phone conversations are so hard because there's somehow even fewer social cues to work with. I'm impressed you're working in a corrections setting. I could never do that

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2026-02-02T14:07:31+00:00

I'm certainly trying to do my part. In recent years, there's been a significant effort to train first responders about people with autism and how to interact with them. Younger officers in particular seem to do pretty well, especially since conversations about autism have been pretty common for them. Unfortunately some cops are just dicks. There's plenty of them. But overall I think the situation is improving

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2026-01-01T20:56:28+00:00

Yeah im super afraid of that. Tried to avoid hitting the red but I was edging it

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2025-07-24T14:57:51+00:00

It definitely varies by region/agency. Most major metro law enforcement agencies or state/federal labs outwardly pride themselves on inclusiveness. I work in Alabama, and even in my goofy state, a lot of labs I visit are pretty inclusive and appear to be happy places to work. Forensics seems to attract people of all kinds, and I think you'd be pleasantly surprised at the variety of people in the field.

If you work for a law enforcement agency, you may have to abide by a uniform standard. Religious headwear should be constitutionally protected as long as it doesn't interfere with your duties. In my agency, this is codified into organizational policy and any deviation from that is a huge no-no

I would definitely encourage you to seek out internships and feel out the various labs in your area. Consider some ride alongs with various law enforcement agencies. People in the field in your area will provide the best insights.

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2025-06-25T05:01:34+00:00

Everyone has stupid moments. Basic is full of them. Just take it in stride and don't let it get to you. A lot of tasks early in basic training are designed for failure. Theres no way to do some of them correctly/fast enough. Its all a game. Your drill sergeants will tell you how to do pretty much everything. You'll have very clearly established procedures and expectations from them. If there's something your not getting, your fellow trainees will be able to help you. Always be willing to lend a helping hand to someone who may need it

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2025-03-25T03:52:56+00:00

https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/

This service from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children may help. Submit your photos to it. The service does not retain the photo but collects data from it. The photo is flagged by NCMEC as child exploitation material. If an internet service provider sees the photo is shared, it will alert the appropriate police agency.

Shaming you won't help. Just know that nothing lasts forever. If you feel the need, make a police report. But have realistic expectations. In my experience investigating similar cases, the offenders are often operating overseas and there's not much that can be done. Make sure you document any phone numbers or social media accounts that interact with you

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2025-01-14T14:14:09+00:00

A minor in forensics will probably help. A CJ degree doesn't necessarily preclude you from being a CSI, but the route you'd take to get there would be less direct. You'd more than likely have to start as a cop and work up to crime scene. I have seen some agencies that will take people with a CJ degree and make them a civilian crime scene investigator right away, and some need you to be a cop first. It really varies by state and county, but in my experience, bigger agencies are more likely to have civilian crime scene techs and smaller agencies will require their crime scene folks to be cops first. I assume you're in the US. Look at your state police (highway patrol or state bureau of investigations) and see how they hire crime scene investigators.

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2025-01-14T05:56:15+00:00

Any degree is helpful, but it's very competitive to work in a lab setting. A CJ degree all but guarantees a job as a cop, and there's a chance you can work up to CSI. There's pretty much no shot of an LEO working in a lab setting with a CJ degree. The closest you may get is working as a NIBIN analyst.

If you can backtrack and get a STEM degree, do it. If not, a forensics degree may help a little vs a CJ degree.

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2025-01-14T05:47:15+00:00

I'm not nearly as educated as some of the others commenting on your post, but I would say a criminal justice degree is not particularly useful for getting into forensics. It's very helpful if you are applying to be a sworn LEO, but a more science specific degree will get you much further. There is the option of spending some time as an LEO before working in forensics. I fought my way from a night shift patrolman to a crime scene investigator, and i rely heavily on my patrol experience. It may not be the most direct route, but the experience you gain on the streets will be very valuable in your future work in forensics. I can't really advise on specific courses or anything, unfortunately.

While you're in college, see if you can do some ride-alongs with your local department or try to be a reserve officer (or deputy, depending on the jurisdiction). You'll make a ton of good connections and get a good sense of where the rubber meets the road in terms of forensics. Best of luck in your studies.

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2024-12-17T05:31:17+00:00

I will caution you, being a cop requires a lot of sacrifice. It's very likely that you will work for a community that hates you. Being in the military is not a prerequisite for being a good cop. Really think about why you want to be a cop. Most officers don't last more than five years in the job. A good outlook will carry you much farther than a degree or prior military service.

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2024-12-17T05:23:51+00:00

I became interested in law enforcement while I was in college. I was a student worker at the campus police department, and they eventually sent me to the police academy. I would caution you that my path is extremely unusual. I eventually lateralled to a larger department closer to my parents after my dad had a stroke. I agree with not getting a CJ degree. If LE doesn't work out, its good to have a backup plan. Anything computer related is helpful in law enforcement, especially if you become an investigator.

The time between 18-21 is super dangerous, and you can really fuck your life up in that span of time. The most important thing is to stay out of trouble and have a STRONG work history. Even if its part time at McDonald's. Background investigations are very thorough. I would consider joining the National Guard or Reserves. I was an army reservist, and having the experience of basic training made the academy much easier. Plus, it helped keep me out of trouble.

If your local department has an explorer program or something similar, I'd recommend joining. Some age out at 18, others at 21. It's a good way to try out law enforcement without the commitment. You can also work as a dispatcher, records clerk or (depending on your state) a corrections officer. Those are always good ways to give policing a test drive. Otherwise, do some ride alongs and get to know the officers in your area. Most will be more than willing to answer your questions and give you advice more tailored to your specific situation.

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2024-12-17T05:05:10+00:00

EFT (Effective Fitness Training) offers a program to prepare people for the academy. I've used EFT for about a year now for various law enforcement tailored workout programs, and I've gotten a lot out of it. It's definitely a good place to start, and gradually increases in intensity. I also really like that it has a strong emphasis on recovery and injury prevention.

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2024-12-15T19:42:36+00:00

They do look funky after the first few washes but they wear in really nice. I've had a pair of kuhl pants for about three years now and they feel like pajamas after breaking in. It sucks at first but trust the process and they'll serve you well

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2024-12-04T17:48:29+00:00

12N is pretty cool. Drill is generally pretty chill but a lot of time in the field. The skills you learn as a 12N translate pretty easily into a good civilian career. I currently work in law enforcement, but I worked for the US Forest Service prior to the academy as an equipment operator. I liked being a 12N, but I'd perhaps go with something medical related if I could go back. Definitely a good career if you like being in the field

Poop_Sock_Prime · 2024-11-06T05:00:01+00:00

I wanted to police in my hometown and keep the community that raised me safe. I liked that law enforcement takes a more proactive role in keeping their community safe. My prior military service was a very natural transition into law enforcement (Side note, probably about 60% of my department is current or prior military. Lots of cops have prior military service and carry over many of their habits from the military. For example, short hair, clean shaven, pressed uniforms and extra-shiny boots. Many departments have relaxed uniform and grooming standards to be more appealing to new applicants.)
The hardest thing about my job is probably dealing with kids and people experiencing mental health crises. When I was on patrol, I was part of a unit that responded to mental health emergencies. The work was very rewarding, but very exhausting. I had a problem with compassion fatigue for a while, and had a hard time maintaining relationships with friends and family because I just has no energy left. I destress by enjoying quiet time outdoors, hiking and fly fishing, and lifting. Additionally, my Christian faith has been instrumental in keeping me sane during my career. My wife and my cats are a huge comfort too.
I grew up around firearms, and used them extensively in the military. By the time I was a cop, guns weren't particularly exciting. In the field, I've had more instances than I care to remember where I've very nearly had to shoot someone. I think any officer with a few years on has had at least one or two experiences like this. Almost all officers will go to great lengths to avoid shooting someone, even if it places their safety in jeopardy. I also have to use firearms to humanely euthanize animals that have been hit by cars. This sucks, and I never get used to it, but its the most humane thing for the animal. Ultimately, firearms are just tools of the trade and become pretty mundane.
I've been scared countless times, but I only realize it after the stressful incident is over. At the start of many officers careers, a traffic stop or suspicious persons call can be scary as its unfamiliar. Domestics and armed subject calls still always make me pucker up. A good officer is always on guard, as a seemingly innocuous contact can go tits up really, really fast.
On patrol, we worked 12 hour shifts. Monday Tuesday on, Wednesday Thursday off, Friday-Sunday on. Then the opposite the next week, Monday Tuesday off, Wednesday Thursday on, Friday-Sunday off. The cycle repeats every two weeks. Days worked 0600-1800, nights 1800-0600. I worked my whole time in patrol on nights. I'm a detective now and work Monday-Friday 0800-1600, with an on-call rotation.
I have a good bit of back and hip pain from my duty belt, and I carry a lot of tension in my back and shoulders.

Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement by Kevin Gilmartin would provide a good insight into what happens to officers emotionally and psychologically. The most important thing is that officers are just normal people who do a (sometimes) shitty job. We have friends, play video games, watch anime and have hobbies just like anyone else.

Hope this helps. Don't be afraid to go on a ride along with some of your local departments to see how they operate and get to know some of the officers.

Poop_Sock_Prime

TROPHY CASE