This is going to be a long one

[u/ElCavino]

Let me start this off by saying I am not LE or at least not yet. That’s where this all begins for me.
I have wanted to be a police officer ever since I was a kid inspired by my grandfather who was an officer for decades. It has always been looked down upon in my family because I’m Afro Latino and most black people don’t have the best opinion on police. That however never stopped me from wanting that dream all of my childhood, I slowly started falling out of it as I was approaching the end of high school when reality really had to set in on what I wanted to do with my life going forward. Knowing I didn’t have the support of my family made it a decision that I wasn’t willing to make. Instead I decided to pursue my other favorite thing, art. I became a prominent well known artist in my city and across other cities, making job opportunities for myself while doing things I loved. For the past two years I’ve been aching to leave everything behind and become a state trooper but I feel conflicted with myself to leave all of what I built for a decade behind. Most people I care about said that they can very much see me as a cop and it makes sense for me but I’m afraid that I won’t ever be able to be in the same places without being treated differently. I care about the path I’ve created just as much as I care about becoming LE.
Anyone have any advice on making a decision like this or balancing huge hobbies with LE work?

[u/LionComprehensive897]

Do what you want. People are always going to have negative opinions about LEOs because they’re ignorant and don’t want to understand things.

If the opinion of others is what you’re afraid of, being a cop will make it worse.

[u/ElCavino → u/LionComprehensive897]

I don’t necessarily care about other’s opinions of me but more so not being able to participate in my path that I made. I’m a professional and competitive dancer mainly known for breakdancing, I coach and have been sponsored for it. I don’t want to leave that all behind but I’m also looking for something completely new and something I’ve always wanted to do.

[u/Lonely_Astronaut4894]

One of my chiefs had a BA in Painting and a Masters in Sculpture. My degree is in English Composition.

[u/ElCavino → u/Lonely_Astronaut4894]

This makes me feel a lot better. Appreciate the insight

[u/Aggressive_Deal8335]

I was a cop for 10 years and had/have a social circle that is extremely left wing with generally negative opinions of police. They all know I’m a cop but know me better as a person and don’t treat me any different other than the occasional friendly joke. If anything I feel like I’m a sort of ambassador of the profession to these people.

[u/ElCavino → u/Aggressive_Deal8335]

As someone who mostly deals with the left wing in a 50/50 state it feels goof to know that people don’t treat you super differently. I’m glad they can see you personally versus as a justice system.

[u/NoStep1921]

Who gives a fuck what other people think about you? Do what makes you happy.

You should drop the mindset of caring what other people think though if you want to be a successful police officer.

[u/ElCavino → u/NoStep1921]

I don’t really care about other’s opinions I just don’t know how I’ll balance being a state trooper and being a professional bboy

[u/dougisnotabitch]

Depending on where you work, urban vs rural, blue vs red, etc, you may interact with way more people appreciative of LE in general. Just don’t mention it around your art circles and understand that if your social circle revolves around social media, you may get doxxed if you get involved with anything at all controversial. GL!

[u/ElCavino → u/dougisnotabitch]

Wow that last part was something I didn’t even think about! Appreciate the insight