MNdonut5oh

A little bit about me...

I grew up in the shadow of Minneapolis and have worked the past 15 or so years in law enforcement in Minnesota and boy have things changed. From the Obama beer summit to 21st Century Policing initiatives, Trayvon Martin, Sandy Hook, Ferguson Missouri, the rise of Black Lives Matter, the occupation of the 4th Precinct of Minneapolis, Alton Serling, George Floyd, and the ongoing riots in Portland.

Getting into this career, I never thought it would be like this. I mean I grew up in a law enforcement family. I had uncles who were cops, cousins who were cops. And a parent who was a cop. I literally grew up surrounded by cops. I went to cop functions as a kid. Cop softball tournaments. Cop parties. I grew up watching Rodney King being replayed on CNN. Heard all about the influx of gangs and drugs.

I joined police explorers in high school. This is a scouting program where officers mentor kids interested in the field of law enforcement. I learned some basic aspects of the role of the job and got to volunteer in the community.

I went to college for law enforcement. In Minnesota, you either need to have a two or four year degree or military or out of state experience with a reciprocity exam. I was hired as a Community Service Officer with a suburban agency and also volunteered as a Reserve Officer with the agency I eventually got hired at.

Along the way, I worked various jobs in security at some entertainment venues and some other well known places here in Minnesota.

When I started my career I loved the job. But as the climate has changed, and the public perception of law enforcement has grown more negative and cops are expected to make TikTok videos to save face I can't say the job is enjoyable anymore. Arresting real bad guys and truly helping people is my passion.

Perhaps though this we can understand each other a little bit better?