Love them or hate them, the police are an integral part of running a thriving society. Police officers put their lives on the line to uphold order and rules, and work hard to serve their communities. And although the idea of having to answer to someone else rubs many people in society the wrong way, the truth is that without law and order, chaos would ensue. As such, police officers are doing a substantial service by taking on their jobs, and enforcing the law.

Choosing to embark on a career in law enforcement is nothing to be taken lightly. It’s an entire lifestyle choice— not only a job. As such, you don’t see just anybody becoming a cop. There are typically common denominators that drive people to pursue a career in the police force. Here are some of the most common.

A Drive to Help

One of the most common misconceptions that people have about police is that they’re just there to “boss people around.” However, police help in a wide variety of ways that have nothing to do with enforcing the law. Whether it’s helping mediate an argument between angry neighbors, or de-escalating a situation that could result in someone hurting themselves, police serve their communities in many different ways throughout their career.

Usually, individuals who are motivated to help their society and make positive change are driven to careers in law enforcement because there is a strong desire to contribute to the greater good of humanity.

Dislike for Monotony

There are some people who love the predictability and comfort of working a desk job without much change or excitement on a daily basis. However, there are others who simply can’t stand the idea of sitting in one place all day and doing the same things day in and day out.

For people who desire a dynamic and unpredictable schedule, a career in law enforcement is an obvious choice. Every day is something new when it comes to working as a police officer. There are different emergencies and situations that they face every day which makes the perfect career choice for people who love fast-paced high-pressure positions.

Strong Sense of Community

People who are deeply connected to their communities, and have always lived in the same place often find themselves turning to a career in law enforcement to uphold and serve the community they love so much. Since they’re so invested in their community, it’s only natural for them to want to protect it, which is why people with a deep sense of community connection are often drawn to law enforcement.

They can be a great asset to the police force since they already have strong relationships in the community and they are trusted, helping foster the bridge between society and law enforcement.