u/Ok_Lawfulness2395

I’m seriously considering becoming a police officer, but as a mom of 3 kids, I want to make sure I’m looking at the whole picture and not just the career itself.
For anyone who is currently a police officer, has been one, or has a spouse/parent in law enforcement:
What questions should I be asking myself before making this decision?
Some things I’m thinking about:
• How realistic is the schedule with 3 kids?
• How often do officers actually work nights, weekends, holidays, or overtime?
• How much control do you have over getting day shift vs. night shift?
• How long does it typically take to get a more desirable schedule?
• How difficult is it to take time off for your kids’ appointments, school events, birthdays, etc.?
• How does the job affect your marriage and family life?
• How much does the job affect you mentally when you come home?
• How often do you miss family events because of work?
• What happens when you have young kids and your spouse also works?
• Is childcare a major challenge?
• Is the pay worth the stress, hours, and responsibility?
• What are the biggest benefits people don’t realize come with the job?
• What are the biggest downsides people don’t talk about?
• How physically demanding is it after the academy?
• What opportunities are there to move into different assignments later on?
• If you could go back and choose again, would you still become a police officer?
I’m especially interested in hearing from parents in law enforcement. I’d love honest answers — the good, the bad, and the things you wish you knew before starting.
I’m trying to make an informed decision that works not only for me, but for my kids and my family too.

For context we have a 3 1/2 year old, and 1 year old twins. He said he only does it when the twins are sleeping and the older kiddo is watching tv. Unfortunately his phone smart casted with out his knowledge and the older kiddo saw whatever he was watching. I didn’t find out until my kid acted something out of what was seen. I’m frustrated and so disappointed that this happened. It’s so irresponsible, disturbing, I have so many feelings towards this. Obviously it was an accident. But on top of that to also find out that he does this once in a while is so bizarre to me, to have the urge so much that you do it when you should be watching your children. I get people shower, or couples have sex but I dont leave my kids alone like that especially given the age. I just need genuine opinions about this. It’s making me feel confused. I need to know if I’m over reacting . Help