Want To Be a Police Officer? Start Here.
Want To Be a Police Officer? Start Here. A career in law enforcement is one of the most rewarding yet challenging paths you can take. It offers the chance to serve and protect, but it also comes with immense physical, emotional, and psychological demands. Retired Baltimore Police Sergeant and host of the Nationally Syndicated Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show, John J. "Jay" Wiley, frequently speaks with aspiring officers eager to join the profession. While he doesn’t claim to be the ultimate authority on modern policing, his years of experience, both in the field and through conversations with officers across the country, give him unique insights into what it takes to succeed.
Many assume Wiley’s top advice would involve mastering firearm skills or being legally prepared for potential lawsuits. While those are valuable considerations, his most crucial advice often surprises people.
Prioritize Mental Health Before You Need It
“The number one thing I tell people is to proactively see a trauma-informed therapist before they even start the job,” says Wiley. “You get a physical every year, and you see a dentist regularly. Why wouldn’t you do the same for your mental health?”
Many aspiring officers believe they understand the challenges ahead, but few truly grasp the emotional toll of witnessing trauma daily. Studies indicate that police officers experience an average of 178 critical incidents throughout their careers, whereas the average civilian encounters only a few in a lifetime.
“These incidents increase an officer’s chances of developing PTSD, and studies show police are two to four times more likely to suffer from PTSD than the general population,” Wiley explains. “The problem is, most of the PTSD officers face isn’t from one single event—it’s cumulative.” Want To Be a Police Officer? Start Here.
Unlike a single catastrophic event, cumulative PTSD builds up over time. It often goes unnoticed and untreated because it develops gradually, rather than through one major incident that would trigger a department-mandated psychological evaluation.
“By the time PTSD rears its ugly head, officers are often deep into their careers or nearing retirement,” Wiley warns. “That’s why it’s so important to build a relationship with a therapist early on, before you need it.”
One key benefit of independently seeking therapy is stronger privacy protections compared to department-mandated mental health services. “Cities and counties often go with the lowest bidder when selecting mental health providers, which doesn’t always result in the best care,” Wiley points out. “By finding your own trauma-informed therapist, you ensure they understand what you’re going through.”
Maintain Hobbies Outside of Law Enforcement
The second piece of advice Wiley offers is simple yet vital: develop and maintain hobbies that have nothing to do with the job.
“Whether it’s fishing, church, camping, or square dancing, do something that keeps you grounded,” he advises. “Too many officers make policing their entire identity, and when things get rough, they have nothing else to fall back on.” Want To Be a Police Officer? Start Here.
Law enforcement is an inherently stressful profession. Long hours, exposure to violence, and the pressure of making split-second decisions can take a serious toll on an officer’s physical and mental health. Studies have linked policing to higher rates of cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal issues, and depression. Without healthy outlets, stress can manifest in destructive ways, affecting relationships and overall well-being.
“Police academies do a great job of preparing officers for the streets,” Wiley acknowledges. “But where they fall short is teaching officers how to protect their mental and physical health, and how to maintain strong relationships outside of the job.”
By prioritizing mental health and maintaining interests beyond law enforcement, aspiring officers can position themselves for a long and fulfilling career while minimizing the emotional toll of the job.
“These two pieces of advice aren’t the most exciting, but they’re the most important,” Wiley concludes. “Take care of your mind and your life outside of policing, and you’ll be in a much better position to handle the challenges of the job.” Want To Be a Police Officer? Start Here.
If you’re considering a career in law enforcement, take these words to heart. A strong foundation of mental resilience and a balanced life outside of work can make all the difference in your career and personal well-being.
Want To Be a Police Officer? Start Here.
Attributions
John J Wiley
Radio Show Host and Producer
Retired from the Baltimore Police Department at the rank of Sergeant. He was retired early due a permanent line of duty injury that occurred during an act of violence. The injury resulted in 3 surgeries, two steel plates and a fusion of his right wrist and thumb.
About 8 years after retiring from police work, he began a career in the audio broadcasting space. Starting with "audio-blogs" in 1999. Which progressed into a brokered once a week radio show and then led to broadcasting school.
After graduating he has been a full time FM radio personality and launched the Law Enforcement Today Show as a podcast in March of 2017. This was in a partnership with Law Enforcement Today's Robert Greenberg. The show was quickly recruited by radio and is a nationally syndicated radio show, broadcasting weekly on many US Radio Stations to millions of people.
The partnership with them ended in the Summer of 2023 and the show was renamed the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast.
The radio show is syndicated by Talk Media Network. Go to the Radio Page of the site for more information.
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