[arthurofbabylon]

It is the job given to low status men who cannot qualify for other jobs. Every society deals with its low status men in some form or another — in many US regions it is becoming a cop, in Russia it is being sent to war, historically it was being sent to the mines.

[tptacek]

No? It's significantly harder to become a police officer than a truck driver or a skilled tradesperson, and, in particular, in most departments there's an actual higher ed requirement.

[eth0up]

In Sarasota FL, if I remember correctly, since about 2009-ish, Police need either a two-year degree, or military service. Judging from my personal observations and encounters, more than a few had/have well deserved degrees. The prior Chief had a masters, I think from the FBI National Academy. Did a lot of good for the city, compared to what they had before. I know the criteria does vary wildly though, throughout the country. But in many places, one can find some seriously sharp officers, and a few mighty good ones here and there too. Things are a wee bit different a few miles south in Port Charlotte though.

Also, I was, for unknown reasons, under the impression tptacek had taken hiatus around here. Half glad I was mistaken.

[tptacek]

HALF?!

[eth0up]

Ja man. We had enough trouble with a small handful of HN monsters chewing up perfectly innocent threads. Now we have LLMs on the loose too. Soon mortals won't be able to leave a comment anywhere without risking limbs. Life is getting tough for lowbrows. Half is generous.

[hollerith]

Is that really true? It's not super high status, for sure, but many police departments in the US require every officer to have a bachelors degree. And the pay is higher than average.

[doc_ick]

I doubt it.