Growing up as the child of a law enforcement officer is something I would never change about myself. Yeah, as you can imagine, it was a little stricter than most parental styles but it shaped me into the person I am today, and it made sure my childhood was always exciting.
1. You were the one with "The Strict Parents"
There was a reason my curfew was 11pm on prom night. My dad is an officer in New York City so you can imagine the stuff he's seen...and all the stuff he can imagine I might get into.
2. You only know your parents' coworkers by their last names
And it sounds really weird when it's not accompanied with "10-4"
3. You have the worst potty mouth in your friend group
Growing up, if my dad was on the phone with work then 90% of the conversation involved profanity. That's just part of the job. He wonders how it rubbed off on me.
4. Take your kid to work day was the best day hands down
Getting your fingers printed? Your very own plastic police shield? Pony rides on police horses? Turning older than 12 and leaving all that behind is still my biggest regret.
5. You've been to jail too many times than you'd like to admit
One of my first memories is my dad taking me to work and having to walk through the cells to enter the break room. Also, bonus points if you've seen the cells occupied.
6. Also you're weirdly comfortable around guns and ammunition
I grew up with three guns in my house. They were always around and my basement always had several rounds of magazines just stored there in the open. It really doesn't phase me at this point.
7. People are surprised that you know "cop lingo"
"10-4", "perp", "DOC", "bodies," it's been thrown around so much you could probably decipher a police scanner no problem.
8. This isn't that uncommon of a snapchat
9. Your boyfriend is probably a little terrified of coming over
Never will I forget the day that my high school boyfriend and I were parked in his car in front of my house around the time my dad gets off duty, only to be interrupted by his squad car strolling down the street with the lights and sirens blaring
10. Speaking of squad cars, you know if you're a civilian there's a certain side of the car that you never sit on.
"That's where the fugitives sit, you never know where they sat before that seat."
11. Honestly, you're not even phased by what comes out of your parent's mouth anymore
"hey Dad are you home for the day?"
"No, had a to grab a jacket before I buy drugs in Newburgh"
OK.
12. It's frustrating, but you're used to your parent having to jet off somewhere at a moments notice
It's a 24/7 job, even when they're "off duty." It may be your Junior prom night, but New York State also has to schedule their trainings too.
13. You're always answering stupid questions from people who obviously don't know what they're talking about
No he's never shot someone, and no I still get speeding tickets. Please shut up.
14. You know your way around a pair of handcuffs
People are either really put off by that or somehow really into it.
15. You appreciate what an officer does more than others
You've seen your parent do it first hand, you've seen them sacrifice everything. You've worried about them not coming home once in a while and you know how rough of a job it is. You know it's one of the most honorable professions you can do in this country so you know that you will always back the blue.
