Time Goes By - UK Cops

Joe Grundy

As some know here, I am a retired cop (30 years).

I am a member of NARPO (National Association of Retired Police Officers) - UK.

It seems that hardly a day goes by without an e-mail from my regional branch with details of yet another brother or sister officer who has died. Not so many in the line of duty (this is the UK) but within a very few years of retirement.

Do we all just get so worn out by the shit we dealt with that we can't take it any more?

Me, I do my best to move on but I know of colleagues that can't.

St George of England

That also happens in other high stress jobs.

Teaching is another case, many retire and die within a short time.

George

tenyearsafter

I can imagine that being an unarmed officer is quite stressful...here in the U.S., the police are all armed but that doesn't decrease the stress levels. It does tend to "even" the playing field a bit. I have had 25 years under my belt as a LEO, so I can empathize with you Joe! Often it is difficult to leave the job behind after retirement...thus the high incidence of depression and suicide amongst retired police officers.

james_woods

I think I remember you, Joe Grundy, back from when I first started posting here.

Wasn't it you and I who had several conversations with a poster with the name Cabin in the Woods?

Joe Grundy

James:

Yes, it probably was. She came for a visit to UK.

james_woods

Yup. Haven't seen her post here in quite a while.

Joe Grundy

She's fine AFAIK - she's still in touch with some of my family on FB. Moved on well, I think.

james_woods

That's good to hear, Joe.

TOTH

It seems that many LEOs tend to become pretty cynical after having to deal with the worst society has to offer. This tendency has to make it hard to re-engage after retirement. I actually have spoken to a few LEOs over the years and wonder how it is they can keep from becoming total assholes considering the depths of depravity and violence they are forced to deal with day to day. I am glad you are doing well.

harleybear

Joe: My hubby is a cop here in the US. He has 33 years on the job here in Denver CO and 3 years in the early 70's in New York City. A white , blonde, blue eyed boy in Bed Sty. YICKS. He is sooooooo ready to retire. Here we have a DROP plan Defered Retirement Option Plan in which you techincally retire but continue to work at your same rank, pay etc. You can only do that for 5 years. You continue to get paid the same salary but your pention is put into an investment fund so you get a much larger fund when you really leave. He is in very good health but like your experience so many die when they are either close to retiring or just after. The key is to keep active and very open to options. I can not image being unarmed. As a civilian I have a Concealed permit. The US is big on our right to bear arms and quite honestly taking away that right just gives the gov. all the more control. I also know that the org has a big hissy fit about guns but toooooooooo bad. I am a retired Paramedic and I was in the suck a lot. Guess what I carried a gun. I no longer am in that line of work but I would love to hear others input on the subject of personal protection and other countries positions. Harley bear

Time Goes By - UK Cops

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