Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda: The Career That Was Perfect for Me Had I Known It At The Time

A reflective recollection of a career course I hastily eschewed in the folish days of my youth. A retrospective nod with a remorseful outlook.

WORKPLACEGOVERNMENTCAREER

Illya burke

6/17/20253 min read

Now, when I look at how departments are actively trying to recruit more women—and how effective women are in these roles—I can’t help but feel a pang of regret. Agencies are realizing that hiring more women leads to safer, more balanced environments for both officers and the communities they serve. This Georgetown study breaks down the advantages clearly. Women are less likely to use excessive force and more likely to de-escalate high tension situations.

This piece in Police Chief Magazine talks about how departments are shifting strategies to attract and retain more female officers—because it works. Another research-backed article confirms what we already knew—female officers tend to approach conflict differently, often with more compassion and better outcomes.

NPR even reported that aiming for 30% female recruits could shift department cultures for the better.

And yet, here I am, mid-life, looking back and thinking, Damn, why didn’t I go for it? But hey—c’est la vie, right? There’s nothing I can do about it now. My path took a different turn. But to all the twenty-somethings out there reading this: it’s not too late for you. If you're looking for a career that blends purpose, stability, and service—without necessarily putting your body on the line—law enforcement has more options than you think. Chop, chop. Opportunity’s waiting.

Also, check out this great read on women in U.S. police forces. You might just see yourself in a uniform (or at a desk)

Ok, there's no pussyfooting around this one. I seriously should’ve pursued a career in law enforcement. Not on the front lines, though—let’s be clear. The physical demands never appealed to me. I’m a slender thing, and having done my fair share of security work (retail & residential), I can confidently say that chasing people down & getting physical isn’t exactly my idea of a good time.

Still, somewhere in my early 30s, a lightbulb went off. Why hadn’t I ever considered a behind-the-scenes law enforcement career? Something respectable, steady, with perks and a pension—maybe even a little prestige. But, I admit, in retrospect, I had the “hell-no-I-ain’t-gonna-risk-my-life-for-nobody” type of mentality back in my twenties. I never stopped to think about the wide range of non-combat roles available. From dispatch to internal affairs, from forensic analyst to coroner—you get the gist.

But back then, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. So there's that.

Dispatcher:
The voice on the other end of 911. Dispatchers handle emergency calls, coordinate units, and relay key info to officers in the field. Training is required, but it's not as intensive as what’s expected of sworn officers.

Records Clerk:
These behind-the-scenes pros keep everything in order—processing reports, organizing files, and ensuring critical information is right where it needs to be when it matters most.

Jailer:
Jailers are responsible for keeping correctional facilities running smoothly. They manage inmate behavior, maintain safety, and oversee daily routines inside the facility.

Property Room Clerk:
Think of this role as the gatekeeper for evidence. Property room clerks handle, catalog, and securely store items tied to criminal cases—making sure the chain of custody stays intact.

Administrative Assistant:
From scheduling and correspondence to providing support for officers and leadership, admin assistants keep the wheels turning behind the scenes at law enforcement agencies.

Other paths to consider:

Correctional Officer:
While it does involve training, the path to becoming a correctional officer can be more accessible than becoming a police officer—depending on the state.

Community Service Officer (CSO):
CSOs often help with non-emergency tasks like traffic control or community outreach. These roles usually don’t require academy training but still allow you to serve your community.

Security Guard:
Not technically law enforcement, but it’s a solid starting point in the security world. The training is usually minimal, and the experience can open doors to more formal roles down the line.

*If you're looking to get your foot in the door with a career in law enforcement—without diving headfirst into the police academy—there are several entry-level roles that offer a smoother on-ramp. These jobs typically don’t require extensive training or prior experience, but they still play a critical role in the system: