Why Many Police Officers Prefer Suburbs Over Urban Areas for Living
Living in the suburbs, or even more rural areas, has become a preferred choice for many police officers due to its perceived safety and tranquility. This article explores the reasons behind this trend and shares personal experiences from police officers and the statistics that support their choices.
Why Suburban Living Appeals to Police Officers
When considering where to live, many police officers find that suburban or rural areas offer a more peaceful life compared to densely populated urban centers. This preference is rooted in both personal preferences and objective safety metrics. For instance, many officers lean towards conservative and more traditional values, which often equate to a desire for a quieter, more stable community environment.
While it might seem counterintuitive that police officers, whose job involves dealing with crime, would opt for living in areas with lower crime rates, this choice is often related to the type of crime they experience. In cities, police officers frequently encounter both malicious and benign incidents, which can be stressful and disruptive, especially while off-duty. In contrast, in more suburban or rural areas, the encounters are less frequent and, when they do occur, tend to be more serious in nature.
Personal Experiences of Police Officers
One officer who spoke about his experience stated that while he initially lived within his city jurisdiction, he quickly moved to an adjacent town for personal reasons. During his time in the city, he faced several incidents that made him feel unsafe, including the vandalization of his patrol and personal vehicles and an episode involving a parolee who simply sat in front of his house for hours.
The incidents didn't stop at the city boundaries, however; he also faced non-criminal disruptions from well-meaning but bothersome people who would stop by to report crimes or just to express gratitude. These encounters, while not criminal, added to his stress and made it harder to relax when off-duty.
In contrast, after moving to the suburbs, he experienced no such incidents. Furthermore, the vast majority of his neighbors were fellow officers or retired police officers, which provided a sense of security and mutual support. Even if a situation arose, the close-knit community made it easy to address potential issues.
Safety and Crime Rates
It's important to note that while cities may seem more dangerous, the statistics often tell a different story. For example, a city like Norwalk, Iowa, might have a murder rate of 10 over ten years, which is significantly safer than the 0.25 rate in urban areas like Los Angeles or Chicago. These figures underscore the importance of understanding safety in a holistic manner, considering both the absolute risk and perceived risk.
For police officers specifically, the risk is compounded by the nature of their work. This profession inherently involves a higher likelihood of being a target of crime. Since many municipalities offer bonuses or incentives to officers who live in their community, it becomes an additional factor to consider when choosing a living situation.
Examples from Personal Stories
The officer mentioned that he used to live 25 miles away from the city he worked in. Most of his colleagues in the old department also lived outside their jurisdiction, but a few stayed in the city. The officers who lived in the city often shared stories of encountering and occasionally being confronted by former suspects or arrestees while out with their families. Conversely, he never had such experiences, which reinforced his preference for suburban living.
As a motorcycle officer, he occasionally took his motorcycle home, and one day, a crazy individual followed him and confronted him over trivial matters. Although rare, this anecdote highlights the risk involved in bringing work home, further supporting the officers' preference for a safer, more distant living situation.
The decision to live in the suburbs is often driven by a balance between personal values, safety, and practical considerations like housing prices. While cities offer more amenities and conveniences, the quieter, safer lifestyle of the suburbs can be a significant draw for law enforcement professionals.