I worked in a small city of about 12 to 15,000 about half way between Chicago and the Mississippi river in Illinois. I was a shift commander for 26 of my 28 years. My duties were mostly those of a street cop but I also was an FTO for about 15 years and I was also in charge of the Il. LEADS and NCIC computer system in our Dept. When the enhanchanced 911 system was put in place I was one of three in the county that were the system administrators for the county wide system. I had many other duties to numerous to mention as I am sure many of you have had also.
Because I was mostly a street cop I have been involved on a variety of cases from juvenile bike thefts to homicides.
I was stuck in a office once for six months after being hurt in a bar fight. I spent 10 days in the hospital from that. The first 5 were in instenive care. When I returned to light duty I was assigned an office job. When I started the office job I thought that I would enjoy it but after about the second month it was, "Get me the hell back on the street." Because of my computer knowledge and my being a shift or watch commander, about half my time was still spent in an office but at least I could be on the street when I had the chance.
Since retirement, I am still involved. In Il. one retired cop can be elected by other retired cops to serve on the pension board. I have been picked to serve for a while.
I have been asked if I miss the job. I don't miss the crap or the politics, but I do miss the great people I worked with and I miss meeting new people and all the dumbass excuses they come up with for breaking the law.