New Study Ranks Kentucky as 3rd Worst for Police Officers, Here’s Why
To kick off National Police Week, the personal-finance website WalletHub.com just released its report on Best & the Worst States to Be a Police Officer. We should always honor all of the men and women in law enforcement who do so much to keep us safe.
Walking up and down the Riverfront in Downtown Owensboro during the 'Bar-B-Q Block Party' I was so excited to see so many of our law enforcement out and about. I think we are so fortunate to have so many men and women in uniform that care so deeply for our community. Although during National Police Week a spotlight is shown on their service, really it should shine down every day. The fact that law enforcement kisses their family when they leave the house, and not know if they'll ever see them again is the ultimate sacrifice.
I had a lengthy conversation with Sherrif Keith Cain on Saturday and he mentioned something that I've never thought about. I'm sure many officers in this community get offered positions in other cities, maybe even with better pay. But, yet they stay here. They embed themselves in the community and care about all of us. And, it's not just about their service. They volunteer, raise money, and help organizations in their off time too. Every year we can count on them to support our St. Jude Radiothon!
We must also remember the law enforcement officers that are harmed or killed in the line of duty. Along, with the loved ones that they've left behind. #heroes
With all of this being said, it's heartbreaking to know that Kentucky ranks third for least-friendly state for police officers. The new study from Wallethub.com takes a deep dive to identify the best and worst states for law enforcement to work.
"In order to determine the best states to pursue a career in law enforcement, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 30 key indicators of police-friendliness. The data set ranges from the median income for law-enforcement officers to police deaths per 1,000 officers to state and local police-protection expenses per capita.", Wallethub shared.
Life & Work for Cops in Kentucky (1=Best; 25=Avg.):
• 50th – Law-Enforcement Officers per Capita
• 41st – Median Income for Law-Enforcement Officers (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
• 51st – Median Income Growth for Law-Enforcement Officers
• 32nd – % of Homicide Cases Solved
• 51st – State & Local Police-Protection Expenses per Capita
• 43rd – Police Deaths per 1,000 Officers
Note: “Law-enforcement officers” includes police and sheriff’s patrol officers, detectives, and criminal investigators.
I just want to take a moment and thank our law enforcement for putting yourselves on the line, so that I can live in a safe community. Back in 2013, I needed you and you were there without hesitation. You showed up, and continue to show up. I know that you'll show up in the future if I need you again too. #blessed