Stories From the Streets - Why I Became a Cop

Stories From the Streets - Why I Became a Cop

Written by: Garrett Miller | May 18, 2022

I'm currently a police officer with the Austin Police Department down in the great state of Texas. I've been a police officer here for a little over two years now.

I've got a lengthy story on why I became a cop, but I'll try and keep it to a minimum. When I was 2, my mother was gruesomely murdered. My three siblings and I went into the foster care system, where we were abused. Our grandma thankfully adopted us and raised us. I was the 3rd out of the four siblings, so I was able to use my two older siblings as examples. Whether for good or for bad. They were in and out of trouble all their adolescent lives. One is a convicted felon, and the other chooses not to talk to me.

When I became 15-16, I had many "whys" and a lot of built-up anger. I was never really told what happened to my mother. I found out that she was murdered, and the culprit was never caught due to fleeing to Mexico. That pain I felt and STILL feel is one of the many driving forces on why I do what I do. I want everyone to have justice and everyone to feel at peace.

At that age, I also found myself on the wrong side of the law several times. I was arrested twice and sent to the local juvenile center. So early on, I learned that side of justice was not where I wanted to be. But, of course, I always knew I wanted to become a cop. I just needed to grow up. And many more events helped me grow.

I have been turned away from several departments due to my adolescent wrap sheet, but APD hired me, and I've loved it. This is a gratifying career. I wouldn't change anything in my life either.

I am writing and trying to publish my book. So there's a lot to my story that isn't in this synopsis.