NYC is not just Manhattan. The chances are a rookie cop will be assigned to not so desirable areas in the outer boroughs or places off the tourist beaten track. Discount the posts that talk about how glamorous NYC is. Police work is not glamorous. It’s part criminal justice, part social work. You have to hear about peoples’ daily problems, domestic issues. Sometimes you can make a difference. Many times can’t or won’t. It’s been said that police work is very depressing, witnessed by the very high divorce rate of police officers. So take everything you hear about how great being a cop is with a big grain of salt.