Police Officer Duties And Responsibilities
The duties of a police officer vary depending upon the agency. State police have responsibilities different from officers in urban settings. A large metropolitan forces expectations of their patrol officers differ from those of a small, rural department. Patrol officers do their jobs on foot, motorcycle, horseback, bicycle or in a vehicle. A few common responsibilities are shared across all law enforcement departments.
Enforce Laws
A police officer is assigned a specific zone in which to enforce the law, stop crime as it occurs, or to render assistance. The patrol officer responds to calls, makes arrests, writes reports, enforces laws, and conducts traffic stops. Additionally, he or she may administer first aid and provide testimony in court.
Provide Community Education
Television cop shows make it appear as if a police officers sole duty is to arrest criminals, but actually, officers spend most of their day educating the community about laws and public safety. For example, some patrol officers educate children about drug use at their local school. Or, a patrol officer may lecture senior citizens on self-defense. Most patrol officers feel their top priority is developing positive community relationships through education.
Respond to Calls
Assist Other Agencies
Police officers may be called upon to help other local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies. Local patrol officers may help hunt for a fugitive criminal or assist in a statewide drug task force.
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Male police officer in uniform talks to camera in a car park filled with police cars.
We are the day-to-day police officers that you will see on the street
The reason we do our job is to actually make a positive impact on peoples live and to help catch the bad guys, as it were.
Male police officer stands in front of police car and folds arms behind his back.
I started my career at Surrey Police at 19. I always wanted to join the police.
Male police officer is sat inside the police station in office-like surroundings working on computer.
There are apprenticeship schemes that are now being run that will run alongside your probation, so dont be put off if you dont have a degree- there is still a route in to be a police officer.
Male officer and female officer are walking through police car park.
I come into work in the morning and I dont know whats just around the corner
Male officer and female officer open car doors and get into vehicle.
I dont know whats going to happen next, and I love that sort of excitement and that thrill. Its a very diverse job. I think if youre enthusiastic, youre willing to try new things,
Police car drives out of car park.
Youre willing to speak to people, youre approachable-
Male police officer in uniform talks to camera in a car park filled with police cars.
I think if thats something that excites you and is something you think youd be very good at, then I would say to definitely apply.
Police car drives out of car park.
How To Become A Police Officer
The steps to becoming a police officer can vary depending on your goals and desired lifestyle. However, there are a few milestones along the path. You will likely need to attend a police academy, earn some level of education, apply at a station and be hired. To learn more about becoming a police officer or how SNU’s criminal justice program thats designed for adult students can help you reach your career goals, .
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Do You Make Money While In The Police Academy
The answer to this question is unfortunately no. You do not get paid while attending the police academy. This is because the academy is designed to train you to become a police officer and as such, you are not considered to be a police officer until you have graduated from the academy and completed your field training.
In most cases, it takes six months to complete a police academy. A police academy graduate will almost certainly be able to raise their salary after graduating from the academy. For new hires with the Los Angeles Police Department, for example, the starting salary is $67,546. Tuition assistance of up to $20,000 is available to New York City police academy cadets. In contrast to a cadet, you will receive an annual salary of $71,242 if you choose to join the Los Angeles Police Department as a trainee. When Philadelphia police officers graduate from the academy, they will receive a pay raise of $58,662. Students who complete an eight-month academy in Austin will earn an annual salary of $60,453.
What Makes You A Good Police Officer
To be a good police officer requires many traits and talents that dont naturally exist in all of us. While most of them can be learned, some aspects are more personal, but its possible to develop the qualities of a good police officer if you are highly motivated. First and foremost, education and continuous training are vital in the development of a good officer. Knowledge of what your job entails legally and physically is required in order to be successful. When things go bad, you must rely on your training in order to survive . You are only as good as your training has taught you.
Constant practice makes what you do more natural. The ability to naturally use your weapons as if you were blindfolded is the result of repetition and focus. Hesitation can cost you your life, and if you dont practice enough to remain fluid in your movements and actions things can go wrong very quickly . Practice makes perfect, and in some cases, it can even save your life. The ability to act without thinking can be a deciding factor in whether or not you go home that night.
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Surprising Qualities Of A Good Police Officer
Corrupt cops are a sad reality of the law enforcement agencies in the United States, with thousands of officers dismissed or forced to leave the NYPD over the past few years. But most officers on the force are exceptional individuals with solid training and passionate about serving their communities.
These individuals can be identified with their character traits and qualities such as professionalism, bravery, strong ethics, and a deep respect and knowledge of laws. Great police officers are distinguished from average ones because they possess some surprising and over-looked qualities that are essential for every cop in the United States.
Here are five key qualities that lift an average or good cop into a great one:
Pass The Post Exam & Become A Police Officer
In order to work as a police officer, aspiring applicants must pass the Peace Officer Standards and Training or Police Officer Standards and Training exam. Commonly known as the POST exam, this is required for each state except Hawaii . Each state has subtle differences in their testing procedure, requirements, and the test itself, so its important to do in-depth research on the test your particular state requires.
Examsfor police officers include not only the POST written examination which includes an evaluation of grammar, reading comprehension, andwriting but other points as well, such as physical agility,medical health, psychological fitness, background review, and an oralinterview. Some states might add other requirements, such as apolygraph test. Once these tests are satisfactorily passed, graduatesare ready to work as police officers. The procedure it takes to getfrom passing the tests to wearing the badge depends on the state andin some cases, the department itself.
Step 6
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Get The Right Police Education & Training
There was a time when becoming a police officer was as simple as graduating high school or earning your GED, then attending a short training academy before diving into on-the-job training. And though those opportunities do still exist, especially in smaller departments, most departments have raised their standards of education to at least two years of post-secondary work. This means pursing an associate degree in law enforcement or a related field, such as criminal justice, criminology, or police science should be the first option to consider. The associate degree can then serve as a stepping stone to the bachelors degree, which then leads to graduate degree options.
However, other routes to the profession do exist. In addition to the on-the-job training after completing academy training, there is also the military option. Those who work as military police or in a similar capacity while serving their country can be perfectly suited to move into a police force after their military time is up. Lets take a look at the options.
Associate Degree in Law Enforcement
Bestfor? Those who want to stand outagainst the competition, or need a basic college degree to apply fora particular job opening.
Bachelors Degree in Law Enforcement
Best for? Those who have the time and financial resources to earn a four-year degree, want to work in federal law enforcement, or anticipate future professional advancement.
Masters Degree in Law Enforcement
Military experience in lieu of a degree
Typical Steps For Becoming A Police Officer And Advancing Your Career
Although individual paths to police work may vary, there are some important steps that anyone interested in this career must follow, including attending police academy. While becoming a police officer doesnt necessarily require it, a criminal justice degree may have significant value when it comes to ascending in the ranks.
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Skills Needed To Be A Police Officer
Being a police officer is one of the best jobs in the world! Our successful candidates having met the minimum requirements, possess 10 basic skills:
- Communication skills
- Skill in assessing situations recognizing when to take action and deciding on an appropriate course of action
- Skill in reading, comprehending, retaining, and applying written factual information
- Skill in analyzing situations quickly and objectively recognizing actual and potential dangers determining a proper course of action
- Skill in observing and remembering detail
- Willingness to confront a variety of problems and situations
- Interpersonal / interracial / public relations skills
- Skill in operating a motor vehicle
- Dependability and sound work habits
- Characteristics necessary to maintain integrity, truthfulness and credibility
We are especially looking for the following qualities:
- Proven ability to establish effective working relationships and rapport with people from various racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds
- Demonstrated skill in relating with the public in a fair, tactful and courteous manner, regardless of cultural differences
- Demonstrated skill in effectively dealing with persons in various emotional and mental states
An applicants capacity in these areas is evaluated in part by the experiences documented by personal, professional and volunteer references police and security contacts and interactions with their background investigator.
Pass The Licensing Exam
The next step to becoming a police officer is to earn a passing score on your states police licensing board exam. Your education and training will prepare you to take the Peace Officer Standards and Training exam.
Each state has its own licensing board, so the tests will also vary. But generally speaking, most POST exams cover topics like: practical application and techniques, civil and criminal law, community policing, victims rights and management and communication. By passing this capstone exam, you are licensed to become a police officer and enforce the law in your jurisdiction. You are now free to seek employment with a police department.
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Gain Experience As An Officer
Once trainees have graduated from the police academy, they can begin working for the police force on a conditional basis. New officers are placed on a 12-month probationary period in which they work as a police officer but receive continuous training from more experienced officers on a daily basis.
After their probationary period, they can take on a permanent position. Depending on the department they have chosen to work for, they may also be able to obtain additional training, acquire new skills and receive performance reviews that can help them advance their way into higher-ranking positions and police specialties.
What Is A Police Officer
Police officers are tasked with defending and protecting people. As part of this, they have the power to arrest and detain you if you are accused of breaking the law. It might be that they are focused on making sure drivers follow the rules of the road or respond to emergencies. Here they work to restore order and safety. They are also tasked with taking detailed reports of what happened and any action that was made.
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What Occurs In Police Academy
The Basic Police Academy direction includes fundamental principles, procedures and strategies of regulation enforcement, together with: Criminal Law, Patrol Procedures, Cultural Diversity, Investigative Procedures, Report Writing, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, Leadership, Ethics, Community Policing, Police Vehicle Operations, Traffic …
What Should I Major In To Become A Police Officer
General Requirements for a Police Officer. Basic requirements for becoming a police officer include a high school diploma or GED, some post-secondary education or a degree and completion of police academy training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, to become a police officer, you need to be a U.S. citizen 21 years old or older.
How did you go about becoming a police officer?
Ensure a Career as a Police Officer is Right for You.
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Associate Degree In Law Enforcement
An associate degree in law enforcement prepares graduates for police careers by providing the information necessary to pass police academy entrance exams. The associate degree usually takes two years to complete, is a well-rounded degree with general education courses mixed in, and serves as a stepping stone to the bachelor’s degree. Because each associate degree program will be tailored to the requirements of the local and regional law enforcement departments, curriculums will vary. However, some of the classes incoming students can expect include:
Crime Types
- Utilizing crime reconstructions methods
What Are The Benefits Of Being A Police Officer
You may wonder why you want to become a police officer. A lot of the websites describing the role are honest about the challenges faced by our police. However, there are lots of reasons to choose this career.
- The bond amongst police officers is the strongest amongst careers. You will enjoy support in the profession, with a member of your team there to back you up, but also in times of personal crisis.
- You can make a direct impact on your community, helping to make peoples lives better.
- Job satisfaction for police officers is high. There are many different routes to shape the career you would like.
- It is a highly competitive environment, where talent and hard work genuinely do propel you through the ranks.
- You can maintain a healthy lifestyle, as you will be active. You will also find the work mentally active.
- There is an excellent pension plan, a chance to work flexible hours, and paid over-time. A lot of police officer take up the option to retire early.
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Willing To Learn And Grow
Maintaining a I know it all attitude can be detrimental for police officers in terms of their career and their ability to build relationships with community members. A good police officer must be naturally curious and willing to expand their knowledge and abilities. Keeping an open mind and an eager attitude allows officers to make a sizeable impact in the department and the community. Expectations for police officers are quite high, and only an officer who is committed to learning and upgrading their skillset can avoid disappointing the department and the citizens.
Pathways To This Career
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What Are The Most Valued Qualities Of A Police Officer
The above list holds the most important qualities of a police officer. If you strive to become an officer of the law, you must know how to work well with others, to uphold respect for people and the law, and to have the mental, emotional, and physical capacity to serve your community.While all the above traits are all important, there are certain characteristics in this list that are especially valued by modern police departments. These include:
Communication skills:
Police officers must be able to communicate in a clear, concise, and confident manner. Whether they are speaking with a citizen, at a public event, or with other members of law enforcement, they must be able to deliver information clearly and accurately.
Respect for individuals:
Police officers main duty is to protect and serve others. This means they must also have great respect for, and an understanding of, people of all different backgrounds, cultures, attitudes, opinions, and beliefs.
Sound judgement and problem-solving:
Police officers must always be able to work under pressure, to maintain composure, and to have sound judgement and decision-making skills during times of need. They must be able to reason, to weigh the consequences, and to consider alternatives, before deciding on the most logical course of action. Without sound judgment, rationalization, and composure, situations can escalate and cost lives.
Devotion to the community:
A sense of law and ethics:
Perseverance and initiative: