Why Become A Police Officer

Show Them Your Strengths

In a very best answer to the question, you should actually refer to two things. First one is the reason why you want to work in police. It can be the meaningful purpose of the job, your desire to serve the city or country, or a desire to help end the organized crime, or anything elseeven having a steady job and getting a good paycheck at the end of each month.

Second thing you should refer to is the reason why they should recruit you. Talk about your great shape, mental resilience, attention to detail, sense for order, teamwork ability, or about any other skills and personality traits that make from you a good candidate .

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Many Different Departments You Can Work In

Being a police officer also doesnt mean that you have to stay in the field you began your career in.

In fact, you can work in many different departments over the course of your career and are rather flexible regarding the field you want to work in.

Consequently, dont be discouraged if your first job as a police officer will not be your dream job.

Chances are that it can get much better if you stay ambitious and try to get into different departments.

Interview Question: Why Do You Want To Be A Police Officer

This article has been approved by an Indeed Career Coach.

Related video: Why Do You Want This Job? 3 Steps To the Best AnswerIn this video, Taylor, an Indeed Evangelist and resource on recruiting, shares his strategy for creating a compelling 2-3 minute answer for this critical interview question.

Police officers are responsible for protecting and serving their communities, helping people in times of need and fighting crime. During an interview for a police officer position, an interviewer may ask you questions to better understand your intentions for going into the force. In this article, we discuss how to answer the common interview question, “Why do you want to be a police officer?”

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Some Police Officers Develop Paranoia Over Time

Since their job can be quite dangerous, many police officers also develop significant paranoia over time.

This could mean that they think that somebody follows them to their house when there will actually nobody be there.

This can be quite problematic since police officers may attack uninvolved residents due to their paranoia.

Con #: Many Of Us Try To Combat The Daily Toll Of Societal Decay With Humor

Cop humor is often misunderstood, brash, or downright disgusting. It is awkward at times, but we think we are funny. It becomes a part of us we share in small circles. Many officers would say humor buffers the shroud of reality we face in societal problems. Many citizens are shielded from the horrors we encounter. They do not find comic relief in a tragedy. Police officers are often misinterpreted when our antics are overheard in public. Its the nature of the beast.

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Ability To Save Innocent Lives

Copscome with a lot of responsibility.

Cops face innumerable situations some simple, others more complex but almost invariably involve the need to save innocent lives. After all, those innocent lives may just be about to be snatched by an unforgiving, gruesome felon or perhaps by a burning vehicle on the corner of the freeway.

Itis your responsibility to act accordingly, and as trained, to save that personslife. The psychological reward that comes with such a responsibilitycannot ever be put into words.

Of course, saving lives is not just down to the most dramatic events. The mere presence of a police officer is often enough to deter crime, including the most egregious crimes. Whether its penciling through a speeding ticket or breaking up what could have been a fatal fight, the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer are great enough to offer this rare, unique and career satisfying reward.

What Does It Take To Become A Police Officer

A former Weston College student has successfully completed his police training and is now serving as a police officer. We caught up with the former Certificate in Knowledge of Policing student to find out what its like to become a police officer and also get his top tips!

How did the Certificate in Knowledge of Policing course prepare you to become a police officer?

The course at Weston College provides students with an understanding of the main pieces of legislation that a lot of police work revolves around .

The course gave me a head start on the industry, as when I started training I wasnt having to learn everything from scratch and could instead focus more in solidifying my understanding.

I was also very fortunate to have two ex-officers teach the course in the form of a retired Detective Inspector and a retired Chief Inspector. The knowledge they were able to pass on to me was invaluable. They were also both kind enough to help me with my application as well so credit has to go to them in helping me get where I am now.

What did the training entail?

The training lasted for 17 weeks and was Monday to Friday 9-5. It was predominantly classroom based, however there were practical role play days and officer safety days. These consisted of learning vital skills such as handcuffing, restraints and how to use our safety kit such as PAVA spray.

What advice would you give to any students that are thinking of following a similar route?

Quick Links

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Network Of Likeminded Professionals

Oneof the unique aspects of being a police officer is the bond you have withothers in this proud profession.

Remember,officers often face the most challenging situations in society life or deathsituations in which you may not see their co-worker again. Unfortunately, it isnot uncommon to hear of stories in which the strongest bonds are formed oneday, only to be snatched by the most random crime the next.

Thatswhy a career in law enforcement is one in which everyone has each othersback.

You become a member of a network of like-minded professionals who uniquely understand what its like to face the front line of community defense each day.

Discuss Your Applicable Skills

Police departments are looking for officers who have a certain set of skills. In your answer, discuss some skills and abilities you have that make you a qualified candidate. Here are some important police officer skills that you could include in your answer:

• Bravery

• Deep understanding of the law

• Logic and reasoning

• Quick-thinking

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Working For The Police Force

You are likely to seek work with one of the 45 police forces currently in the UK. Although you may also consider specialist forces such as the British Transport Police, Ministry of Defence Police , or Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

There is also the competitive area of forensic police work. This is either undertaken in police laboratories or outsourced in England and Wales, with designated bodies in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

You might consider Police Now, a two-year graduate programme operating with several forces in England and Wales. It offers graduates with at least a 2.1 qualification a structured route to becoming a police officer.

Your reasons for choosing a career in the police force should be clear and easy to explain when applying for work. Demonstrating knowledge of the local force, its senior officers and key challenges will also support your application.

Requirements for becoming a police differ across police forces, so you should make contact with your target police force before applying.

Diversity And Inclusivity In Policing

To be able to represent and engage with the communities we serve, its vital that our police service is inclusive and diverse. Thats why its really important that people from all backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, faiths, abilities, gender and sexual orientation, apply to join the police. Find out more about how we champion inclusion and diversity in policing.

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Why Do You Want To Become A Police Officer

Think about your own reasons for applying. Really think about them, and note down the reasons why YOU want to become a police officer. What does the police force represent to you, and what type of things come to mind when you visualise a police officer? If you can narrow down your list to two or three things, then thats perfect. This should give you more than enough material to form a succinct and concise response.

Now, lets look at a sample response!

Sample Response

Ive worked in my current role now for a number of years. I have an excellent employer and I enjoy working for them but, unfortunately, I no longer find my job challenging. I understand that the role of a police officer is both demanding and rewarding and I believe I have the qualities to thrive in such an environment. I love working under pressure, working as part of a team that is diverse in nature, and also helping people in difficult situations. The public expectations of the police are very high, and I believe I have the right qualities to help the police deliver the right service to the community. I have studied the police core competencies and I believe that I have the skills to match them and deliver what they require.

Top Tips

Now, lets take a look at the second sample response to this police officer interview question.

Theres a couple of things to note from the above response:

Police Officers Are Proud To Serve Their Communities

It can be immensely satisfying to know that your work serves a greater good. Police work offers many personally rewarding moments, but the knowledge that what you do will hopefully help scores of people, in the long run, is perhaps the greatest intangible reward.

Most people are social animals. It’s in our DNA to want to help each other. Working as a police officer fulfills this desire while providing an opportunity to support yourself and your family at the same time.

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Giving Back To Your Community

Thoughyou can expect to earn handsomely, one of the greatest reasons to become apolice officer is the ability to give something back.

During our interview with Officer Nathan Spies, he identified this reason as one of the core reasons why he chose to become an officer and, perhaps more importantly, why he continues to enjoy being an officer, presently in Oregon.

You are not only serving yourself but more widely the local community. You may have lived in this community your entire life. There is nothing more rewarding than going out day-to-day to guarantee the security of your community for the wider good.

Veryfew professions afford this type of opportunity. Its a form of pride thatpolice officers grasp with both hands.

Interview Question: ‘why Do You Want To Be A Police Officer’

The role of a police officer is crucial for ensuring the protection and safety of our communities. Responsibilities within the force can be incredibly varied and demanding, as officers strive to fight crime and help people in their time of need. It’s common when interviewing for a position within the police force to be asked the question ‘why do you want to be a police officer?’. In this article, we explain why employers ask applicants this question and how you can construct an impactful answer that conveys your intentions for entering the police force.

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Can I Volunteer Before Applying

Each of the police forces offer a range of different volunteer opportunities. Usually they will have a dedicated area within their careers pages outlining the volunteer options and how to apply. If you cant find these, it is worth sending an email to the force recruitment team so they can direct you.

You Seek A Job That Will Make You Proud

Youd be hard pressed to find a group of individuals more proud than the friends and family members of law enforcement professionals. Its also true that the officers themselves form a bond you wont find in many other professions.

These individuals stand by one another in good times and bad achievements are celebrated and tragedies are mourned across the entire network. Police officers have a kinship bond that is formed by providing safety and support for each other throughout their law enforcement careers, Ardolf explains.

Police officers have also earned the respect and appreciation of those in their community by taking an oath to serve and protect the civilians in their jurisdiction. Its true there are some who are resentful of law enforcement, but most people recognize the sacrifice and dedication officers put forth on a daily basis. The job satisfaction you can find in an active law enforcement role like this one is a big reason to become a police officer.

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Municipal Police Force Salaries & Benefits

In comparison to the federal police force, the municipal police agencies offer slightly higher salaries.

The Calgary Police Service offers a starting salary of approximately $66,000/year.

The Vancouver Police Department offers new hires $70,154/year with an incremental increase to $90,198 after 3 years. Benefits include paid vacation, medical and dental benefits and a BC Municipal Pension Plan membership.

The Toronto Police Service has a starting salary of $63,564.98 for their cadets. After year 3, police officers receive an annual salary of $90,836. Benefits include paid vacation, family medical and dental benefits, life insurance, pension plan, parental/maternity leave and more.

Considering that the median income for individual Canadians was $36,400 in 2018, according to Statistics Canada, the starting salary for a Canadian police officer is an attractive one.

When deciding between the federal or municipal level, keep in mind that while the RCMP might have a lower salary, the role involves police duties at the international, federal, provincial and municipal levels with a much wider variety in operational and administrative opportunities.Some specializations that are unique to the RCMP are: Integrated Border Enforcement Team, National Security, Marine Services, International Peace Operations and many, many more.

What Does A Police Officer Do

A police officer’s duties are both administrative and active. At the police station, a police officer prepares written reports, conducts interviews with witnesses and suspects, obtains warrants and replies to inquiries from individuals in their community. A police officer also has many responsibilities outside of the police station. They respond to calls for emergency services, arrest suspects and perform investigations of accidents and crime scenes.

A police officer uses many skills while on the job, including critical thinking, listening and collaboration with other law enforcement professionals. A police officer exercises good judgment and makes quick decisions to deescalate conflicts. They may also be responsible for patrolling designated areas to protect property and citizens.

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Explain What You Plan To Do In Your Role

In your answer, explain what you would strive to do in your role as a police officer. This helps the interviewer see that you are a motivated and ambitious person who is right for the position. Show the interviewer that you want to make real, positive changes in your community and that you have a plan for how to do this, and provide an answer that demonstrates your commitment to public safety.

Here are a few ideas for what you might plan to do on the job to show that you have good intentions as a police officer:

• Lower crime rates in the community

• Help people build trust and respect for the police

• Treat people of all backgrounds fairly

• Work to help people understand the law better

• Make people feel safe and secure

• Mentor troubled children and teens

• Help ex-convicts become productive members of society

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The Pros And Cons Of Being A Police Officer

Despite the negative impacts of law enforcement, the love for the job is abundant

Law enforcement is ever-evolving, and so is the person occupying the uniform.

Some exposures to police work change us for the better and others for the worse. What are five negative and five positive personality adaptations cops undergo after experience on the job?

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Become A Police Officer

If you are looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding, then why not consider joining the Ontario Provincial Police?

If you are committed to working collaboratively with communities to prevent crime and improve public safety, then a career in policing could be right for you. We are one of the largest police services in North America, responsible for policing over one million square kilometres of land and waterways.

Problem Solving And Quick Thinking

In this line of work, youll need to think on your feet. Being a police officer means you are often the first person to respond to a call for help. This means you will need to make quick decisions under pressure. Youll be provided with the necessary training and expertise to handle these situations, so you feel confident when making that call.

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You Can Help People Improve Their Quality Of Lives

One of the most rewarding aspects of working in law enforcement departments is that you get the opportunity to help people make better choices. Petty criminals, gang members, sexual assaulters, and thieves are a few examples of people whove made wrong choices and almost ruined their lives.

Being in power gives you a unique opportunity to show them that the world can become a better and safer place if they mend their ways. If treated with kindness and respect, they might listen to what you have to say and make better life choices in the future.