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.
Why I Want To Become A Police Officer
I want to become a police officer because of the increasing number of crimes that is affecting society today. It can also be said that the types of crimes people commit nowadays are sometimes unimaginable and shocking. In addition to this, even the young ones are aware of how to plot a crime to avoid getting caught. I also want to provide protection to the innocent lives being violated by these offenders who have nothing better to do. In the recent years that have passed, it has bene observed that victims of violence, rape, and hate crimes have increased. One of the crimes that make me worry are the hate crimes because they are being killed or tortured just because society does not agree with their identity or their practices. This is regardless if they are not harming others. This is crucial because people might think it is acceptable to commit these crimes.
I know that being a police officer is a difficult job because aside from solving crimes, I am also putting my life in danger every time I get out there to stop crime. However, this is part of accepting the job and being mentally ready for whatever happens should be part of the journey. Becoming a police officer is exciting, challenging, and risky, but that there is no fulfillment if a person does not find purpose in what they do. This is why I want to become a police officer to prevent crime and send a message to society that we are just here to save their lives no matter what time it is.
Persuasive Essay On Police Brutality
to the law dictionary, police brutality is the use of excessive and/or unnecessary force by police when dealing with civilians. This definition is extremely simplistic when we look at what is going on in the world today. We have seen children be murdered by a police officer, young men taken from their families because of a misunderstanding, and the worst thing about all of this, is it stems from an abuse of power along with stereotyping and racism. The job of a police officer is to protect and serve
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Oral Police Officer Interview Questions
The police officer interview is known to be tough. Only those with the correct values, integrity, skills, and qualities that match the core competencies will pass.
In this article, we will look at the 15 toughest police interview questions that are guaranteed to come up in your interview!
These questions are ideal for the UK police officer final or in-force interview, the oral police officer interview for USA state and federal police, as well as for other worldwide police forces.
How To Look At This Question
When answering any interview question, its always a good idea to try and put yourself in the interviewers shoes, especially if they ask you Why do you want to become a police officer?
Think about what makes a good police officer, and think about what doesnt. Using this, we can briefly brainstorm a list:
A good police officer:
- Wants to work as part of a reputable and efficient team.
- Wants to grow and improve themselves.
A bad police officer:
- Is only applying because they want to catch criminals.
- Wants to ride around in a police car with the lights flashing.
- Wants to meat out physical punishment to wrongdoers.
- Wants the status and admiration that comes from working as a police officer.
- Wants to earn lots of money.
While not all of the above are particularly incendiary on their own, it goes without saying that if you used the above answers in your response, then it would harm your prospects of getting the job.
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Tell Us A Little Bit About Yourself
In any oral board, this will be one of the first questions that is asked. Its your chance to make a good impression, so make it count.
Prepare an opening statement in advance that includes a short summary of your career, a summary of your strengths and accomplishments, and why you want to work at that specific department.
If that sounds brief, thats because it should be. Your answer will give the oral board a highlight reel of your professional life, but shouldnt be so long as to bore them with all the details. Practice this and get it down.
Answers to avoid: Give your oral board a good impression about yourself, but dont bog down your response with unnecessary, boring details. Also avoid being overly negative about the things you dislike it comes off as immature and petty.
Do These Reasons Apply To You
As previously mentioned, these are just some of the most common reasons the police officers I met decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. And most importantly, perhaps, these reflections came from officers throughout the department with varying numbers of years on the force.
Maybe youre thinking of being a police officer too, but are worried because you dont identify with any of the ideas in the above list. But dont fret! Just like with any job, each individual has his/her own unique reasons for choosing to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Do you want to be a police officer? Get your law enforcement degree and fulfill your dream!
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Federal Police Force Salary & Benefits
If youre interested in the federal police force, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police offers new hires $53,144/year with an incremental increase to $86,110 within 3 years of employment. Benefits include paid vacation days, an RCMP pension plan, medical, dental and family health plans and group life insurance. The RCMP also offers generous maternity and parental allowances as well as financial support for continuing education and professional development opportunities.
Good Reasons To Work As A Police Officer
So, what are the positive reasons to get involved in law enforcement work? There are a wide variety of benefits to entering this line of work that we discuss in further detail below:
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The Interview Is Over Is There Anything Else Youd Like To Say
Its not recommended to ask any direct questions at this point.
Instead, you should use this time to form a closing statement that reviews your strongest points and why you would be a good fit for the agency.
If you havent already, this is a great chance to show that youve done some research into the department and have a good understanding of the challenges they face in the future. Its also an opportunity to insert yourself into that future, and make it known that you could play an active and valuable role for the department.
Answers to avoid: Since this is your last chance to leave a good impression on the oral board, it’s not the time to come off as presumptuous. Asking questions like, when do I start, how much do I get paid, or when the holidays are will ruin any goodwill that you’ve built up during the interview. End with a strong closing statement, shake the hands of your interviewers, and leave the room with confidence.
Next: Need more help with an upcoming oral board interview? Check our guide on how to prepare for the oral board.
Fill out the form below to download a PDF of our oral board prep tips to have with you while you prepare.
Present your best self with these oral board interview tips
Tips For Answering Questions About Motivation
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when answering this commonly asked interview question:
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Be honest: It’s important that your answer to this question is genuine. Try not to brag or stretch the truth when describing your skills and achievements. A good response is both authentic and enthusiastic and conveys that you are an honourable individual, devoted to the force.
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Radiate confidence: Do your best to remain calm and confident throughout your interview. The job of a police officer requires both courage and determination. Try to convey that you possess these traits when delivering your answer.
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Be positive: While you may enter the police force following a negative experience with a previous employer, your interview is not the place to vent these frustrations. Be positive when discussing your previous employer and demonstrate respect for management and hierarchy. This is an important professional quality that interviewers are looking for.
Related:
Here are some example answers you can use to help draft your own effective response:
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Exploring Different Careers In Criminal Justice
either about the area you are interested in or different areas? I had a couple questions referring back to the career I want to pursue. I want to know if I can be a police officer and a probation officer during the same time? I also want to know where would a probation officer recommend me to go to school at once I transfer out of CCC? What is a typical day for a probation officer? Do they enjoy being a probation officer? Why or why not? How can a person become an FBI agent? What are the steps a
How Would You Prepare For Dangerous Situations
- Knowledge of preventive measures for health and safety issues
- Organizational skills
- Drive to keep others safe
Example:
“I have extensive safety and skills training. Being aware of my environment and on the alert for dangerous people is important to me. I also pay keen attention to details and make sure I have the required firearm for dangerous situations. I understand that I need to carry a handgun in my service belt, even when patrolling the streets.”
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You Appreciate Variety On The Job
Does the thought of sitting behind a desk all day make you cringe? If so, a career in law enforcement might be right up your alley.
No two days are the same for a police officer, thanks to a wide variety of job duties and the possibility that anything could happen on your shift. An officers day can include arresting suspects, issuing citations, responding to emergency calls, patrolling their assigned area, testifying in court and just about everything in between.
As you move forward in your career and gain experience, you may want to consider other job titles that police officers can hold like detective, air marshal, or special jurisdiction police office. Not only will you find variety in your day-to-day as a police officer, you can create new opportunities for yourself throughout your career.
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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Police Community Support Officer
Although they do not have the same powers as a police officer, PCSOs play a key role on the frontline of neighbourhood policing. According to the College of Policing, the job involves:
- dealing with minor offences
- providing support to police officers
- conducting house-to-house enquiries
- guarding crime scenes
- providing crime prevention advice.
Starting salaries are typically between £17,500 and £20,000, although North Yorkshire Police states that their trainees currently earn £21,135, which rises to £23,406 with experience.
This is a uniformed role, and you’ll work shifts including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Apply for PCSO positions directly through the police force that you want to join. You do not generally need any formal qualifications, but you’ll need to meet the basic eligibility requirements set by individual police forces. Check their websites for details.
The application process typically involves an application form, online tests, an interview and assessment centre. You’ll also have to demonstrate your fitness and pass a medical test. Successful applicants will then undergo a training programme lasting between three weeks and three months.
You may later decide to apply to become a police officer, or continue as PCSO.
I Work With Some Really Good Cops
I wish I could say everyone I work with is outstanding, but lets be real, there are some folks who really just enjoy telling people that theyre cops. We are lucky to have some courageous and compassionate officers in my town. Just when you think you have them figured out, theyll roll out a new wrinkle to show how amazing they are. These are the men and women I want as my backup officers, as when I hear theyre on the way, I know they will do everything they can to help everyone stay safe.
The list of things I enjoy could be much longer, I mean who doesnt like to drive fast and get paid to shoot at the range? Ultimately, its all about keeping my area a safe place for my friends and family.
This article, originally published 09/01/2016, has been updated.
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How Do You Deal With Moral Dilemmas
Police officers often face situations that test their character and integrity. By asking this question, you can determine how a candidate reacts to scenarios that may change what they believe is right. What to look for in an answer:
- Drive to make ethical decisions
- Desire to always follow the department’s policies and procedures
- Excellent decision-making skills
Example:
“I’m aware I may encounter situations that would test my character and integrity as a police officer. When faced with a moral dilemma, I make sure I follow my police department’s policies and procedures. If I felt a policy was morally questionable, I’d reach out to the police chief and discuss it with them. Ensuring community members get the protection they deserve is my prime responsibility.”
How To Become A Police Officer
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Applying To Join The Police
You’ll first need to check that you meet the minimum eligibility requirements. These vary between police forces, but in general you should:
- be aged 18 or over
- be a British citizen, a European Community /European Economic Area citizen, or a foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK without restrictions
- have lived in the UK for the last three years
- possess a qualification equivalent to A-level, have been a special constable who has been signed off for independent patrol service in the last two years or have served as a police community support officer for 18 months.
You may not be accepted if you have certain criminal convictions, debt problems, or tattoos that could be deemed offensive. Members of certain extreme political groups are not allowed to apply. A valid driving licence is often essential, and you’ll also have to pass medical, eyesight and fitness tests.
You can’t apply if you’ve made an unsuccessful application to a police force in the last six months.
Visit the recruitment website of the police force you’re interested in joining to confirm their full requirements and determine whether you’re eligible.
The application process involves several stages:
- undergoing medical and fitness tests
- passing background/security checks
- any additional assessment stages, such as a second interview.
The police force you’re applying to will be able to provide more details about their recruitment process.
Personal Statement: Why Health
As an adolescent, I envisioned that I would pursue many different careers. I dreamed of becoming a firefighter, a police officer, a marine, and even the future president of our nation. I changed my mind plenty of times on which career path I wanted to pursue. After enrolling in classes that allowed me to realize who I am, I came to the realization of what I am passionate in. The question was posed, Why Health?, and my response is based on my intense passion for helping the individuals in my life
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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.