Introduction
Police officers are vital for the community’s safety, as they maintain order and keep the peace. Many people are willing to get this position, but considering the significance and complexity of the work, becoming one of them is not simple and requires research. This paper will examine the steps to becoming a police officer in detail, the challenges most applicants will face, and the requirements they have to meet. Moreover, the work will provide a description of duties future police officers should be prepared to fulfill and human qualities, which are beneficial for this position.
Becoming a Police Officer. Job description, qualities, and duties
A brief job description should be provided to create a comprehensive understanding of the position and ensure sufficient knowledge of all the steps and requirements necessary. Police officers are responsible for ensuring the safety of all the citizens and capturing the criminal in order to maintain a process (“What does a police officer do?” n.d.). This job is often associated with high risks because of dangerous situations, which occasionally happen.
The degree of police officers’ human qualities development is essential, as they work with emotionally unstable people most of the time. Communication skills, which imply the ability to communicate and socially interact, are necessary to establish a rapport with different individuals in any situation (Scherman, 2019). Compassion and empathy assist in providing support to victims and understanding criminals’ motives. Integrity is another fundamental trait that enables one to interact with the community on a confidence and trust basis, increasing the results (Scherman, 2019). Negotiation skills are vital for situations when a police officer should stabilize the state of affairs through active listening, promises to make, and reassuring subjects. Eagerness to learn is helpful for improving the work of a police officer in general, as the world is being constantly changed, which requires adapting to new circumstances daily, regardless of the previous experience (Scherman, 2019). Finally, mental agility is considered a vital ability for positions associated with stressful situations, as according to Scherman (2019), it enables them to “switch their mindset instantly without losing composure.” (Mental Agility section, para. 2). Police officers should possess the six mentioned basic characteristics, which are useful for the work.
In addition, it is necessary to be prepared for specific duties fulfilling, as comprehending future daily rooting is a part of mental training. It will ensure the well-considered choice of becoming a police officer and reduce the potential stress, hesitation, and a number of doubts in the life path. Regular duties of a police officer include, but are not limited to: Life and property protection through the enforcement of law and regulations, assigned areas patrolling, and responding to incoming calls (“Officer Expectations and Duties,” Duties of a Police Officer section, n.d., para. 1). Moreover, it will be necessary to conduct interviews and preliminary and follow-up traffic and criminal investigations regularly, with the following written reports prepared. The other daily part of the work is arresting and processing criminals and further testifying in court. A police officer also must participate in adverse weather conditions’ consequences preventing. Finally, commanding emergency personnel at accidents and active participation in Community Oriented Policing on campus are expected (“Officer Expectations and Duties,” Duties of a Police Officer section, n.d., para. 1). Working as a police officer is complicated and requires specific skills to fulfill mentioned above duties. Prompt consideration of what is expected in this position is vital for further success.
Step by Step Becoming a Police Officer
Primary and Complimentary Requirements
Before examining the steps to become a police officer, it is vital to consider a list of requirements applicants for this position must meet. Despite the fact that sets of them vary from state to state, a number of primary and complementary requirements for local police officer roles can be outlined. First is the necessity to be a US citizen, which is understandable. Applicants should be at least 20 years of age, or older, although some states may require being not younger than 21 years (“What Does it Take? Police Officer Qualities and Qualifications,” Are You Qualified to Become a Police Officer section, n.d., para. 2). Having a valid driver’s license is not an optional requirement but a due because of the job’s specificity. Applicants must pass a background check to ensure the absence of criminal records, such as felony convictions and other events that may be reasons for rejection. Have a high school diploma or pass the General Educational Development test. These requirements are most significant, and applicants face the most difficulties with them.
The other necessity for those who are apprising to become police officers is: passing a written entry test, which is obligatory as well. Having normal hearing, depth perception, and color vision is also vital. It may be acceptable to meet the standard if the vision is 20/30 with corrective lenses (“What Does it Take? Police Officer Qualities and Qualifications,” Are you Qualified to Become a Police Officer section, n.d., para. 5). Passing a sequence of tests, which are drug, physical, physical agility, and psychological ones is a due. The in-person interview is also a part of the testing of an applicant. The last requirement that can vary is the necessity to not have body modifications, such as piercings or tattoos. It is usually acceptable if they are not visible while in uniform. The mentioned requirements can seem excessive, but they assist in choosing the appropriate candidates to protect the law and the citizens.
Step by Step Guide
Step One
The most complicated stage of becoming a police officer is obtaining the right education and training. One of the popular options is an associate degree in Law Enforcement. It implies a college degree with the subject matter in law enforcement and general education courses (“How to Become a Police Officer,” 2020, Get the Right Police Education & Training section, para. 3). It takes two years of full-time study, is less competitive, and is good for ones who need a basic college degree. The second option is Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement. It takes four years, provides applicants with better career advantages, and is required for some departments and more elite positions. The cost is higher than a college degree, it is more resource-consuming, but it is good for those who anticipate future professional advancement.
The next option is a master’s degree in law enforcement. The duration of this program depends on specific programs, but it usually takes up to three years to complete. It is convenient for law enforcement professionals who aim to be promoted or specialize in a particular sphere of their specialty. The other possibility to become an applicant is to get military experience in lieu of a degree (“How to Become a Police Officer,” 2020, Get the Right Police Education & Training section, para. 6). Serving the country is beneficial and enables one to apply for certain positions. It also provides valuable skills in charge of significant risks and dangerous situations.
Police academy training is almost always necessary to complete, regardless of the program chosen. The approximate duration of it is six months. It is the fastest way to become a police officer, but it lacks theoretical training (“How to Become a Police Officer,” 2020, Get the Right Police Education & Training section, para. 7). It implies that in the event of changing careers or moving into the private sector, it will be necessary to get a sufficient degree. For those who have already had a degree, this training is formal. It consists of various elements that prepare me for being a police officer. Three major areas that include this training are classroom education, field training, and in-service training in a controlled environment under supervision.
The other significant point is training institutions for police officers. The first option is vocational/trade schools, which focus their programs on specific training without deepening into general education (“How to Become a Police Officer,” 2020, Training Institutions for Police Officers section, para. 2). It is sufficient for those who are confident about the job and wants to become a police officer quickly. Community colleges, which are also focused on particular skills but are combined with other coursework. The graduates will have both an associate degree and specialized training, but it is a more expensive option. Four-year schools provide graduates with a bachelor’s degree pursuit. After finishing the program, it is still necessary to complete police academy training. Finally, law enforcement schools or police academies, the benefits of which were explained in the previous paragraph, are the last type of institutions that provide specialized education and training.
Step Two
After choosing the suitable program, there is the stage of acceptance that is focused on admission requirements. It includes completing an application, paying an application fee, and presenting proof of high school graduation (“How to Become a Police Officer,” 2020, Get Accepted & Paying Your Way section, para. 4). The additional requirement that might be necessary for the associate degree program is a personal statement and transcripts from other college courses taken. For the Bachelor’s degree, it may be required to write an essay, present letters of recommendation, transcripts for associate degree work, completion of certain prerequisites, and a resume of related experience (“How to Become a Police Officer,” 2020, Get Accepted & Paying Your Way section, para. 4). Then, it is necessary to pay for the educational program and successfully pass it.
Step three
Then, applicants must pass the Peace Officer Standards and Training exam (POST exam). It includes a written examination, such as an evaluation of grammar, reading comprehension, and writing (“How to Become a Police Officer,” 2020, Pass the POST Exam & Become a Police Officer section, Apply to Become a Police Officer section). The background review and oral interview, mentioned above, are completed at this stage. Usually, becoming a police officer is a highly competitive process, as each vacant position has many applicants. It might be helpful to learn how to get particular attention and appreciation of your skills and abilities. After completing all the mentioned steps, an applicant becomes a police officer.
Conclusion
The work as a police officer is difficult and stressful. Even more complicated is the process of becoming one. It is advisable to consider the nuances of the work, requirements, and future duties to make sure that the position is chosen premeditatedly. Steps the future applicant must follow are obtaining education, passing training, getting accepted, completing coursework, and field training. Then, passing the POST Exam, apply to become a police officer, and be hired. It is complicated to become a police officer, but following the proper guidance can facilitate the process.
References
What does a police officer do? (n.d.). CareerExplorer. Web.
Officer Expectations and Duties (n.d.). PoliceUNC. Web.
What Does it Take? Police Officer Qualities and Qualifications(n.d.). Goodwin. Web.
Scherman, J. (2019). 6 Often Overlooked Qualities of a Great Police Officer. Web.
How to Become a Police Officer (2020). Steps. Web.