If I Wanted to Be a Cop, I Would….?
I am looking for a bit of help. I will be teaching a fundamental police studies class for the upcoming fall term. Most of the students will be freshmen or sophomores that are interested in careers in policing or other areas of the criminal justice system. I had a thought that throughout the program I would like to give them tips on how to move toward their career goals, and my blog audience is likely the best place to ask for advice.
If you have a minute, please post a line or two on what you would recommend based on your experiences. Put yourself in their shoes for me. I have no doubt that the advice will be sincere and genuine, and may help a young man or woman join us one day.
Thank you in advance!
© 2015 DAVID A. LYONS
I would get an annual, voluntary “mental health check” with a therapist of my choice to deal with the emotional challenges of the job.
In today’s anti police climate I would urge against seeking a career in policing the public. OTH, I enjoyed my 27 year career, even with its ups and its downs… I would suggest they learn and live the basics of the career, it’s plus’s and it’s minus’s, and weigh the opportunities for advancement within the particular agency they seek to join. But, above all, respect the position and never abuse it, nor abuse the rights of those with whom they encounter, regardless of the events leading to that encounter. Be respectful of both the public and your superiors, as well as your fellow law enforcement buddies…However, if they are engaged in obvious wrong-doing, or violation of human rights, don’t hesitate to try and convince them of the error of their ways, and report them to superiors…
James Barth
David, some of your students will be like myself and others in our profession that have a deep desire to enter our profession due to the admiration of someone we knew in Law Enforcement or just the desire to help others and make the world a safer place for all of us. For those students that are considering our profession, I would recommend encouraging them to join an auxiliary or reserve officer program where they live to give them a hands on view of what Law Enforcement is all about, the great and not so great that we all face daily.
Tony Houston
I love this!
Nick Zingo
There are many things open for some great discussion, but the one I would (and do) stress to those wishing to enter law enforcement is: during the background investigation you MUST be painfully honest in every answer you give. Many applicants believe that an answer may DQ them from the process, so they lie or omit the truth. In reality (most of the time), the thing the applicant worries about may not get them disqualified, but when the lie is found out, and it will be, the applicant will be DQ’d and that’s it, you are done! Many people think that lying is usually about drugs, sometimes, but the poly usually uncovers that, applicants lie about the most unusual things – like the applicant being a victim of DV, or a family member using or selling drugs, that will not get you DQ’d, but the lie will. Remember the people who do background investigations and or clearances are VERY good at what they do, and they will know more about you than your mom, when the investigation is completed!
Robert Steede
P/CPL, Investigator / Polygraph Examiner at Georgia Department of Public Safety
REMAIN DRUG FREE! I have seen too many recent college grads DQed from L.E. hiring processes for poor decisions made freshman or sophomore year. You have to pick your “team” early on, and if you want to play on our team you must be drug free. You have to make a conscious decision to live differently from your fellow students.
Timothy Crocker
SBPD Lieutenant
Get a Bachelor’s degree in something other than criminal justice. Business, Public Administraion, etc. It will help advance in the career, but also be a backup in case of career ending injury.
I completely agree with LT. Crocker. My major was in Social Sciences with an emphasis in English and Asian Studies and Criminal Justice and it has helped me tremendously in my post LE career.
Cecil Richardson, CAS, MM, CPI
Single Father and Member of the Law Enforcement Community
If I wanted to be a cop, I would accept that in this day an age, I will not be popular, but I will be called . I will not be accepted as educated, but I will earn an advance degree on the streets in human nature. I will be accused as being hateful, and racist, yet the very reason I do this is because I love my fellow man. I would understand that one day I may be asked to give my life, yet I do this because I want others to live without fear. I would accept that even if I see the worst of human interaction, the majority of the people I see are good and need my sheepdog protection.
William “Ken” Dyer
“Retired” Captain from MNPD
Do a tour of active military service as a M.P., it will prepare them for the physical demands, learn respect for the person doing the same job, and prepare them for the quasi military lifestyle of a police officer. Continue their education, learn how to think, analyze situations, take test, learn to accept demands and frequent disappointment. Take classes on finance so they can invest wisely. Learn how to survive without a large friend set. become an individual with a common goal with the ones they will someday join the ranks of.
Brian Myers
Patrol Commander at City of Ridgeland
You really have to want to be a cop. The pay is bad, the job is often thankless. We see so much bad in the world. I am a seventeen year veteran police officer, every day I smile as I go to work. This is the best job in the world if you want to be a cop.
Totally agree I love the job. Everyday is a school day for me. I am coming to the end of my service with the north yorkshire police and . my only regret is that i cant do more.
Born to be a cop… There is no career like it
Nick Kozicki
Look at society, think better of it and go into computer science where I would remain blissfully ignorant, make great money, work regular hours and not have people want to kill or sue me due to the uniform I wear…
Robert Steede
Be financially responsible. Student loan defaults,unresolved tax debt, broken health club and cell phone contracts all reflect negatively on an applicant and may lead to disqualification.
Be prepared to take a big drop in salary, lose some of your so-called friends, make new ones you would trust with your life, learn to be the bigger person in circumstances that would challenge your view of the world most days and give you an insight of the best and worst of humanity in general.
Jason Hendrix
Police Officer at City of Shelbyville
It’s simple: if you can imagine yourself doing anything else being a cop isn’t for you. For those that are left we became police officers.
Jared McKee
Uniform Captain at Town of Plainfield
Having been on the hiring board for several years I completely agree with previous comments. You MUST make that mental decision today that you are going to be different. That means remain drug free and stay out of trouble. You will not be popular with your friends but neither will you when you wear the badge. This is not just another job it is a lifestyle. If you aren’t ready for persecution then find something else to do.
Kelvin T. Jones
Detective at Murfreesboro Police Department
I totally agree with what’s been posted so far. If I were to add one thing it would be to study up on forensic science. That is one of the fastest-growing areas in law enforcement. And when I speak to new recruits or anyone interested in becoming a police officer I tried to steer them in the direction of forensic science.
Jeff (Curtis) Cope
Don’t take illegal drugs! Don’t drink alcohol to excess. Workout and become physically strong. Study hard and get good grades. Get a job as a cadet or intern at an police agency. Stand up for what is right.
Steven B. Frybarger
Think long and hard….
dennis fraley
Be independently wealthy first. You will never be compensated for risks you will take. What is your life worth to yourself and your family.
Dave Blake M.Sc., CCI
Prepare for a long and arduous journey of adrenaline rushes and complete boredom, a lifetime of being hated by some, but needed by many, and experiences that make an episode of Jerry Springer look like the Cosby show.
Sgt. Jay Crawford (ret)
In California we have Regional Occupational Programs in high school that teach Career Technical Education. These are part of the public education systems. I teach law enforcement/homeland security through Mission Valley ROP. We explore what the profession of law enforcement means. I would recommend that they look for one of these free courses in high school and get a feel for what they will need to know. During this time we explore college paths. I normally suggest Business Administration with a minor in Administration of Justice. That way they can satisfy some of their curiosity, have a degree that they can use beyond the law enforcement careers, and, should they get promoted, have skills that are currently in short supply in law enforcement.
Hello,
When looking at the question and breadth of the Criminal Justice, I would recommend the following:
1. Identify a senior police officer to come into the class and speak candidly about what the job is really like, let them explain the different skills sets needed at each stage of the career path, from patrol to senior leadership. Have the officer give sound advice and let them paint a vivid picture of what the job is really like.
2. Get someone in from the District’s Attorney’s Office, or Public Prosecutor’s Office and let them talk about their role, responsibilities and requirements. Let them candidly talk about what they need from the Police to be successful and what it is like to be involved in a criminal investigation from a prosecution point of view.
3. Bring in a Judge to talk about the role of Courts, the role of the prosecution and defence, and how the Justice System fits together. Get them to talk about the failings of each department and what in their opinion makes a good police officer, prosecutor, defence solicitor and judge.
4. Bring in someone from Probation to give them low down on what they do, why they do it, how they see themselves supporting the justice system and protecting the public and what is needed to be a great probation officer.
5. Get someone in from the prisons to highlight the role of the prisons in the justice system, what it takes to work in a prison, what makes a good prison versus a poor prison, what works, what doesn’t, get them to explain the revolving door symptom of the justice system, etc.
6. Scope out the relevant skills for each part of the CJS. Explain to your students that they will be faced with a series of choices as they progress through the education system. Some of your students will only want to work on the front line, so what do they need to focus on? Some will want to go into leadership and management, which requires an additional set of skills, which relate to HR, Business Studies, Operations Management, Leadership and Strategy, etc.
Most of all, wish them good luck.
Cynthia McTaggart
David, I would advise your students to look deep within themselves and examine their motives for becoming Law Enforcement. Tell them that current public opinion regarding Law Enforcement makes doing the job a lot tougher than it used to be, thanks media, (sorry I couldn’t help myself). Make sure they are doing it because they care and not for gratification and glory. It is a mean world out there and getting meaner. The LEO’s of today face a lot more than LEO’s of even just 10 years ago.
Denise Gentry
Definitely develop a thick skin. I am not even in front of the radio, but rather behind it, and all of the hatred and unnecessary violence is making me sick. The school hostage issue I just barely caught yesterday and today I hear about the newscaster and camera man killed in cold blood while doing a PR spot for the city.
Michael Amidon
No-one enters Police-work for the money, however the benefits and retirement aren’t half-bad if you live long enough to enjoy them. Individual’s who enter police-work for the money are in the wrong field. You should enter policing because you want to somehow make society a better place to raise our family’s and give back to the community.
Antonio Sajor, Jr.
I would suggest reading this article first. https://medium.com/homeland-security/want-to-be-a-police-officer-19d64b279415
James Bauernfeind
Assistant District Commander Sgt. at New Jersey State Park Police
I’m a big advocate for our youth to join the military. I think every male and female should at least serve a few years in the military. This will help them grow as a person and become a more well rounded individual. 20 years ago when I was taking the civil service exam to become a police officer I kept getting passed up by veterans, so I decided to become one. I have always felt that being a police officer is something of a calling and not a job. It is really something that you need to put your heart and soul into every day. My advice to anyone that has ever asked me about becoming a police officer has always been join the military and take the civil service test as many times as possible. If someone tells me that they are going to college instead of the military, I always tell them to make sure that they complete their degree in college prior to pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Sam Petitto
Licensed Private Investigator, Level 2
Invite as many different officers from your local area as possible to speak to your class with no limitations on what they are allowed to say or talk about. Make it the first 15 minutes of the period. Let the officer talk uninterrupted for the first two minutes and then have him/her answer questions for the next 10. 12 minutes will most likely become 15, at which point the officer or detective can leave and you can engage the class in feedback or segue in to your topic of discussion for the day. Once a week provides a dozen perspectives, once a class or every other class provides that many more. Frequency is not as important as putting real working cops in front of your audience and letting them interact together.
I would not do it in todays climate with how police are judged by segments on a short tape or without any knowledge of the job. I have worked 29 years at a large service in Ontario, Canada, and find that the hardest part of my career has been that I have tried to put my family first and not participated in “boys club” activities. Someone once told me before I joined that they had never shed a tear due to the way criminals treated or spoke to them but had many sleepless nights over how they were judged by management. I now know what they are speaking of 100%. I would not do it again if I knew then what I know now. The sacrifices have not been worth the price.
Brian Chellgren
Of Counsel at Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP
As a follow up to the comment below, it may help to also invite a few non-police speakers in related fields. For example, you may wish to invite a prosecutor and/or a defense attorney to describe how a police officer’s actions can change the final outcome of an arrest. Your students may be more inclined to follow evidence collection procedures or behavior guidelines with real-life stories of the effects of failing to do so.
Be very clear on why you want to be a cop. Explore the good and the bad involved in this profession. Make your decision based on verifiable information and from many different sources. My reason for going into law enforcement profession was to be a advocate for the victim and ensuring our constitutional rights were preserved. I never lost sight of this basic reason.
Start off with doing a few ride alongs with different agencies. If a local agency has a Citizen’s Academy that is also a good opportunity. If your in college, many agencies have internship programs. If you are in college, think of the types of skills that would be useful to a law enforcement agency, such as languages, computer science, business administration and finance. The stats are not good for a long term career in law enforcement, so you need to consider what you would like to do afterwards if that day comes. Make sure you talk to a broad spectrum of law enforcement officers, not just patrol, talk to detectives, administration, traffic, public relations, etc. You might also consider talking to the spouses of law enforcement and get their perspective on the job.
Learn from your FTO’s learn their good traits and observe things you may possibly handle different. Then try to develop all the good traits into your own unique style. Always remember you will need to wear many hats, a clergy, a listener, a father or mother figure, you are dealing with PEOPLE, some are experiencing the worst times in their lives, show compassion when necessary, be firm when you need to, and be consistent in your job description. It is the most rewarding career you will ever have!
Janet Dermody
So True Cynthia!!!
Janet Dermody
Good point Cynthia! I especially agree with the fact that It’s a mean world out there and getting meaner and meaner…. :-\
Jose J. Blanco
In a way, it’s like the mob: you’re either in or you’re not…
Nathan Williams
I would be smart and go fed.
Jose J. Blanco
They’re hiring!
Nathan Williams
Yea I finished my degree a few months ago so I’m looking.
Jeff (Curtis) Cope
You have to know what type of law enforcement you want to be involved with. Local police are typically starting work on the streets in patrol. Many sheriff agencies start their personnel in custody first. Highway Patrols are typically responsible for traffic related enforcement. FBI is mostly investigations and presenting material to the attorney general for a warrant.
If you do decide to be an officer in the world of today, make sure you have the mindset to be fair and not prejudge the folks you deal with, not to be confused with sizing them up mentally, physically and emotionally. Always treat those who you come in contact with, with respect, or at least until you are threatened and you have to act accordingly. You have to like people and you like to have to talk to people, you will be a counselor, therapist, referee, dog catcher, pastor, teacher, mentor and sometimes just someone for an elderly person to talk to. Also, do not treat the job as an officer the same as you would flipping a burger at a fast food restaurant, it is a career that YOU chose, it didn’t choose you. Respect the position and never tarnish the badge.
Doug Shur
Since the criminal justice system have many vocations, I would contact those agencies and schedule guest speakers, generally from their recruitment section, to present what their job offers, entry level qualifications, and career paths. Also, a field trip to related job fairs could be helpful.
21 hours ago
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Jose J. Blanco
DHS and FBI are massively hiring!
Nathan Williams
I passed everything for Customs a year ago except for the stupid step test. I will apply again, but this time I will be ready for it.
Take the personal responsibility to prepare myself morally, ethically and academically.
Become familiar, as much as practicable, with the demographic that I will be likely policing. This can only make you a more well-rounded and culturally-sensitive officer.
Shamara Stephens
I am a former Police Officer for St Louis City and to date it is the best professional experience I have ever had. The work was exciting, I learned a lot and the bonds I made with my co-workers is amazing. I have my BS in Criminal Justice and MS in Criminal Justice Admin. After being out of the field I don’t think I could go back tho (Im accustomed to a bankers schedule at this point) but its certainly an experience I don’t regret. I tried the FBI for years and passed every test except the physical…
Todd Recupero
If you want to be in law enforcement, there are a few things I would recommend. First, decide what type of law enforcement you want to do, local, state, federal, ect. Second, I would really interview several people in several agencies to get a better understanding of what each level offers. Also, begin researching hiring and training requirements of desired agencies so you can prepare yourself. Talk to your family and friends because this career is a big decision and they must understand the sacrifices that may have to be made such as work schedules, missing birthdays and holidays, as well as going back to school. The most important thing is to really ask yourself why you want to get into law enforcement and give yourself an honest assessment of your answers. Also, make sure your personal life is in order and there is nothing that could derail your career.
John Garvey
Be a fireman
Former Command Level LEO::
In addition to getting their degree there are many things which they can do to improve their chances-
1). Develop a relationship with the instructors who have significant contacts with LE agencies;
2) Volunteer with non-profits supported by LEO agencies- e.g. Special Olympics,
3). If your school has an internship program with LE agencies, make sure you participate in it and try to get attached to the agency you wish to later join as an employee,
4). Study hard and distinguish yourself as a student.
5). See if their are part time employment opportunities with a LE Agency.
6). Join the military as a reservist and seek a specialty which will compliment your LEO career,
7). Of course keep your noise clean,
Good luck!
You really need to have that desire within you to help your community, to help people who in many cases will not show gratitude in return. Be prepared to not be appreciated for what you are trying to do, but don’t lose faith in your career choice just win the small battles and keep moving forward. Your college degree or major will not really matter in the big scheme of things. When promotions come along what your degree is will not help or hurt you, but for practical purposes a degree in business administration or related field will serve you better than one in criminal justice.