I have a vivid memory that I will never forget of when I was a young applicant for the Police Department. I, along with several other applicants, was sitting in a medical center lobby waiting to take our physicals. I noticed an older Police Officer sitting off to the side reading a newspaper. Because of my enthusiasm, I struck up a conversation with him, and he informed me with a smug tone in his voice that he was waiting to take his final physical because he was finally retiring. As he sat there just reading his newspaper, he had an annoyed look on his face and was apprehensive to speak with me. Even though he was grumpy and did not want to be bothered, I proceeded to ask him if he had any advice for a young person wanting to become a Police Officer. His reply to me was sharp, “yeah, go find another F#&%ing job“.
Over the years, I have thought about that day in the Medical Center and how that older Officer had passed up a tremendous opportunity to make a difference in a bunch of young men and woman’s lives. He could have done so much by just taking just a few moments to give some words of wisdom, encouragement and a little advice.
I told myself that day that I would never pass up chance to help and encourage anyone who had hopes and dreams of wanting to become a Police Officer. So, thank you for finding my article, and I hope my advice, my encouragement and my word of wisdom will help.
Desire
A Law Enforcement career is much more than just a job. It is more than deciding someday you do not have anything better to do or, because you saw a cool movie, you now want to become a Cop and save the world in 90 minutes. Believe me, there are many people who apply to become Police Officers for the wrong reasons but are rejected. These people failed to prepare, lacked desire and do not qualify for the job.
Any good Cop started out at a young age having sheer desire to one day become a Police Officer. We need these types of good Officers who truly have the desire to serve and protect people and fight against crime.
Determination
Determination will help you progress from the day you apply and all through your career. Being hired is not easy and most people fail because they give up too soon because it is just too difficult. To be honest, this is a weeding out process because if you do not have the determination to keep going and the never give up attitude than you will not make it as a Police Officer.
Applying, making it through the hiring process and becoming a sworn Police Officer will go to the people with the most determination. Once you become a Police Officer, it will be that same determination that will help you progress, advance, promote your way through your career and survive.
Mental Preparation
Having desire and determination to become a Police Officer is a start. In today’s day and age, it is also vital to have a good head on your shoulders. It is not all about the brawn anymore or being over six feet tall, it is about having common sense, intelligence and the ability to make an accurate and quick decision.
There is a lot you can do to prepare yourself mentally and acquire the mindset of a Police Officer.
*Study what Police Officers do by reading and doing research.
*Take classes in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement.
*Talk with Police Officers and ask them questions about Police work.
*If you are younger than you can join the Police Explorer, Junior Police and Cadet Programs.
*Go on a ride along with your local Police Department.
*Join a community group, neighborhood watch program and do something to help your community. This shows you have the desire and determination to serve your community.
Physical Fitness
These parts of the hiring process are where many Police candidates fail and are not hired. Becoming a Police Officer requires that you are physically fit and healthy. There may come a day when you will have to save the life of another person or fight for your own life and if you are not fit, overweight, too tired and weak then someone or yourself could get hurt or die.
Staying healthy and fit requires that you:
*Do not smoke or drink alcohol.
*Do not use drugs.
*Exercise regularly by joining a gym.
*Strengthen your upper and lower body.
*Run, jog and do wind sprints and cardio exercises.
*Watch your diet and eat healthy.
*Watch your weight. Do not become overweight.
Background
This is another vital area of importance. Your background is your character and if it your character is questionable, than you will be rejected.
Most Police departments will give a lie detector test that will help guide them to areas in your background that are questionable.
A good clean background demonstrates that you have the ability to make good decisions and have kept yourself clean from getting in trouble with the law, have kept your obligations with your creditors, paid your bills and not gotten into debt and that you are in good standing with your neighbors, community and friendships.
Most Police Departments will conduct a thorough background and by the time the Department is finished looking into your background your whole life pretty much has been learned and gone over by the background investigators.
In conclusion
A career in Law Enforcement is one of the most exciting and rewarding careers there is.
According to recent statistics, there are now over 860,000 Police Officers in the United States and it is projected that there will be over 960,000 by the year 2016.
As you can see, there is a need today and for the future to have fully qualified men and woman who have the desire, determination and who are healthy, fit and have prepared themselves physically and mentally for a great career in Law Enforcement.
The qualifications will become greater and the competition will be tougher as time goes on and only those who have prepared will make it.
By finding my article and others, you have proven that you are of worth. Keep searching, reading and educating yourself about what you can do to prepare. I encourage you to keep going, never give up and stay the course.
Good luck and always stay safe.
Article also posted on Bukisa.com and Triond.com by Scott Hallock
