4 answers
Michael
Student
Yorba Linda, California
1
Question
Asked
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I want to be a law enforcement officer when I'm older. I'm going to graduate high school soon and want to go straight to a 4 year college. To become a police officer, what mindset should I have when reaching for this goal?
I'm a good listener in general. I am producted every day, learning new things and smart enough to know when I'm wrong. My passion is helping people and listening to them and understanding them. #law
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4 answers
Mayra Martinez
Career Coach
9
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Mayra’s Answer
Definitely, you are on the right track with pursuing a bachelor's degree, it can open doors for promotions and other career opportunities within law enforcement. For example, if you ever want to work as an investigator or detective, you may need a degree. Also, a degree can serve as your backup, if for some reason you don't like your career as a Police Officer, you can put your degree towards another career.
Now, what I highly encourage is to have conversations with your local police officers. Ask them what they like and don't like about their job? how did they land the job? and if they have any advice for you. They may also suggest a ride-along, so you can get a taste of the job, you get to see the day-to-day life of an officer. They may have age restrictions, so I would suggest getting more information on how to get a ride-along. In summary, do your research first, before you get your heart set on a career. We often have an idea of what a career is like but in reality, it's something different. Best of Luck!
Now, what I highly encourage is to have conversations with your local police officers. Ask them what they like and don't like about their job? how did they land the job? and if they have any advice for you. They may also suggest a ride-along, so you can get a taste of the job, you get to see the day-to-day life of an officer. They may have age restrictions, so I would suggest getting more information on how to get a ride-along. In summary, do your research first, before you get your heart set on a career. We often have an idea of what a career is like but in reality, it's something different. Best of Luck!
Allyson Lee
Project Manager
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Allyson’s Answer
It is admirable that you are on track to finish high school and plan to go to college to prepare for a career as a law enforcement officer. I would recommend that you do take some psychology courses to learn how people act and respond in various situations. Having a firm grasp of human nature should help you make those quick assessments when the calls are coming in -- but also to recognize the signs when mental health issues may dictate a different course of action. I would also suggest any courses that will sharpen your critical thinking skills. I would also suggest applying to be a CASA or GAL Volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardain ad Litem) to gain exposure to situations where children may be impacted by law enforcement
Finally, it struck me that your passion is helping people and listening to them and understanding them law -- so I wonder if you might even consider being a lawyer to help people that find themselves in trouble navigate through their options. You stated that you are productive and good at learning new things - which are traits that a lawyer must possess to serve their clients well.
Best wishes in your pursuits!
Finally, it struck me that your passion is helping people and listening to them and understanding them law -- so I wonder if you might even consider being a lawyer to help people that find themselves in trouble navigate through their options. You stated that you are productive and good at learning new things - which are traits that a lawyer must possess to serve their clients well.
Best wishes in your pursuits!
Nima Ameli
Attorney
3
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Nima’s Answer
Your question asks, "What mindset to have when reaching for this goal." The mindset should be the same mindset that you have anytime you are trying to reach a goal. Your mindset in life will lead you anywhere. However, be ready for failure, for upsets, and setbacks. They are all a part of life. Learning how to deal with failure is the first step in the direction of success. I have failed many times, and each time I have learned from it.
Becoming a LEO takes hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. I have many friends that are LEO's, and I work with them as well, and what i have learned is that they sacrifice a lot to get to where they are, and many times there is no "good job" waiting for you on the other side. Furthermore, you will have to sacrifice friends and family that will have a negative impact on your life. This could also become an issue on your background check. For example, I had two friends unfollow me from social media because of a picture that was posted on my social media from college. They both emailed me and told me why they were doing it, and I totally understood. Sacrifice is hard, but the end result of becoming a LEO is you goal.
Be a human. I agree with most of the comments here, but I believe that helping people and making a decision that goes against rules or policy for the betterment of person is also ok. There is always an option. There is a law that says it is illegal to spit in public, but have you ever seen someone arrested for spitting in public? Speed limit is 65, people drive 75 with the flow of traffic and an officer wont pull them over. There is always an option. Sometimes you have to understand the situation beyond just the law. I believe that the one of the best things you can do to understand someone's perspective or life situation is do as Alyson (comment above) suggested. Go join CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), or the big brother program. These programs will put you in touch with people who are less fortunate, caught up with the court system, or living in foster care. This will give you insight and understanding of how and why people are in the position that they are. its infuriating when people make comments about a minor who is arrested for stealing or drugs. What they don't know is that the minor is likely living in a home where both parents are abusive, or on drugs, or it's a one parent home, and this kid wants out. The fastest way out is doing something illegal. In conclusion, have empathy, be a human, and understand the situation.
Becoming a LEO takes hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. I have many friends that are LEO's, and I work with them as well, and what i have learned is that they sacrifice a lot to get to where they are, and many times there is no "good job" waiting for you on the other side. Furthermore, you will have to sacrifice friends and family that will have a negative impact on your life. This could also become an issue on your background check. For example, I had two friends unfollow me from social media because of a picture that was posted on my social media from college. They both emailed me and told me why they were doing it, and I totally understood. Sacrifice is hard, but the end result of becoming a LEO is you goal.
Be a human. I agree with most of the comments here, but I believe that helping people and making a decision that goes against rules or policy for the betterment of person is also ok. There is always an option. There is a law that says it is illegal to spit in public, but have you ever seen someone arrested for spitting in public? Speed limit is 65, people drive 75 with the flow of traffic and an officer wont pull them over. There is always an option. Sometimes you have to understand the situation beyond just the law. I believe that the one of the best things you can do to understand someone's perspective or life situation is do as Alyson (comment above) suggested. Go join CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), or the big brother program. These programs will put you in touch with people who are less fortunate, caught up with the court system, or living in foster care. This will give you insight and understanding of how and why people are in the position that they are. its infuriating when people make comments about a minor who is arrested for stealing or drugs. What they don't know is that the minor is likely living in a home where both parents are abusive, or on drugs, or it's a one parent home, and this kid wants out. The fastest way out is doing something illegal. In conclusion, have empathy, be a human, and understand the situation.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Michael,
I retired from law enforcement in 2008. I loved almost every minute of it. Almost. But, a lot has changed since then.
So, since you are in HS, and wanting to pursue this career, some things you need to know. . . and, I hope this helps!
First and foremost, law enforcement is NOT social services. Your job is to get in, assess the situation, take whatever immediate steps are necessary, and make appropriate referrals to other community resources. There often isn't time to "listen and understand," because calls are stacking up, and other officers are having to handle your calls while you are tied up for a prolonged period of time on one call.
Does that mean that you do NOT listen and understand as a police officer? Absolutely not! You need to have a degree of compassion for humanity. You will just need to do it quickly! Except, when it comes to mental health cases, those take a long time.
You need to be able to enforce the law, even if you don't personally agree with it (Marijuana laws, underage drinking, social protestors, etc). You need to be able to arrest people even though doing it makes your heart break. The most difficult arrest I had to make was of a man on his way to his mom's funeral. It was on a parole violation. and I had no choice.
You need to understand that there are people who hate cops (sometimes for good reason), and that even though you might be a good cop, they will judge you by your uniform before you ever get a chance to say or do anything. Cops are stereotyped.
You need to be willing to work crazy hours, weekends, holidays - and miss out on activities with family and friends. Being a cop is a sacrifice.
So, as to mindset, I think you need to be self-confident, and understand that police officers are hired to do a certain job. The job is sometimes challenging - in what you are asked to do and why. But the reward comes on an individual level - whose lives you touched in a positive way on any given day - the individual impact is small and localized, however, the overall impact that law enforcement makes on a national level is tremendous. You will be a part of that change.
If after reading this you are still interested, please do what you can do stay in good physical condition and keep your reputation untarnished. Have good attendance at school and work, get along with everyone -as the background check is extensive.
Best of luck!
Kim
I retired from law enforcement in 2008. I loved almost every minute of it. Almost. But, a lot has changed since then.
So, since you are in HS, and wanting to pursue this career, some things you need to know. . . and, I hope this helps!
First and foremost, law enforcement is NOT social services. Your job is to get in, assess the situation, take whatever immediate steps are necessary, and make appropriate referrals to other community resources. There often isn't time to "listen and understand," because calls are stacking up, and other officers are having to handle your calls while you are tied up for a prolonged period of time on one call.
Does that mean that you do NOT listen and understand as a police officer? Absolutely not! You need to have a degree of compassion for humanity. You will just need to do it quickly! Except, when it comes to mental health cases, those take a long time.
You need to be able to enforce the law, even if you don't personally agree with it (Marijuana laws, underage drinking, social protestors, etc). You need to be able to arrest people even though doing it makes your heart break. The most difficult arrest I had to make was of a man on his way to his mom's funeral. It was on a parole violation. and I had no choice.
You need to understand that there are people who hate cops (sometimes for good reason), and that even though you might be a good cop, they will judge you by your uniform before you ever get a chance to say or do anything. Cops are stereotyped.
You need to be willing to work crazy hours, weekends, holidays - and miss out on activities with family and friends. Being a cop is a sacrifice.
So, as to mindset, I think you need to be self-confident, and understand that police officers are hired to do a certain job. The job is sometimes challenging - in what you are asked to do and why. But the reward comes on an individual level - whose lives you touched in a positive way on any given day - the individual impact is small and localized, however, the overall impact that law enforcement makes on a national level is tremendous. You will be a part of that change.
If after reading this you are still interested, please do what you can do stay in good physical condition and keep your reputation untarnished. Have good attendance at school and work, get along with everyone -as the background check is extensive.
Best of luck!
Kim