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How challenging is it to be a police officer??
Do I need years of training?
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Kimberly’s Answer
Hi Emmaleigh,
A basic understanding of law can be beneficial but is not necessary. You will learn what you need to in the police academy and then during your first several months on the street once you graduate. However, certain types of people may be more successful in law enforcement than others. For example, you will be interacting with the public and people you don't know on a daily basis so good communication skills are a must. You don't have to be great at it, but a least be willing to learn. You will get better as time goes by. Police work also requires a good amount of patience and understanding. It may be difficult to understand why people act the way they do, but you have to have a willingness to learn and try to understand different points of view. You will also be problem-solving most days, from minor to major problems that may require quick and decisive thinking. You may not always have someone with you to depend on to assist you, so you have to have initiative and the willingness to take control of a situation and work independently.
do a ride-along with your local police department
A basic understanding of law can be beneficial but is not necessary. You will learn what you need to in the police academy and then during your first several months on the street once you graduate. However, certain types of people may be more successful in law enforcement than others. For example, you will be interacting with the public and people you don't know on a daily basis so good communication skills are a must. You don't have to be great at it, but a least be willing to learn. You will get better as time goes by. Police work also requires a good amount of patience and understanding. It may be difficult to understand why people act the way they do, but you have to have a willingness to learn and try to understand different points of view. You will also be problem-solving most days, from minor to major problems that may require quick and decisive thinking. You may not always have someone with you to depend on to assist you, so you have to have initiative and the willingness to take control of a situation and work independently.
Kimberly recommends the following next steps:
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Nathan’s Answer
Police work is extremely challenging and not for the faint-of-heart. You don't need any specific training before you get into the job since you'll attend a months long police academy that will give you the basics. After the academy, you'll have more months long hands-on training, with a Field Training Officer. Not to say prior training wouldn't be helpful in some aspects of your field training but it is not necessary. Some understanding of criminal justice and police work would also be helpful.