3 answers
Kianna
Student
Waimea, HI
3
Questions
Asked
681 views
What kind of training do people take in order to be a police officer?
I'm a freshman in high school and currently trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up, but I always want to help individuals and help people have justice for themselves or their families.
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3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Kianna,
The role of the police officer is to bring a person before the justice system to answer for crimes they have been accused of. I know you are a freshman, and trying to plan a career path. I'd like to point out some things you need to think about.
Something like 95% of cases never go to trial. People who are innocent are afraid to put their lives in the hands of the justice system, and instead take a plea bargain "too good" to pass up. Ten years probation. As long as they comply, everything is fine. (except for how it affects their ability to get certain jobs, etc). But, too often, there's one or two times they fail to keep their appointment with the probation officer, and now they are back before the court, trying to get a second chance to stay on probation. And, oh yes, all this costs money.
Then there are the times guilty people get a break if they become police informants.
And, many other examples. All of this is to say, once you've made the arrest, your job is pretty much done, unless you are called to court to testify. You have no control over the outcome of the case.
There are many other ways to help people get justice for themselves and their families. You could actually work in the District Attorney's office, be a crime victim's advocate, be an investigator for anti-discrimination agencies (EEOC, fair housing). Be an attorney bringing civil suits for civil rights violations - be a paralegal working for such an attorney, etc.
If you are a police officer in a small city or on campus, perhaps you have more one on one interaction with people. I had a career as an airport police officer, and enjoyed it. So this is not to say don't pursue law enforcement. But, rather, I want to encourage you to look at the legal industry from a much broader perspective, and consider if perhaps some other avenue might be more interesting to you.
I'm happy to answer any questions! Best of luck!!
Kim
The role of the police officer is to bring a person before the justice system to answer for crimes they have been accused of. I know you are a freshman, and trying to plan a career path. I'd like to point out some things you need to think about.
Something like 95% of cases never go to trial. People who are innocent are afraid to put their lives in the hands of the justice system, and instead take a plea bargain "too good" to pass up. Ten years probation. As long as they comply, everything is fine. (except for how it affects their ability to get certain jobs, etc). But, too often, there's one or two times they fail to keep their appointment with the probation officer, and now they are back before the court, trying to get a second chance to stay on probation. And, oh yes, all this costs money.
Then there are the times guilty people get a break if they become police informants.
And, many other examples. All of this is to say, once you've made the arrest, your job is pretty much done, unless you are called to court to testify. You have no control over the outcome of the case.
There are many other ways to help people get justice for themselves and their families. You could actually work in the District Attorney's office, be a crime victim's advocate, be an investigator for anti-discrimination agencies (EEOC, fair housing). Be an attorney bringing civil suits for civil rights violations - be a paralegal working for such an attorney, etc.
If you are a police officer in a small city or on campus, perhaps you have more one on one interaction with people. I had a career as an airport police officer, and enjoyed it. So this is not to say don't pursue law enforcement. But, rather, I want to encourage you to look at the legal industry from a much broader perspective, and consider if perhaps some other avenue might be more interesting to you.
I'm happy to answer any questions! Best of luck!!
Kim
Walter Ozeki
Retired law enforcement and current security professional
33
Answers
Honolulu, Hawaii
Updated
Walter’s Answer
Each agency has its own unique set of requirements, but at the very least, they all require a high school diploma or equivalent. In the beautiful state of Hawaii, for instance, every island's department mandates that you either graduate high school or possess a GED. Once you're accepted for a position, you'll need to complete a police training academy, the duration of which varies from island to island. Just remember, you need to be at least 21 years old by the time you graduate from the academy to carry a firearm.
While having an associate's or bachelor's degree may not directly influence your chances of getting hired, it can certainly give you an edge when it comes to promotions. The best piece of advice I can offer is to stay focused on your studies, particularly honing your writing skills. Maintaining good physical health and steering clear of trouble is equally important. All departments require a clean drug test before hiring and throughout your employment. Any involvement with drugs or illegal activities will certainly disqualify you.
Remember, every step you take towards your goal is a step towards success. Keep striving, and you'll surely make it!
While having an associate's or bachelor's degree may not directly influence your chances of getting hired, it can certainly give you an edge when it comes to promotions. The best piece of advice I can offer is to stay focused on your studies, particularly honing your writing skills. Maintaining good physical health and steering clear of trouble is equally important. All departments require a clean drug test before hiring and throughout your employment. Any involvement with drugs or illegal activities will certainly disqualify you.
Remember, every step you take towards your goal is a step towards success. Keep striving, and you'll surely make it!
Janis Ransom
Resume Writer, Interview Coach and Career Strategy Consultant
28
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Janis’s Answer
There is the option of attending college and taking a degree in Criminal Justice or something similar. Another option would be to participate in a career fair held by your city or state, where representatives of local police organizations can share the information you need with you. There are a variety of comprehensive online law enforcement courses offered by various organizations. You would do well to investigate/research the entry requirements for your city or town; that will be a good way to determine the entry path that will be best for you.