3 answers
Nevaeh
Student
Brazil, Indiana
3
Questions
Asked
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I'm in 8th grade and I would like to be a police officer. Should I start learning cop codes, what are some things I should start learning ?
Any tips??
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3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Nevaeh,
At your age, I would encourage you to work on the soft skills and traits that are often looked for when hiring police officers. This includes being able to talk to people of all different backgrounds, treating others with respect, teamwork, the ability to give and take orders (even from people you don't like), decision-making, leadership, and self-confidence. Much of this can be derived from sports or academic teams (debate), as well as part-time jobs.
Work to maintain your sense of integrity, even when others around you are showing off. Always do what is right. Keep in mind the law enforcement background check is very thorough, and it is common for the investigator to speak with classmates, teachers, neighbors, employers, etc.
Develop an appreciation for physical fitness. Police training is rigorous!
Look for opportunities to interact with police officers. This could be a Police Explorer post or the Police Athletic League. At the age of 17, you can join the Army Nat'l Guard or Reserve, which could also be good training.
As for school classes, I'd encourage you to take anything that forces you to take a position and defend it - such as debate, as well as logic (math classes!) Writing is also important. The reason I say the ability to defend a position is because, imagine if you will, that you are in a situation where you have to arrest the mayor! You need to be sure of yourself. The academy will teach you about probable cause and the elements of the offense, but you need to be able to put it into practice!
I realize this might be asking a lot, but, it all comes together in the end!
Thank you for your interest in law enforcement!
Kim
At your age, I would encourage you to work on the soft skills and traits that are often looked for when hiring police officers. This includes being able to talk to people of all different backgrounds, treating others with respect, teamwork, the ability to give and take orders (even from people you don't like), decision-making, leadership, and self-confidence. Much of this can be derived from sports or academic teams (debate), as well as part-time jobs.
Work to maintain your sense of integrity, even when others around you are showing off. Always do what is right. Keep in mind the law enforcement background check is very thorough, and it is common for the investigator to speak with classmates, teachers, neighbors, employers, etc.
Develop an appreciation for physical fitness. Police training is rigorous!
Look for opportunities to interact with police officers. This could be a Police Explorer post or the Police Athletic League. At the age of 17, you can join the Army Nat'l Guard or Reserve, which could also be good training.
As for school classes, I'd encourage you to take anything that forces you to take a position and defend it - such as debate, as well as logic (math classes!) Writing is also important. The reason I say the ability to defend a position is because, imagine if you will, that you are in a situation where you have to arrest the mayor! You need to be sure of yourself. The academy will teach you about probable cause and the elements of the offense, but you need to be able to put it into practice!
I realize this might be asking a lot, but, it all comes together in the end!
Thank you for your interest in law enforcement!
Kim
Thank you very much Kim!
Nevaeh
Kimberly Krebs
Corporate Security Manager
80
Answers
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Hello. Great question and it's fantastic that you already have an idea of what you want to do when you finish school. The other responses were great and covered your question really well so I'm just going to add a few thoughts...stay out of trouble and surround yourself with good people. This is one of the things that could ruin your future plans if you don't.
Don't drink and drive, stay away from drugs and stay away from people who do these things. Good moral character and a clean background are essential to be in law enforcement. Good luck!!
Do a ride along with your local police department
Do an internship with a local or federal agency when they are offered
Don't drink and drive, stay away from drugs and stay away from people who do these things. Good moral character and a clean background are essential to be in law enforcement. Good luck!!
Kimberly recommends the following next steps:
Thank you Kimberly!
Nevaeh
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
616
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Nevaeh,
It's great that you're interested in becoming a police officer! While learning cop codes (like 10-codes or radio signals) can be helpful later, it's not necessary to start right now. Instead, focus on building a strong foundation in skills and knowledge that will serve you well as a future police officer.
Here are some things you can start learning and working on:
1. Education
- Focus on your studies: Police work requires critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. Subjects like English, social studies, and law-related topics will help you understand society and develop these skills.
- Physical Education: Physical fitness is a key part of being a police officer. Stay active, join sports, or engage in activities that build your strength, endurance, and coordination.
- Ethics and Civics: Understanding the law, justice system, and ethics will be useful. You might find civics or law classes interesting as they teach you about the rights and duties of citizens.
2. Skills to Develop
- Communication Skills: Police officers need to interact with people from all walks of life. Practice good speaking and writing skills by participating in debates or writing essays.
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Police work involves analyzing situations quickly and thinking of solutions. Engage in puzzles, strategy games, or activities that challenge your mind.
- Leadership and Teamwork: Join clubs or activities where you can practice leading or working in a team, like sports teams, scouts, or volunteer groups.
3. Character Development
- Discipline and Responsibility: Being a police officer requires a strong sense of responsibility. Show discipline by staying organized, completing tasks on time, and being accountable for your actions.
- Empathy and Understanding: Police officers need to be compassionate and understand people’s situations. Volunteering or helping out in your community will help you develop empathy and learn how to deal with people in different situations.
4. Getting Familiar with the Field
- Learn about Police Work: Watch documentaries, read books, or follow news about policing. Shows like "Live PD" or YouTube channels focused on law enforcement can offer a look into what the job is like.
- Visit a Police Station: Ask if you can do a ride-along with a local officer or visit a police station to see how things work firsthand. This will help you get a feel for the daily activities of police officers.
5. Stay out of Trouble
- Keep a clean record, as this is very important when applying to become a police officer. Respect the law and be a positive role model in your school and community.
As you get older, there will be opportunities like "Police Explorer Programs" for teens interested in law enforcement. You can join these to get hands-on experience and meet police officers.
Best wishes!
It's great that you're interested in becoming a police officer! While learning cop codes (like 10-codes or radio signals) can be helpful later, it's not necessary to start right now. Instead, focus on building a strong foundation in skills and knowledge that will serve you well as a future police officer.
Here are some things you can start learning and working on:
1. Education
- Focus on your studies: Police work requires critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. Subjects like English, social studies, and law-related topics will help you understand society and develop these skills.
- Physical Education: Physical fitness is a key part of being a police officer. Stay active, join sports, or engage in activities that build your strength, endurance, and coordination.
- Ethics and Civics: Understanding the law, justice system, and ethics will be useful. You might find civics or law classes interesting as they teach you about the rights and duties of citizens.
2. Skills to Develop
- Communication Skills: Police officers need to interact with people from all walks of life. Practice good speaking and writing skills by participating in debates or writing essays.
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Police work involves analyzing situations quickly and thinking of solutions. Engage in puzzles, strategy games, or activities that challenge your mind.
- Leadership and Teamwork: Join clubs or activities where you can practice leading or working in a team, like sports teams, scouts, or volunteer groups.
3. Character Development
- Discipline and Responsibility: Being a police officer requires a strong sense of responsibility. Show discipline by staying organized, completing tasks on time, and being accountable for your actions.
- Empathy and Understanding: Police officers need to be compassionate and understand people’s situations. Volunteering or helping out in your community will help you develop empathy and learn how to deal with people in different situations.
4. Getting Familiar with the Field
- Learn about Police Work: Watch documentaries, read books, or follow news about policing. Shows like "Live PD" or YouTube channels focused on law enforcement can offer a look into what the job is like.
- Visit a Police Station: Ask if you can do a ride-along with a local officer or visit a police station to see how things work firsthand. This will help you get a feel for the daily activities of police officers.
5. Stay out of Trouble
- Keep a clean record, as this is very important when applying to become a police officer. Respect the law and be a positive role model in your school and community.
As you get older, there will be opportunities like "Police Explorer Programs" for teens interested in law enforcement. You can join these to get hands-on experience and meet police officers.
Best wishes!
Thank you!
Nevaeh