Advantages Of Being A Police Officer

Ever since I was young boy I had always dreamed of becoming a soldier. Having a job that allowed me to help people and become a hero always sounded the most appealing. Due to past health issues, and a history of brain cancer I am no longer able to join the service. As I have grown up I have thought long and hard about a career that would allow me to both be a hero and help people, and a cop seems to fit that definition. Police officers work to serve and protect our community, they along with many other first responders allow common people like us to live safely in our homes and community. With the recent controversy of police brutality, cops still work hard to do their jobs. Cops face many challenges in their day to day jobs and put their lives

The most basic level of achievement is obtaining a high school diploma or GED, other departments may require or prefer those with a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree. Other non-educational requirements include US citizenship, a valid driver’s license and to be at least 18 or 21 years of age. Those applying for a police academy also require a clean criminal record, although minor offenses may be permitted. After obtaining a degree, which is optional and turning the legal age of 21 you may apply and join a police academy. Before being admitted into an academy, all applicants must pass the law enforcement entrance exam. Once passing the exam the police academy is where applicants will receive their important training in order to serve as a police officer. Enrollment in a police academy can last up to six months, “with training and education in topics such as search and seizure, criminal statues, traffic laws, firearms training, driver training and physical conditioning,”

As officer Zearley mentioned, “the job entails many different hats.” The work of a police officer is going to change every day, and being able to learn and adapt to different situations is one of the most important things to learn as a police officer. Some of the most important personality traits any good police officer can obtain include; compassion, a good sense of humor, attention to detail, creativity, critical thinking, the ability to work within a team, and a list of many others. A lot of these personality traits would be successful for anyone to use in any job but for the work of a police officer these traits are vital to be good at the job. “You have to have multiple personality traits. One moment you have to be rough and harsh, and the next moment you have to be sensitive and compassionate. The personality changes on the situation,” officer Jeff Zearley stated in the interview. A lot of these personality traits can’t be taught in any school or academy, but must be learned with years of experience and on the job