A Career In Law Enforcement}

A Career in Law Enforcement

by

Jordan Rocksmith

If you appreciate upholding the law and helping others, a career in law enforcement may be for you. However, before you jump into the Los Angeles police school, or any other around the country, it is smart to know what you are committing your time and effort to. You should know what to expect from a career in law enforcement and what will be expected of you. Only then can you really decide if it is the right choice for your own life and career.

The Job Description

The job of a police officer is a challenging one, and what you do will vary from day to day. Depending on your community and its needs, as well as your abilities, you may be involved with the following duties:

Patrol areas on foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or car, looking out for crime of any type.

Respond to calls for assistance from the public made to the emergency dispatch center.

Conduct initial investigations, take statements, and fill out paperwork for incidents.

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Interview suspects, witnesses, and victims.

Look for traffic violations and hand out citations or give instructions/warnings.

Serve subpoenas and warrants.

Book and transport prisoners.

Testify in court as necessary.

This is not a 9 to 5 job; police officers work odd hours on an irregular schedule to meet the needs of the community they work in. The job can often require being in a dangerous position and needing to make important decisions quickly.

The Perfect Candidate

Some people are better suited for police work than others. Police departments take only the best of all those who apply, so you need to be sure that you are a great candidate if you want to be successful. There are very specific requirements for age, mental health, physical health, and criminal background that must be met before you will even be considered. Research the basic requirements for the department you want to work for before you actually apply.

A good candidate should be able to handle a position of authority and all the responsibilities that accompany that position. They must be able to be courteous to the public that they serve, while also being firm with those who need the extra direction from authority. They must be able to handle difficult or even dangerous situations with a calm and sound mind. A police officer must have a dedication and passion for what they do and must care for the public that they serve.

The best candidate must excel in the training and use of firearms and other defense measures. They must keep fit to handle the physical exertions of the job. They must understand the law thoroughly, as it is their responsibility to uphold it. They should know at least the basics of first aid, as they may be the first one on a scene where someone is injured. They must know how to communicate well with others in difficult circumstances, because they serve as a face for the department they work for.

The Right Career Choice for You

The application and training process to become a police officer is not a short or easy one. If you are simply looking for an easy job to pay the bills, this is not for you! If you are, however, looking to start in a career where you can serve and protect others, being a police officer is the perfect choice for you.

You may consider interviewing and shadowing a police officer to help you really decide if it is a course you would like to pursue. Once you decide that you do want to be a part of this great cause, you can apply to a place like the Los Angeles Police School and start the next great phase of your life.

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A Career in Law Enforcement}