Our nation is presently experiencing a police shortage. Though the root of this issue is multifaceted, PoliceOne reports that a thriving economy plays a large role in deterring potential cops from pursuing this challenging field. Presently, the economy suggests that jobseekers can choose from an array of career paths. Though serving one’s community is rewarding, the long hours and unusual schedules of police work do deter many jobseekers.
Today, there are lots of openings for dedicated, skilled new hires on police forces across the nation.
This causes problems for maintaining order in local areas. However, it also presents a great opportunity to jobseekers looking for work on the police force. Today, there are lots of openings for dedicated, skilled new hires on police forces across the nation.
Working as a police officer is a tough job, but some people have a special calling for this type of work. If you want to start your career in law enforcement, here is some sound advice to help you get closer to joining a great police force.
Get a Job in Law Enforcement During the Police Shortage
Make Sure You Really Want This
First, before you apply for a job as a police officer, make sure this is the right path for you. Police officers work long hours in demanding and stressful situations.
Have you always imagined yourself as working in a typical job with 9–5 hours? Then this may not be the right career for you. Cops may have to work night shifts, weekends, and holidays. This line of work can also be risky, with officers facing criminals and harmful situations.
Despite the challenges of working as a police officer, there are plenty of benefits that come along with the job. Many districts offer police officers top retirement pensions, health insurance benefits, and other perks to help attract more potential candidates to this line of work.
Also, some officers can retire much earlier than the average retirement age of 62. This is true for former state trooper Brian Teipe, who retired from the force with full benefits at age 41.
Face the Reality of the Job’s Demands
Police officers may not make as much money as workers in other fields, which makes it tougher to find new hires. For instance, the police department in Roswell, New Mexico (whose population is under 50,000) must compete with well-paying oil and gas jobs nearby. Though cops make more money than the overall median American salary, hardworking potential police officers may feel enticed by jobs with higher pays.
Combine that knowledge with the following fact: Every year, more than 100 police officers die in the line of duty. Media outlets often report violence against police officers, which inevitably increases fear of joining the force. Also, a handful of famous news stories have made some members of the public wary of officers. If you join the police force, be prepared for citizens to say cruel things and make assumptions about your beliefs.
Though cops make more money than the overall median American salary, hardworking potential police officers may feel enticed by jobs with higher pays.
If you can face and ultimately embrace these facts about the job, then move to the next step: the police academy.
Complete Training at the Police Academy
If you have already obtained a high school diploma or equivalent, then the next step to pursue this career is academy training. First, you must pass an entrance exam. Once you pass, you can move to the academy itself.
The average amount of time to complete a training program is about 21 weeks. Some candidates don’t have the right determination or skills needed to complete the program, which further explains the police shortage.
Police cadet trainees must complete a variety of physical fitness tests to continue in the program and become an officer. Cadets must also learn how to use firearms safely during their classes. Other skills that may be part of a police academy program include driving, self-defense, knowledge of traffic laws, and interrogation techniques.
The Hiring Process for Police Officers
After you complete the academy and pass your final exam, you can start jobseeking. The hiring process for police officers is more intense than for many other professional jobs. The first step to getting a job as a police officer is to find a position and write a strong resume that lists your experience, education, and skills.
The hiring process for police officers is more intense than for many other professional jobs.
Once you get some attention with your application and well-written resume, hiring managers may invite you to an interview. If your skills match the police force’s needs, the organization could offer you a spot. Then you’ll begin the long process of becoming a police officer. The first step is a detailed background check. This investigates your criminal, credit, and work history. Many districts require that you complete a polygraph exam as well.
Life on the Force Beyond the Hiring Stage
You’re not done yet! Even if you have additional degrees and an incredible track record at the police academy, you must complete on-the-job training. Like every other part of the hiring process, the final step of the training program is also tough for many cops. There are always some new hires who end up dropping out and quitting the force, increasing the police shortage.
After the months-long training steps, a cadet finally becomes a full police officer. Even at this stage, some cops realize that this job isn’t the right path for them. Working as a police officer means you may experience stressful situations and witness the aftermath of disturbing or violent crimes. Not every new police officer has the emotional strength to cope with these things.
Opportunities for Advancement Down the Road
While some people are happy with the job of a police officer for their entire career, some cops may want to look for roles with more responsibilities. Positions such as detective, supervising officer, FBI agent, and U.S. Marshal may give people in law enforcement more regular hours, better working conditions, and higher salaries.
While some people are happy with the job of a police officer for their entire career, some cops may want to look for roles with more responsibilities.
If you are interested in these roles, then you might have to go back to school in the future. In the meantime, just focus mastering the first steps. Before you know it, you’ll be the one offering advice to rookie cops!
Start Your Resume
Jobs in law enforcement are easily available today because of the police shortage in many different places around the country. You can get your foot in the door by showing how ready you are for this important job. You will still need to create a strong resume to prove to hiring managers you’ve got what it takes for this intense job. The resume builder from Resume-Now makes it easy to build your resume with no writing experience required. This way, you can secure a position in law enforcement and begin a career helping others, saving lives, and making a difference.
