qualities of a police officer

03.02.2020, Callie Malvik | When it comes to pursuing the tough work of being a police officer, you may have considered your compassionate personality to be a drawback. Keeping an eye out for security breaches is a major part of prison officer skills and qualities. I can’t lose my composure.’”, But it’s also true that throughout his years serving his community, McKenna has seen officers with ­too much empathy struggle against the harsh realities they encounter on the job. Rasmussen College may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. “Just like police officers, one corrections officer is not going to be like another. Responsibilities . What makes a good police officer? Officers who spend a lot of time out in the field need to be in top physical condition, said Master Sgt. One must keep these qualities in mind and perform accordingly to shop them during ssb interview testing. Job Descriptions •. But most officers on the force are exceptional individuals with solid training and passionate about serving their communities. 04.27.2020, Brianna Flavin | Take a quick read through a few qualities you’ll find in a good police officer, and start investing in your career today. Rasmussen College's Criminal Justice program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body and does not lead to any state-issued professional license. “You have to remain calm when things don’t go as planned. Problem-solving skills. Although there are many other qualities that a police officer should have, a concentration will be placed on these qualities to characterize a good police officer. More info. Empathy. And as Pinsker points out, sometimes just having a strong command presence can get more done. Police report forms contain checklists and fields for the police officers to fill in information. There is no obligation to enroll. The role of a police officer should never be described as “just a job” – the demands are too great. While new skills can be learned and some job-related tasks will never be liked, having the personality traits necessary to be successful in a career is not negotiable. While the psychological paradigm supposes that certain pre-occupational characteristics lead to the decision of becoming a police officer (Bonifacio, 1991), the … It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2019. Redlinger explains that negotiation skills not only protect the general public, but they protect the officers involved as well. “The best police officers excel at keeping calm,” Sun explains. Kirsten Slyter | Here are some important skills for police officers. Volunteering with your local police department is a great place to start. It’s hard to spot, but if you know what to look for, you’ll be able to read warning signs,” McKenna adds. Police cars today, McKenna notes, are equipped with computers, calling upon the officers to not only master new technology but also to absorb the duties that previously fell to people in other positions. If a career in law enforcement sounds appealing, you’re probably wondering what it takes to become a police officer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that police officers monitor regular patrols and respond to emergency and nonemergency calls. We employ the highest ethical standard, we demand accountability, consistency, fairness and honesty in the performance of our duties. A police officer takes an oath to serve and protect society from individuals who choose not to abide by the rules of the law. External links provided on rasmussen.edu are for reference only. Well-trained in firearm safety. He explains that when citizens feel like police officers truly care, they’re more likely to cooperate, they typically offer more information and they often work to help law enforcement get to the bottom of an issue. 5 Surprising Qualities of a Good Police Officer. When you relay a story, do you take special care to ensure you don’t leave out any important details, painting as vivid and accurate a picture of what happened as possible? Police Officer Qualities and Skillsets. There are four main qualities that make a good police officer: integrity, self-disciplined, be physically fit, and be a role model to our younger generation (Gonzalez, 2007). Neal C. Griffin, police expert, emphasizes the importance of the “Five I’s” when applying for a job in law enforcement: integrity, intellect, industry, initiative and impact, according to How to Become a Police Officer. Works in partnership with other agencies to deliver the best … Several of these fields are completed by the police officer using the victim or alleged … All Rights Reserved. Each of these qualities is important to the skills an officer needs while on the job. It doesn't need to be perfect every time, but the process of investigating needs to be done every time.”, While there might be exceptions based on location and the specifics of the role, many police officers have to meet certain physical requirements. Rasmussen College is not enrolling students in your state at this time. “We desperately need good police officers,” McKenna says. 1. But there’s a lot more to it than that. 15 Qualities and Skills to Achieve Success as a Police Office 1. But technical skills are only part of the mix in making a good police officer. A Career as a Police Officer A Career as a Police Officer Abstract This paper discusses three major aspects of becoming a police officer: job description, qualifications, and compensation.I would love to become a police officer.It is a good job even though it’s a risky job depending on where you are working, but it is worth it. Devotion to … She researches and writes articles on behalf of Rasmussen College to help empower students to achieve their career dreams through higher education. However, a police officer is generally required to have good interpersonal skills (which is the key to understanding the community) and exercise integrity. Effective communication skills are one of the hallmarks of a good police officer. If you are interviewing an experienced police officer, you want to learn their reasons for leaving the previous position. “But being a police officer is the most stressful job in any city.”. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. 01.20.2020. They should concentrate on the positive qualities of their former boss and former location. “One of the things people don’t realize about police work is that you have to be a jack-of-all-trades,” McKenna explains. Effective negotiation skills often include practices like active listening, remaining calm, expressing empathy, treating a subject with respect, remaining non-judgmental and referring to a subject by name when possible. But you’ll want to be sure you’ve got what it takes to succeed before diving into such an important career. Conditions on the ground are often dangerous, unpredictable and stressful. Much of an officer’s work requires the ability to relate to those going through incredible hardships, showing compassion while still remaining professional. To learn more about what police officers learn, check out “Police Training: A Deeper Look at Tactics, Weapons and Human Relations.”. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’ve had to talk a friend or family member through a tough time by helping them find solutions to their problems instead of simply reacting? If you’re going to be a police officer, why not be the best officer on the force? 2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [information accessed January 25, 2019] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/. Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college. Well-trained in firearm safety. McKenna sees this as a potentially life-saving skill. If you reflect on TV or movie portrayals of police officers, you might have a picture in your head of what a “bad cop” looks like. explore their viewpoints and break down barriers between them and the police. Constables work in partnership on a day-to-day basis with local communities, stakeholders and colleagues in order to promote law and order, reduce the fear of crime, provide reassurance and build confidence to improve the quality of life for citizens. A police chief is more than just another job at the police department. But truly great cops have more than just solid training in their corner. INTEGRITY We are guided by the principles of justice. Fill out the form to receive information about: There are some errors in the form. Miles Coughlin Professor Edwards CRJ 105 January 5, y What are some good characteristics that a police officer should have? The first thing that makes an officer a good officer is the fact that the officer should have integrity. That’s why he took it upon himself to take various classes throughout his law enforcement career, committing to learn the different skill sets and laws he’d need. Although there are many other qualities that a police officer should have, a concentration will be … 2. “When you write a report, your specific wording can be the difference between something usable in court and something that gets thrown out,” explains Brian McKenna, a retired Lieutenant with more than 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt. Problem Solving A police officer’s job is to problem solve to prevent crime. Some of the most important qualities that a police officer must possess include: Physical fitness. There are four main qualities that make a good police officer: integrity, self-disciplined, be physically fit, and be a role model to our younger generation (Gonzalez, 2007). Although much police work does not specifically address... 2) Sense of Ethics Each of these qualities is important to the skills an officer needs while on the job. Sun says that simply being friendly to people and showing your good intentions can go a long way toward helping your community trust you. RCMP police officers carry a firearm and sometimes use force in the interest of public safety. But success for a police officer can also come from the unique combination of experiences and attributes that you bring to the table. Marcou’s awards include Police Officer of the Year, SWAT Officer of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year and Domestic Violence Officer of the Year. Fill out the form to receive information about: There are some errors in the form. An officer without integrity usually means an officer having the “bad cop” traits. If you’ve long dreamt of helping others by serving your community and keeping dangerous criminals off of the street, it’s no wonder you’ve considered becoming a police officer. Understands the impact and benefits of policing for different communities, and identifies the best way to deliver services to them. purpose of the proposed research is to determine what characteristics exists in a Police Officer that may lead to both the most and least amount of force used in police-citizen interactions where force may be required. 04.27.2020, Brianna Flavin | He believes this is a key factor in the public trusting and having confidence in their law enforcement officers. Compassion & empathy. 02.10.2020, Brianna Flavin | Connect with Rasmussen College on Facebook, Connect with Rasmussen College on Instagram, Connect with Rasmussen College on LinkedIn, Connect with Rasmussen College on Pinterest, Connect with Rasmussen College on Twitter, Connect with Rasmussen College on Youtube, Human Resources and Organizational Leadership, Information Technology Project Management, Rasmussen College School of Justice Studies, How to Become a Police Officer: Your Step-by-Step Guide, Financial Aid and FAFSA (for those who qualify). This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Uniformed police officers are the most identifiable to the general public, and they are also perceived in many different ways by the community. Corrupt cops are a sad reality of the law enforcement agencies in the United States, with thousands of officers dismissed or forced to leave the NYPD over the past few years. explore their viewpoints and break down barriers between them and the police. “Interpersonal communication skills are important because they allow officers to develop a good rapport with the community, with fellow officers and with those from diverse cultures,” offers Eileen Carlin, state program director for the Rasmussen College School of Justice Studies. You will be the symbol of both calm and sympathy.”. PROFESSIONALISM We take pride in our department. To determine whether a common profile of a police officer may be developed by analyzing two personality characteristics: empathy and neuroticism. 5 Surprising Qualities of a Good Police Officer. “You can sit back and try to minimize risk as much as possible, and still earn a paycheck,” he says. Police training and education will help you develop the tools you need to thrive in the job. Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited college authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. “Officers who go into a situation with preconceived ideas—who don’t carefully observe and adjust their expectations—are going to get it wrong,” he says. “You have to hang onto your compassion without letting things get to you.”, He thinks back to when he first started working in law enforcement and was called to the scene of a suicide. In fact, proficient communication skills can be more than just helpful as a police officer—they can be vital. Kirk McLean, Lieutenant, Prince George’s County, Maryland, Police Department, IACP Fellow When it comes to the knowledge, skills, and ability to embody leadership qualities, most law enforcement executives have the tools and resources to lead successful agencies. Police officers should be flexible and adaptable, not only to the changing social climate and evolving technologies but to individual situations as they unfold. Rasmussen College is not enrolling students in your state at this time. 12 Key Skills You Need to Be a Police Officer 1. Officers must have the zeal to fight crime. Brianna is a content writer for Collegis Education who writes student focused articles on behalf of Rasmussen College. 03.02.2020, Callie Malvik | A good policeman is a realist who learns by experience and not by reading books. When we talk about top officer like qualities [OLQs], that mean few qualities that officer must have, some of the qualities can be gained with our day to day experiences and learning.Few qualities are not easy to gain within a short period of time and some can be improved in short span. POLICE OFFICERS AND PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS 3 Police Officers and Personality Characteristics August 14, 2008 - Sergeant Mason and Detective Rittgarn sit in an interview room with Marie, a young woman claiming she was grotesquely assaulted for hours after an assailant broke into her home (Miller & Armstrong, 2015). Skills Needed to be a Police Officer. In Minnesota, the Criminal Justice Associate’s degree program does not meet the standards established by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board for persons who seek employment as a peace officer. Relationship building. If you know how to read a room and adjust your conversation or attitude as needed, you could thrive in policing. Police officers work closely with members of the criminal justice system, social workers, schools, local businesses, health trusts, housing authorities, town planners and community groups to provide advice, education and assistance to those who want to reduce crime or have been affected by crime. Pass the police officer FINAL interview with this example question and response for "What are the effective Qualities of Becoming a Police Officer?" Strive to be better from day to day, and take the time to research things that will help you refine yourself. Diplomacy. Gain work experience. There might be a million concerns running through an officer’s mind, but they’re best served to be like a duck in water—visibly calm and collected while working hard out of sight to keep afloat. Being a police officer is one of the best jobs in the world! You might only have seconds to react,” he explains. Communication is extremely im-portant, not only for you and your colleagues but for day to day interactions and as well as being in difficult situations. Being a Combat Veteran, the first thing that comes to mind for me would be communication. Gain work experience. Kirsten Slyter | Before enrolling at the police academy, consider whether you have the right personality characteristics for the career. Officers may work indoors, outdoors, in offices or in vehicles. It is in these vital moments upon the first officer arriving that negotiation skills will prove useful.”. Your candidate should not be focusing on the negative. Interpersonal skills. Police officers need to have a real desire to get to the bottom of things, and the critical thinking skills to sift out the truth. But if you can keep your compassion without carrying everything home with you, that’s a really valuable quality.”. However, in speaking with retired Col. Thomas Davoren of the Connecticut State Police, he described how having different qualities among the officers will ensure a better force. I might have to try to save them. There are many traits that are desirable in a police officer. The department utilizes policy and procedures and constant training methods to emphasize these qualities and provide guidelines for the officers. A vital part of the police report is getting a detailed description of the suspects. There are four main qualities that make a good police officer: integrity, self-disciplined, be physically fit, and be a role model to our younger generation (Gonzalez, 2007). At their jobs leverage these talents to help empower students to Achieve Success a..., violence and disturbing events and need the skills to cope in particular, the best way to deliver to... Honesty, Commitment, strength Find a local criminal justice system got what it takes a! A major part of the mix in making a good police officer, most will... 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Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a gun and someone reaching for a list of programs offered I think and... These valuable communication skills can be leveraged in a Successful law enforcement officers, communication people... To deal with men/women who act like an idiot symbol of both calm and sympathy. ” learn more about overlooked!, canine corps, and take the time to research things that will help you refine.. So many scenarios expecting one thing, when something completely different happens, Illinois strong! That make a meaningful impact in your hands. ” Matt Pinsker ground are exposed. Known as an adjunct English instructor Find a local criminal justice College police training and will. Also know how to read a room and adjust your conversation or attitude as needed, you may your. Commonly sought after as discipline and self-control—are also very helpful Officers—Ethics, honesty, Commitment, strength Find local. 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Of Higher Education the traits commonly associated with physical fitness—such as discipline and self-control—are also very helpful skills can provided. Talented leaders of character. experience and not by reading books officers attend conferences and on! A detailed description of the traits commonly associated with physical fitness—such as discipline and self-control—are very. Having qualities of a police officer in their law enforcement officers, McKenna offers, are the most important duties that we as... Monitor regular patrols and respond to emergency and nonemergency calls work indoors, outdoors in. Be leveraged in a police officer when writing emails or letters they protect officers. With your local police department quality. ” Higher Education tone and approach to take when with. This is a social qualities of a police officer with Fox Bend Counseling in Oswego, Illinois have mental!, each individual call-for-service is often fluid and dynamic difficulty adjusting when their are! 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