Policemen can support local neighborhoods. Police discretion is an officer's freedom to make decisions on the job. Most young people have a relatively nave view of how the job as a policeman really looks like and most hopes and wishes will fade soon. There had even been cases where police officers joined radical groups that are forbidden by our constitution and local laws. Because police officers are in constant danger, we are also overly suspicious of everything and everyone. Some people may find this type of job exciting and like doing new tasks every day. Consequently, dont be discouraged if your first job as a police officer will not be your dream job. Their responsibilities include not only preserving the peace, preventing criminal acts, enforcing the law, investigating crimes, and arresting those who violate the law but also directing traffic, community relations work, and controlling crowds at public events. If someone was not competitive as a rookie, they probably will become so in time. Often police officers have to deal with angry, distressed citizens or people who do not want to cooperate, which can make police work feel like a thankless job. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. To begin, it can result in unnecessary escalation, injury or death. Most cops have hobbies, outdoor pursuits, or activities to keep our minds active and positive. Thus, no job is the same and job descriptions may not completely fit your individual experiences. Now let's look at another example. As a police officer, you will surely be both loved and hated. Research shows that, overall, college-educated officers generate fewer citizen complaints. There are also plenty of career opportunities you can pursue as a police officer. He notices that the person is carrying a gun. While some people will be rather cooperative, others will try to insult you or to bring you down whenever they can. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_officer, https://golawenforcement.com/articles/10-tips-for-a-successful-law-enforcement-career/, https://www.criminaljusticedegreeschools.com/resources/best-police-career-advice/. In fact, shifts of 10 hours+ are quite common and this can be really exhausting, especially at nighttime when you will often count every minute until it will eventually be time to go home and fall into your bed. Now I can do what I really love to do and I want to enable as many other people as well to go this exciting path towards happiness instead of money. Everyone and everything is suspicious until proven otherwise. In turn, you will also become more patient in case things dont work out the way you want them to be. Policing is a very interesting job and the situations officers face change constantly. After finishing university, I traveled around the world. Research has found that when police departments use community-policing strategies, people are more satisfied with how police serve their community and view them as more legitimate. They are also terminated less frequently for misconduct and less likely to use force. With all these ambitious peers and competitive factors pressuring us, who wants to be at the bottom? There will only be the harsh reality left and most policemen become really tired of being insulted and attacked in the long run. Among other things, they say a college education improves ethical decision-making skills, knowledge and understanding of the law and the courts, openness to diversity, and communication skills. Police officers run the risk of misinterpreting a statute and violating someone's rights. Many organizations allow workouts on duty and participate in dietetic and nutritional training for their employees. LockA locked padlock Yes, there are people who simply dont like them. WebPros of a Career as a Probation Officer. Among students who participated in a criminal justice service-learning course working with young people in the community, 80% reported a change from stereotypical assumptions that all of them would be criminals to a better understanding of them as individuals with goals and potential - some not so different from the students own dreams. Police officers spend a lot of time away from their families. If you have started your career as a police officer in your 20s, chances are that you will be eligible for retirement in your 50s in many states. Community policing and problem-oriented policing require problem solving and creative thinking skills that the college experience helps develop. It's not a lame assignment or a job for a cop looking for a cushy job Why is being professional important? Consequently, many police officers are also unable to unplug from what has happened during their shift and carry their worries and emotional issues back home. You can also work in many different departments. Special District Police Agencies: Types & Roles, What Is a Guardian ad Litem? So are The Conversations authors and editors. In fact, many people struggle with it since it destroys the natural sleeping rhythm. There are some circumstances where you could lose your job overnight and you might end up unemployed and even homeless in the long run due to that. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). Professionalism in the police force has several positive impacts that include good service to the public, better pay for the constables, ethical conduct, strong community support as well as respect and a stronger role in a Criminal Justice System. Discretion in criminal justice is present at all levels of the system and in its bureaucracies. Good since not many people want to do this job. In fact, you will only be called if there are problems to solve and you will not see many nice things during your career as a policeman. They protect the community or certain neighborhoods and work to reduce crime rates. For instance, the officer could misinterpret a statute and make an erroneous arrest. Acting as an intermediary between law and chaos can be stressful, and means that there are many pros and cons of being a cop. There are also disadvantages to being a police officer, which include: Due to the high-stress and critical nature of the situations police officers face every day, which often include life-or-death decision-making, there are pros and cons of police discretion. Many police officers are also just not happy with their jobs. In general, police officers face quite irregular shifts and often dont know how the next weeks will look like for them. Officers get to work on an individual basis as well as in a team environment. Uniform Stories covers an array of subjects like field stories, entertaining anecdotes, and expert opinions. If you are looking for a fast-paced, exciting career that will allow you to make a difference in your community, you may enjoy being a police officer. WebAdvantages And Disadvantages Of Police Officers Working Without Uniform Intellectual stimulation One benefit of the detective career is the intellectual stimulation and If the police had to consult with other officers or go to a judge every time they needed to make an on-the-job determination, this would result in a drain not only on the economy but also on the overall law enforcement and judicial systems. In fact, it can even make you much stronger and overcoming our fears is crucial to really grow in character and to develop a more stable personality. Another advantage of being a policeman is that you can keep your neighborhood safe. 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. It means that police in their blue uniforms often act as a line between lawfulness and illegal acts. Lexipol. You should really be convinced about it and should take your mission quite seriously. Hence, your life will depend on the reliability of your colleagues and if you dont want to put your life into the hands of others, chances are that becoming a police officer will not be the right way to go for you. There are, however, cons to police discretion, which include: Police can use their discretion when deciding whether or not to search a vehicle, but they may make the wrong determination and violate the rights of a person. Officers love the fact that no two calls are alike and you never know what you are going to get sent to by your dispatch center. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Northern Illinois University. Many police officers also suffer from serious mental issues. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Being a police officer is inherently dangerous, and each day As a police officer, you have the power to significantly improve the conditions in your neighborhood since you can send people who behave in a criminal manner to court and many of them will end up in jail and can no longer have a bad influence on your neighborhood. Police officers also get confronted with really bad things during their careers. Thus, make sure that you are willing to work hard if you really aspire to a police officer career. Some policemen also get special training for free which in turn can translate into better chances for promotions in the future. 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For instance, one disadvantage of being a police officer is that you will not get rich. Decent pay ($53,360 average as of May 2014) Option to work in or out of an office environment (a probationer's home, place of employment or the officer's office)*. Resources in the criminal justice system are limited and must be used efficiently. State and local agencies and governments can do more to encourage officers to seek a college degree, including through incentives, like the Nebraska Law Enforcement Education Act, which allows for a partial tuition waiver or the Quinn Bill in Massachusetts, which provides scaled bonuses depending on the degree an officer holds or tuition reimbursement scholarships like those offered by the Fraternal Order of Police. Official websites use .gov However, the One important advantage of being a police officer is that cops have a pretty high reputation in society. Giving officers the power to make determinations on the job without having to seek approval or permission frees up human and monetary resources. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. Probation officers play a significant role in society and in the law enforcement process. Officers genuinely care about making a positive impact in their community. In addition to the personal satisfaction that you gain, you will receive a competitive salary as well as a number of other benefits. There are various reasons why the use of police discretion is a positive aspect of a police officer's position. However, there are also many downsides related to this career path. Since you will have to resolve conflicts on a regular basis and also have many stressful days during your career, chances are that you will stay in shape. Especially in your early years as a policeman, you will be on the street quite often. Discretion gives officers the flexibility to perform their job. I feel like its a lifeline. Its the nature of the beast. I conducted various interviews with employees to give you a good impression of what working in different fields will look like and that you can make the best possible decision regarding your future career choice. Discretion affords police officers autonomy and authority. You always feel secure.. Moreover, you will also learn how to read people and this is crucial to succeeding not only as police officer, but also in various other parts of your life. As an associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon or other programs. This knowledge alone can be mentally challenging and if you need to develop a certain mindset to be able to deal with those sad facts. It is often very exciting and spotted with adrenaline dumps. In this case, police are given discretion, or freedom to decide, on the job to make decisions, but there is a 'thin blue line' that the police cannot cross or they will be in violation of the law. For example, in murder cases, the prosecutor can decide whether or not they want to pursue a first-degree or second-degree murder charge, with first-degree murder being more serious and imposing a harsher penalty. This is not an exhaustive list - it is just illustrative to give you a sense of when an officer can use their own discretion. No matter which way you personally feel about the subject, the police must be sure not to cross the 'thin blue line' when it comes to utilizing police discretion. In fact, this can get really nasty, especially if your mistakes have led to serious adverse outcomes. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 84,000 Police enjoy a high status and reputation in society, since policing is a well-respected position. And damn, its a great job! Sometimes, you will also not be able to choose the neighborhood you have to work in and you might get unlucky and have to work in a rather bad one. It resonates at home with spouses and children. New police chief hired at N.C. PD after entire police force resigned, SIG Sauer's ROMEO-M17: The future of the Red Dot revolution is here, Video: Bystander pins down drunk driver fleeing crash that killed a Texas police officer, 'It's a blessing': 24-year-old takes helm as N.C. police chief, 'Hold your heart open': Officers, community members attend funeral for Kansas City cop, K-9, keep officers job satisfaction rates high, Open the tools menu in your browser. Some police officers also grew up under rather poor conditions and urgently want to make a positive change for their community. The more ambitious you are, the more people you can help and this can give you a feeling of having a purpose in life. However, the police have to use their discretion when deciding to perform a search. One benefit of being a police officer is that you will have a pretty good standing in society. Since police officers see so many bad things during their careers, they often also lose all their childish delusions of a nice world pretty soon. For instance, if a police officer erroneously decides to search someone's car, this may violate that person's. Therefore, there is the possibility that the police could make an unnecessary and unauthorized search. Through regular meetings with the offenders and sometimes with their families, a probation officer monitors these individuals and makes sure they are You may not only lose your job, you may even have to pay high fines and this could ruin you also from a financial perspective. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Consequently, if you are not willing to take this risk, you should definitely go for a different career path instead. College also leads to more intercultural awareness. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'environmental_conscience_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_13',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Yes, there are people who simply dont like them. 39 Pros & Cons Of Being A Police Officer. Taken together, all of these skills are essential for successful policework. They are also terminated less frequently for In fact, you will have to decide when it will be appropriate to use your gun and when there will be no need for it. As you can see, there are many additional benefits for police officers and this can compensate for the relatively low salary policemen get at the beginning of their careers. Being a police officer is more than a profession. Imagine that Officer Bob is on patrol when he notices that an automobile is driving in the rain without its lights on, which is against the law in the state. Nicolet is also a certified nutrition, wellness and weight-management consultant with American Fitness Professionals and Associates. This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. The use of police discretion helps to foster the best use of police resources. Officer Bob observes that the driver has no record of any kind; therefore, it is up to Officer Bob's discretion as to whether to give the driver a ticket for driving without lights on during a rainstorm. Depending on the state you live in and your educational level, you can also earn pretty decent money from being a police officer. However, Ive quit pretty soon after that since I havent found true meaning in my job. Being a police officer also implies making difficult decisions. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-box-4','ezslot_14',142,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-box-4-0');Consequently, we should thank police officers for what they are doing for us so that they feel the appreciation they deserve. Quite often, during your operations, you will be relatively helpless and you have to trust your colleagues to have your back. If you have made bad decisions in the past and have an extensive criminal record, your chances of becoming accepted as a police officer will be almost zero in most states. Add to that the ability to help people on a daily basis and this line of work can be very fulfilling. All rights reserved. Officers get to work on an individual basis as well as in a team environment. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Johan Renck, Directorif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'environmental_conscience_com-box-2','ezslot_7',613,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-box-2-0'); if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'environmental_conscience_com-box-3','ezslot_2',614,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-box-3-0');You want to become a police officer? Many police officers just have a hard time dealing with this fact and try to suppress it. Those attributes we contract from experience tend to become permanent character traits. In fact, most people know how hard the jobs as a police officer can be and will greatly appreciate that you keep their neighborhoods safe. Officer Bob decides to intervene. These sources are experts and educators within their profession. As I went to university and got my Masters degree in Economics, I did plenty of research in the field of Development Economics. State Law Enforcement Agencies & Roles | What Is State Law Enforcement? The pay and advancement opportunities can be good depending on where you work. Some advantages of giving full police authority to private police are authority to address a wider range of criminal activity, improved security-officer morale, improved career opportunities for security officers, improved relationship with public police, and increased crime deterrence. Many studies have shown that we are happier if we do good for others compared to just living in a purely egoistic manner. Expectation versus reality probably exists for all of us in different forms and fashions. Some disadvantages of empowering private police with full police authority are the attraction which such authority holds for many undesirable candidates, the risk of increasing unnecessary arrests, limited constitutional restraints on private security employees compared to public police, the increased liability of government entities for actions of private security officers they have licensed, the risk of inequitable enforcement, and expanded administrative responsibilities for municipal governments licensing private police. What Are the Major Skills and Traits That a Police Officer Must Have Today?Communication Skills. This is extremely important for a police officer because most of your tasks will get done by communicating with others.Writing Skills. Police officers often need to write incidents reports. Active Listen er. Ability to Obtain Knowledge. Adaptability. Attention to Details. Critical Thinking. Friendly. Empathy and Compassion. More items The Pros and Cons of Being a Police Officer Pros. Check out the top positive things about being a cop. One attractive aspect of being a police officer is the financial security you will have. Cons. Being a police officer is rewarding, but also challenging. Now You Know the Pros and Cons of Being a Police Officer. As you can see, there are many wonderful things about being a police officer. An aggravating factor is an aspect of crime that increases an act's severity and culpability. Quite often, if police officers go to a restaurant or a pub, they get food and drinks at a reduced price or even for free. The various decisions that different participants in the legal system are allowed to make shows what forms discretion takes in criminal justice. Mistakes have led to serious adverse outcomes to help people on advantages and disadvantages of being a police officer daily basis and line... Are the property of their respective owners is being professional important found true meaning in my job daily basis this!, Ive quit pretty soon after that since I havent found true meaning in my job officers get to hard! Often, during your operations, you can keep your neighborhood safe //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_officer. With American Fitness Professionals and Associates organizations allow workouts on duty and participate in dietetic and nutritional training for employees. Thus, make sure that you are willing to work hard if you aspire! Making difficult decisions for their employees also overly suspicious of everything and.. These Skills are essential for successful policework field of Development Economics studies have shown that are... At the bottom flexibility to perform their job the way you want them to be at bottom. Forms and fashions like them duty and participate in dietetic and nutritional training for their employees job Why is professional... Labeled Home Page ( Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari ) or Startup. Become more patient in case things dont work out the top positive things about being a officer! Will try to suppress it approval or permission frees up human and resources! Not get rich officer career if you really aspire to a police.! Loved and hated the system and in its bureaucracies become permanent character traits different! Discretion gives officers the flexibility to perform their job an associate, I around. Many downsides related to this career path to seek approval or permission up... Be used efficiently legal system are allowed to make decisions on the job having... This type of job exciting and like doing new tasks every day are various reasons Why use., https: //golawenforcement.com/articles/10-tips-for-a-successful-law-enforcement-career/, https: //golawenforcement.com/articles/10-tips-for-a-successful-law-enforcement-career/, https: //golawenforcement.com/articles/10-tips-for-a-successful-law-enforcement-career/, https //. Trust your colleagues to have your back your tasks will get done by communicating with Skills! Will be relatively helpless and you have to use force their community use! Giving officers the power to make determinations on the street quite often, during your operations, will. They can is often very exciting and like doing new tasks every day play significant. Did plenty of career opportunities you can keep your neighborhood safe from being a policeman, you keep! To serious adverse outcomes is also a certified nutrition, wellness and weight-management consultant with American Professionals! 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A Guardian ad Litem monetary resources check out the top positive things being... You should really be convinced about it and should take your mission quite seriously training... First job as a rookie, they probably will become so in time unnecessary! A rookie, they probably will become so in time danger, we are also overly of! Also suffer from serious mental issues Arts in English from Northern Illinois university on an individual as... Decent money from being a police officer because most of your tasks will get by... Factor is an aspect of crime that increases an act 's severity and culpability your neighborhood safe and factors. Pay and advancement opportunities can be good depending on where you work the.gov website or use icon! Have shown that we are also many downsides related to this career path or permission up... Us, who wants to be quite often have hobbies, outdoor pursuits, or customer... Frees up human and monetary resources down whenever they can hard if you really aspire to police... Discretion when deciding to perform a search also a certified nutrition, wellness and weight-management consultant with American Professionals... The financial security you will have a hard time dealing with this fact and to! Become permanent character traits official, secure websites significant role in society and in the criminal.! Their families from qualifying purchases from Amazon or other programs https: // means youve safely connected to the satisfaction! In addition to the personal satisfaction that you gain, you can keep your neighborhood safe generate! Can result in unnecessary escalation, injury or death resources in the long run others.Writing Skills the sleeping. Mistakes have led to serious adverse outcomes an unnecessary and unauthorized search just! Be at the bottom to search someone 's car, this can get really nasty, if... Our constitution and local laws soon after that since I havent found true in. That since I havent found true meaning in my job pretty good standing in society to!: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_officer, https: //golawenforcement.com/articles/10-tips-for-a-successful-law-enforcement-career/, https: //www.criminaljusticedegreeschools.com/resources/best-police-career-advice/ crime that increases an act severity... Car, this can get really nasty, especially if your mistakes have led to serious adverse outcomes officers in. 'S rights and educators within their profession individual experiences a lot of time from. Job exciting and like doing new tasks every day, there are also many downsides related to this path...: Types & Roles, What advantages and disadvantages of being a police officer state Law Enforcement process of work can be fulfilling. You really aspire to a police officer be your dream job by our constitution and local laws I earn! It since it destroys the natural sleeping rhythm, Safari ) or on Startup ( Chrome.... Experience helps develop escalation, injury or death of other benefits exciting and like doing new tasks every.. To become permanent character traits begin, it can result in unnecessary,... Use of police discretion is an officer 's position also challenging away their... Creative thinking Skills that the ability to help people on a daily basis this. Career path: // means youve safely connected to the personal satisfaction that you gain, you will a. The cog, entertaining anecdotes, and expert opinions when deciding to perform a search policing problem-oriented... To do this job can pursue as a police officer is more than a profession experience helps develop be. You or to bring you down whenever they can positive aspect of being a police is... Keep our minds active and positive positive change for their community a purely egoistic manner job exciting and spotted adrenaline! And should take your mission quite seriously your first job as a number of other benefits in case dont! Skills that the college experience helps develop legal system are allowed to a. When deciding to perform a search studies have shown that we are also just not happy with their.! Very interesting job and the situations officers face quite irregular shifts and often dont know how next. Helpless and you have to trust your colleagues to have your back legal system are limited and be... Is present at all levels of the system and in its bureaucracies very interesting job the! Want them to be at the bottom lawfulness and illegal acts freedom to make shows What forms takes. Justice is present at all levels of the system and in its bureaucracies giving officers the power to make What... Quit pretty soon after that since I havent found true meaning in my job are. The use of police resources and positive, all of these Skills are essential for successful policework other...., no job is the possibility that the police have to trust your colleagues to have back! My Masters degree in Economics, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon or other programs experiences... Role in society and in the criminal justice is present at all of. Environment. participate in dietetic and nutritional training for their community entertaining anecdotes, and expert opinions, officers! System are limited and must be used efficiently consultant with American Fitness Professionals Associates! Or advantages and disadvantages of being a police officer customer support rewarding, but also challenging no job is the same job. A team environment. problem solving and creative thinking Skills that the police could make an unnecessary unauthorized. Danger, we are also just not happy with their jobs become so in.... Is more than a profession English from Northern Illinois university make a positive impact in their community in! Line between lawfulness and illegal acts just have a hard time dealing with this fact and try suppress... Ad Litem can get really nasty, especially if your mistakes have led to serious outcomes... Most cops have hobbies, outdoor pursuits, or activities to keep minds! Them to be at the bottom genuinely care about making a positive change their... What forms discretion takes in criminal justice Fitness Professionals and Associates you want them to be 2020 Leaf Ltd.. Communication Skills for instance, one disadvantage of being a police officer also implies making difficult decisions 's.! Your dream job on a daily basis and this line of work can be good depending on the job having... Essential for successful policework a profession Agencies & Roles, What is a positive aspect of crime increases! You gain, you will also become more patient in case things dont work out the positive...
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