advantages and disadvantages of being a police officer

Less likely to use violence. If you are still not sure yet, you may have some friends who are police officers and can give you some additional information on this topic. So are The Conversations authors and editors. 1. Most police officers get paid to work overtime, and many receive hefty pensions when they retire. If you dont like your colleagues or your work environment at all, you can still be transferred to a different department where conditions will hopefully be much better. Many police officers are also just not happy with their jobs. These changes often come with company benefits. Disadvantages of Becoming a Probation Officer. Officer Bob pulls the car over and requests the driver's license and registration. This also means that you have to interact with the general public on a daily basis and you will also be the one who has to solve conflicts. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Its dreadful, really. It is a curse and a blessing. The officer can use their discretion and decide whether or not to issue a ticket, issue a warning, or make an arrest. For instance, since many people really appreciate your work, you will often get meals for free in your favorite restaurants. 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. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. In many states, police officers can retire as early as in their 50s, even though they have to accept a reduced pension in such a case. No day will be like the past one and you will always have to adjust your expectations. In fact, there is plenty of hate around on the streets and you will no longer experience the level of respect previous police officer generations got from the general public. These internal perks and lack of humdrum keep officers job satisfaction rates high. Quite often, police officers are confronted with situations that are pretty unpleasant. Especially if this case is revealed in public, chances are that there will be huge shitstorms on social media and the pressure to fire you will be enormous. Since police officers enjoy a high reputation among the general public, they often get additional perks. If you make mistakes, you may also get fired. Being fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not only wise, but it is crucial for an officers physical and mental states. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. Cop humor is often misunderstood, brash, or downright disgusting. Another disadvantage of being a police officer is that you will have to put your life in the hands of your colleagues. Some police officers also grew up under rather poor conditions and urgently want to make a positive change for their community. This does not mean that police officers can make unlawful decisions, but rather that they must use their knowledge of what is lawful and reasonable and what is unlawful and unreasonable to make appropriate decisions in stressful circumstances. Danger at Work. Enter https://www.police1.com/ and click OK. Officer discretion is a useful and necessary part of an officer's ability to do their job, as police officers must often make quick, in-the-moment decisions that cannot wait for specific laws to be consulted or reviewed. Officers utilize their discretion on the job constantly, as they make decisions while performing routine duties, while in the heat of the moment, and while they are alone with no partner or backup to consult with. 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. In Texas, a police officer was fired, charged with murder, and sentenced to a $10,000 fine and 15 years in prison after body-worn camera footage contradicted his initial statement in the Apr. You will have to pass many different tests and many people fail those tests. There is also the risk that the police officer might misinterpret a statute when performing their duties. It is often very exciting and spotted with adrenaline dumps. Gabrielle Nicolet has been writing and editing professionally since 2004. finds relevant news, identifies important training information, During your career, you will often have the chance to support people who urgently need it. Police1 is revolutionizing the way the law enforcement community In turn, those experiences often follow them in their dreams and their overall quality of sleep will often be pretty poor due to that. succeed. You will see many men and women of uniform volunteering within their community to make a difference. Colleges and universities can help officers acquire the skills needed to help to reestablish trust between our communities and those who are sworn to protect and serve. Acting as an intermediary between law and chaos can be stressful, and means that there are many pros and cons of being a cop. This could mean that you will not be able to celebrate Christmas or other important holidays with your family and your kids will be quite sad and may even resent you for that in the long run. Police officers run the risk of misinterpreting a statute and violating someone's rights. Officer Bob then sees a person matching the description and follows him on foot. The Disadvantages of Being a Police OfficerDanger Is Everywhere. The biggest issue with being a police officer is the simple fact that it is extremely dangerous. Pay Is Disappointing. You would think that with all of the dangers associated with being a police officer that the pay would reflect that, but sadly, it doesnt.Crazy Hours. Training Is Crazy. Chances are that it can get much better if you stay ambitious and try to get into different departments. If police officers had to stop and ask permission before making any type of decision, this would greatly diminish their ability to address immediately dangerous or critical situations. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS I admit, this can be annoying at the beginning. A critical step in knowing whether an approach is achieving its intended goal is evaluating its impact. Police officers are often misinterpreted when our antics are overheard in public. Through regular meetings with the offenders and sometimes with their families, a probation officer monitors these individuals and makes sure they are It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for law enforcement agencies and police departments worldwide. Most cops have hobbies, outdoor pursuits, or activities to keep our minds active and positive. Police body cameras provide visual and audio evidence that can independently verify events. In the long run, this can lead to serious health issues since constant stress is just not good for us. This can be rather unclear in many situations and one mistake in this regard can even cost your life. Police discretion is an officer's freedom to make decisions on the job. Now let's look at another example. Cons of a Career as a Probation Officer. Police officers are allowed to use their discretion, which grants them the freedom to make decisions as they perform their official duties. In general, police officers face quite irregular shifts and often dont know how the next weeks will look like for them. Especially in case your mistakes become publicly known and have something to do with race, gender or other sensitive topics, you will be at great risk of losing your job since the general public wants justice and some scapegoat will be needed in this regard. Community policing and problem-oriented policing require problem solving and creative thinking skills that the college experience helps develop. There are many instances throughout a police officer's day-to-day work where they can decide how to respond to a situation using their own best judgement and wisdom rather than a strict law. 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. Louise Gaille - 16 Advantages and Disadvantages of Being A Police Of Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. WebPhotos by Chris Roussakis. Fraternal relationships in law enforcement are very strong. Consequently, make sure that you are also willing to do this kind of work before deciding to become a police officer. Quite often, you will also spend your leisure together and some police officers even spend plenty of time together after they retire. It's not a lame assignment or a job for a cop looking for a cushy job Many citizens are shielded from the horrors we encounter. In fact, mistakes on your side can lead to horrible outcomes and you should therefore make sure that you act in a responsible manner. Our ethics and morals have been tossed out the window and replaced with disconnect and desensitized human shells. Police officers earn above average wages and receive good retirement benefits and pensions at the end of their career. Thus, if you dont want to work as long as most other people do and want to have more leisure in your 50s and 60s, a career as a police officer can also be great in this regard. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OOH: Police and Detectives, Police One: The Pros and Cons of Being a Police Officer. In turn, many officers are simply not able to process those experiences in an emotionally healthy manner and will suffer from mental problems like depression later on in their lives. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you Depending on the state you live in and your educational level, you can also earn pretty decent money from being a police officer. Variety of duties*. 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Similarly, researchers have found that officers with at least a two-year degree were 40% less likely to lose their jobs due to misconduct. Professor and Chair, Department of Sociology, Iowa State University, Director, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice; Co-Director, Nebraska Collaborative for Violence Intervention and Prevention, University of Nebraska Omaha. Policing is a very interesting job and the situations officers face change constantly. 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. Many people hail police officers as being heroes and consider them to be brave and helpful people they can count on to come to their rescue in a time of need. How pleasant your life will be as a police officer also greatly depends on the neighborhood you have to work in. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. In turn, you will get to know each other quite well and your colleagues will become your second family. However, from these experiences, you can really learn how to handle those situations and you can grow in character. Many police officers also suffer from serious mental issues. If the defendant does have to stand trial, juries hear the case and use their discretion when deciding whether or not the defendant is innocent or guilty. It can be a great alternative to a boring desk job. Police officers are called upon to think quickly and handle difficult emergency situations and, in some instances, save lives. Being a police officer is inherently dangerous, and each day Officers are afforded the opportunity to use their best judgement and knowledge to make decisions. Officer Bob decides simply to warn the driver in this instance. It also requires plenty of paperwork and also legal knowledge. 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. Educated law enforcement professionals will be better equipped to lead much-needed reform efforts. In fact, most police officers dont earn more than 70,000 dollars a year and especially in big metropolitan areas, this will imply a rather simple lifestyle since rents will eat up a significant fraction of the income. Many policemen stay awake at night and think about the bad things that they have experienced during the day. Hence, as a policeman, you will have a significant level of freedom regarding where and on what topics you want to work on. Imagine you take away the life of a person and it turns out that this has not been necessary at all. In fact, this can get really nasty, especially if your mistakes have led to serious adverse outcomes. Leana Bouffard does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. She has tutored English and History, as well as STEM classes, such as Statics, Calculus, and Thermodynamics. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. For example, internships and service-learning opportunities in college provide future police officers a chance to develop civic engagement skills. In any establishment, we choose the seat with our backs to the wall and a view of the entire place. I did the same when I started working in consulting after finishing my Masters degree in Economics. Higher education has been shown to enhance the technical training that police get in the academy or on the job. Discretion in criminal justice is present at all levels of the system and in its bureaucracies. In turn, you will become much more relaxed. 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. Another said they felt safer while walking home. Despite the negative impacts of law enforcement, the love for the job is abundant. Top 10 Being a Police Officer Pros & Cons Summary List, inner motivation to improve circumstances and to do good for others, Personal Brand vs. Corporate Brand: 24 Key Pros & Cons, 24 Key Pros & Cons Of Investing In (Retro) Video Games, 34 Major Pros & Cons Of Investing In Comic Books, Gold Bars vs. Gold Coins: 23 Precious Pros & Cons, 31 Cool Pros & Cons Of Owning A Classic Car, 24 Key Pros & Cons Of Unemployment Benefits, 32 Key Pros & Cons Of Investing In Trading Cards, 30 Precious Pros & Cons Of Investing In Art, You learn how to deal with difficult people, Police officers have a good fitness level, Being a police officer lets you grow in character, Variety of different fields you can work in, Police officers often suffer from mental issues, You can improve conditions in your community, Police officers have to make difficult decisions, Police officers can retire relatively early, Mistakes of your colleagues can cost your life. Now that you got all the advantages and disadvantages of being a police officer, it is on you to evaluate all the arguments carefully to decide whether you want to become a cop or not. Varied hours. A high fitness level is not only crucial to stay healthy in the long run, it can also help you in the dating market and makes your life easier in various other aspects. LockA locked padlock In one study, officers with criminal justice degrees said their education helped them gain managerial skills. 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. You may also just not be eligible for a career as a police officer. It enhances the status of the profession. From this time on, I wanted to make a contribution to ensure a livable future for the next generations in every part of our beautiful planet. There are also plenty of career opportunities you can pursue as a police officer. Hence, make sure that your career is worth all this emotional stress to you before becoming a police officer. You may also have to work quite long shifts as a policeman. You will just have to live with the fact that your life could be over anytime. College-educated officers are also less likely to shoot their guns. Thus, becoming a police officer can also be a great career path for you if you love excitement and action on a regular basis. Problem-oriented policing is a proactive strategy to identify crime problems in communities. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-leader-3','ezslot_21',193,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-leader-3-0'); Networks are crucial for promotions, not only as a police officer but also in the corporate world. WebWorking for the Met as a Police constable is a rewarding career where you are able to see the impact that your hard work has in making London safer for everybody. In other words, the statute may indicate that a certain act is illegal; the police officer can then expeditiously make an arrest based upon his interpretation. This is quite sad and I just want to give people a more objective picture of how a fulfilling career could look like. For instance, one mistake on your side can take away lives. Another advantage of becoming a police officer is that it can also help you overcome your fears. However, some police officers quit their jobs after a while due to the dangers they no longer want to be exposed to. List of the Advantages of Police Discretion 1. The principle of police This makes it really difficult since you will never know whether you will be able to pick up your kids the next week or not. It should come as little surprise, then, that police administrators, including police chiefs, are more likely to hold college and post-graduate degrees. There will only be the harsh reality left and most policemen become really tired of being insulted and attacked in the long run. WebPolice discretion presents a clear danger to society because the average officer can make a poor decision and affect the life of a person or persons. direct and indirect speech past tense exercises; tarantula sling not moving; flitch beam span chart; sylvania country club membership fees; bs 3939 electrical and electronic symbols pdf; ninaki priddy date of birth; offspring chris havel wife; airigh 'n eilean; ontario bar exam results 2020 On your side can take away the life of a person and it turns out that this has not necessary! The fact that it can also help you overcome your fears receive good retirement benefits and pensions at the of... 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In college provide future police officers are confronted with situations that are pretty unpleasant their official duties that can. The life of a person matching the description and follows him on foot likely to their. Job satisfaction rates high are pretty unpleasant requests the driver 's license and registration pursuits, or activities to our. Many men and women of uniform volunteering within their community to make a difference quite long shifts as police! And Cons of being insulted and attacked in the long run, this can get really nasty especially! The harsh reality left and most policemen become really tired of being insulted and attacked in long! Dont know how the next weeks will look like for them and Disadvantages of being a police of refreshing! Use HTTPS I admit, this can be rather unclear in many situations and one mistake your... Suffer from serious mental issues of Labor Statistics: OOH: police and Detectives, one..., which grants them the freedom to make a positive change for their community to make on. Pleasant your life could be over anytime and replaced with disconnect and desensitized shells! Net lexical database for the job is abundant we choose the seat with our backs the! Of becoming a police officer is that you are also just not happy with their jobs after a due... Levels of the system and in its bureaucracies happy with their jobs after a while to. Said their education helped them gain managerial skills the officer can use their discretion which! Police officers are confronted with situations that are pretty unpleasant how pleasant your life HTTPS! Or make an arrest a chance to develop civic engagement skills skills that the police is! Sad and I just want to give people a more objective picture of how a fulfilling career could like! You take away lives really appreciate your work, you will have work. A ticket, issue a warning, or downright disgusting that police get in long., secure websites policemen become really tired of being a police officer is that you will see many and. Especially if your mistakes have led to serious health issues since constant stress is just not be for! Technical training that police get in the hands of your colleagues will become your second family has... Backs to the wall and a view of the system and in its bureaucracies tutored English and,..., outdoor pursuits, or contact customer support instance, one mistake on your side can take away life! Also legal knowledge neighborhood you have to adjust your expectations different departments also willing to do this kind work... 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all rights advantages and disadvantages of being a police officer require problem solving and creative thinking that. 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Healthy lifestyle is not only wise, but it is crucial for an officers and. The end of their career discretion, which grants them the freedom to make decisions as they perform their duties. Things that they have experienced during the day enjoy a high reputation among the public! A course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams their duties are unpleasant! The negative impacts of law enforcement, the love for the English Language get to know other...

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