4 answers
caleb
Student
Myerstown, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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If I were to go into some form of law enforcement or first responder occupation, how would I continue to grow professionally and mentally, and persevere in a field that can seem mentally and physically draining and taxing?
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to look at this and making this scholarship even possible! I am currently a senior in High School. After I graduate, I plan on attending college to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. I have already taken courses on Cybercrime, Terrorism Psychology, and Forensic Science.
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4 answers
James Hammond
Criminal Investigator at Dallas County District Attorney's Office
40
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
James’s Answer
Just to add to Officer Igleheart's great response, I would suggest taking some language courses since our society is so diverse. When I was in patrol I took some ASL lessons so I could have a basic knowledge of how to communicate with persons who were deaf.
As for dealing with stress, take advantage of any exercise programs available and take advantage of extracurricular activities, that are unrelated to law enforcement.
As for dealing with stress, take advantage of any exercise programs available and take advantage of extracurricular activities, that are unrelated to law enforcement.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1828
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Caleb,
In Law Enforcement, you are required to take a certain number of professional development courses each year, usually somewhere in the neighborhood of 20-40 hrs per year.
The way to continue to grow is to seek out opportunities for specialization - often the first such opportunity for new officers is around 1.5 - 2 years in, as a Field Training Officer. These are the officers who train the rookies once they get out of the academy. There are also classroom instructor positions, supervisory roles, K9, SWAT, hostage negotiator, Bicycle officers, etc. It is officers with specialized roles who often get the better training.
Some training is provided by your department. However, some officers seek out additional training outside their agency. A neighboring department may be putting on a course that interests you. Sometimes you can ask your department to sponsor you, but, sometimes you might pay out of your own funds.
You could even reach a point where you become fairly knowledgeable in a certain area of law, and ask your department if you could put on a class for other officers, even if that's not currently a topic your department teaches. Or, you could become an instructor at a nearby academy. Teaching others forces us to stay current, and their questions help us to grow.
Thank you for your interest in law enforcement! It is a rewarding career, and I wish you the best!
In Law Enforcement, you are required to take a certain number of professional development courses each year, usually somewhere in the neighborhood of 20-40 hrs per year.
The way to continue to grow is to seek out opportunities for specialization - often the first such opportunity for new officers is around 1.5 - 2 years in, as a Field Training Officer. These are the officers who train the rookies once they get out of the academy. There are also classroom instructor positions, supervisory roles, K9, SWAT, hostage negotiator, Bicycle officers, etc. It is officers with specialized roles who often get the better training.
Some training is provided by your department. However, some officers seek out additional training outside their agency. A neighboring department may be putting on a course that interests you. Sometimes you can ask your department to sponsor you, but, sometimes you might pay out of your own funds.
You could even reach a point where you become fairly knowledgeable in a certain area of law, and ask your department if you could put on a class for other officers, even if that's not currently a topic your department teaches. Or, you could become an instructor at a nearby academy. Teaching others forces us to stay current, and their questions help us to grow.
Thank you for your interest in law enforcement! It is a rewarding career, and I wish you the best!
Jordan Graves
Senior Digital Forensic Examiner at Department of Justice
15
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Jordan’s Answer
Hi Caleb! It looks like you already received some great answers. In my agency and job position, we train at least annually and often on topics of our choosing, so we can self-direct our career paths as long as the skills we gain support the agency mission.
As for the mental and physical strain, building and maintaining a robust whole self and that of your team should be a top priority. Like others mentioned, physical fitness and outside hobbies or interests certainly help. I'd also recommend seeking out careers with organizations that have established Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), where employees are encouraged to speak up and speak often with trusted peers when things are less-than-optimal. It's an invaluable resource for anyone working in a law enforcement or first responder capacity. Good luck!
As for the mental and physical strain, building and maintaining a robust whole self and that of your team should be a top priority. Like others mentioned, physical fitness and outside hobbies or interests certainly help. I'd also recommend seeking out careers with organizations that have established Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), where employees are encouraged to speak up and speak often with trusted peers when things are less-than-optimal. It's an invaluable resource for anyone working in a law enforcement or first responder capacity. Good luck!
Andy Kessler CAI, INCI
Law Enforcement/Corrections/Security
31
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Andy’s Answer
Caleb,
First off I want to say it’s exciting to hear that you are interested in the law enforcement field. To start off after you attend the Basic police academy and get hired somewhere you are required to take so many hours of continuing education classes. I always tell my guys to take as many hours as possible in as many different topics to expand your knowledge.
Also I tell my guys to branch out and experience many different divisions after spending some time in each (2-3 years before wanting to move).
In 20 years of being a cop I have worked many different divisions and I believe that is definitely a big part of what has made my career interesting. The other part I would say is to promote when you feel ready and meet the departments requirements. Just remember the sky is the limit and only you can hold yourself back.
Lt Kessler
First off I want to say it’s exciting to hear that you are interested in the law enforcement field. To start off after you attend the Basic police academy and get hired somewhere you are required to take so many hours of continuing education classes. I always tell my guys to take as many hours as possible in as many different topics to expand your knowledge.
Also I tell my guys to branch out and experience many different divisions after spending some time in each (2-3 years before wanting to move).
In 20 years of being a cop I have worked many different divisions and I believe that is definitely a big part of what has made my career interesting. The other part I would say is to promote when you feel ready and meet the departments requirements. Just remember the sky is the limit and only you can hold yourself back.
Lt Kessler