interacts online and researches product purchases Officers with a bachelors degree reportedly: have fewer citizen complaints choose options short of an arrest to resolve problems are less authoritarian are more ethical have fewer disciplinary problems compared to their high school graduate counterparts What are the reported disadvantages of a bachelors degree? Law enforcement officers exercise police discretion when deciding whether or not to draw their weapon, make an arrest, shoot someone, search someone, render assistance to someone, or issue a ticket to someone. Whether it is a call to action in the line of duty or a personal crisis, the blue family will be there for one another come hell or high water. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_18',188,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');While many other jobs can be automized in the near future and many people will lose their jobs due to that, this will not be true for police officers. I admit, this can be annoying at the beginning. The 2015 task force recommended community and problem-oriented policing strategies as ways to strengthen police-community relations and better respond to crime and other social problems. Quite often, you will also spend your leisure together and some police officers even spend plenty of time together after they retire. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. I did the same when I started working in consulting after finishing my Masters degree in Economics. When the police perform their official duties, there is a certain level of discretion they must use. In fact, policemen are at much higher risk to suffer from mental problems since they have to deal with so many conflicts and also see so many bad things during their active careers. They also make sure that people who dont play according to the rules get arrested. Copyright 2023 Police officers toe the thin blue line, the line between lawfulness and illegal acts. Many organizations allow workouts on duty and participate in dietetic and nutritional training for their employees. Less likely to use violence. Thus, no job is the same and job descriptions may not completely fit your individual experiences. Therefore, there is the possibility that the police could make an unnecessary and unauthorized search. Free gym memberships are also sometimes a perk of the job. Select the option or tab named Internet Options (Internet Explorer), Options (Firefox), Preferences (Safari) or Settings (Chrome). Although juries do have instructions, it is ultimately up to all twelve individuals to use their discretion when hearing a case and evaluating the facts. Police work can affect or sway our behavior to a greater degree of positivity, too. Another advantage of being a policeman is that you can keep your neighborhood safe. The definition of especially heinous, however, is left up to the prosecutor's discretion. 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. Along with the good, we get hit with the bad. However, I will not take any responsibility for incorrect information and will not be liable for any negative consequences that might occur due to the reliance on this information. Christine Liddell graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Consequently, if you are not willing to take this risk, you should definitely go for a different career path instead. ) 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? Police officers spend a lot of time away from their families. 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. As a police officer, you will also have to deal with many difficult family problems and you will generally see the worst of humanity. Of course, to succeed in this regard, you also have to build a strong network over time. However, before you sign your contract, make sure you read this article since I show you all the pros and cons of being a police officer. Yes, there are people who simply dont like them. If someone was not competitive as a rookie, they probably will become so in time. 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. This is quite logical since whenever you need the police, something bad has happened to others. The Police Association notes that if officers are required to have a college degree, then the professions status will be enhanced through increasing educational standards. I feel like its a lifeline. Opportunity to help offenders follow the law*. Webadvantages and disadvantages of scatter graphs advantages and disadvantages of scatter graphs The major pro of being a police detective would be that the work would be interesting and intellectually stimulating. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. 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. In many states, it is also not easy to become a police officer. It's not a lame assignment or a job for a cop looking for a cushy job Quite often, you will see families breaking apart and you will also see the worst of humanity. Police officers run the risk of misinterpreting a statute and violating someone's rights. Our ethics and morals have been tossed out the window and replaced with disconnect and desensitized human shells. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 84,000 Expectation versus reality probably exists for all of us in different forms and fashions. Giving officers the power to make determinations on the job without having to seek approval or permission frees up human and monetary resources. Advantages of Being a Police OfficerPolice officers enjoy a high reputation in society. Cops never get bored. Police officers have a high fitness level. Many police officers have an inner motivation to do good for others. Your colleagues will become your second family. Police officers can earn a decent salary. Good future job prospects. You learn how to deal with people. More items Regarding the use of force, officers whove graduated from college are almost 40% less likely to use force. Add to that the ability to help people on a daily basis and this line of work can be very fulfilling. If you make mistakes, people may even sue you. Police work affords theopportunity for giving back both on duty and off. Over the past years, there has also been a trend of people losing respect for the police. All rights reserved. Since you will never know what you have to deal with next, your body and your brain will always be exposed to some level of tension during your shift. Next: 13 reasons why you love being a cop. Chances are that there would be many more robberies and other unpleasant things. Taken together, all of these skills are essential for successful policework. Being a police officer in America is a tough job.. In fact, not all police officers have good intentions and you should be quite careful in case your boss tries to push you in such a direction. Pro: Youre a hero! Many people also greatly underestimate the stress that comes along with being a police officer. As a police officer, you will also be at significant risk of serious attacks and many police officers even die during their careers. You will never know what happens during your shift and every operation could potentially be the last one for you. The suspect obeys, and Officer Bob makes an arrest. In one study, officers with criminal justice degrees said their education helped them gain managerial skills. 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. If you make mistakes, you may also get fired. Another downside of becoming a police officer is that you will also have to work at nighttime. 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. Police enjoy a high status and reputation in society, since policing is a well-respected position. What makes us this way? Lexipol. As a police officer, you will also become really good friends with your colleagues over time. 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. Research shows that, overall, college-educated officers generate fewer citizen complaints. Let's look at some examples of when a police officer must use his or her discretion. You still want to become a police officer? Some regions have pretty demanding hiring processes and you will often also have to prove your abilities as well as a high fitness level before you an become a police officer. Though each day is going to be different as a police officer, some people might rather have a more predictable, mundane type of job. Police1 is revolutionizing the way the law enforcement community Why is being professional important? In turn, you will have pretty good job prospects and dont have to fear losing your job due to automatization in the near future. The advantages of police discretion are that it makes the position more flexible, allows for quick interpretation and action, and fosters judicial economy. Id like to think it made me a better person. While this can be exhausting and you will see many bad things during your career, you will also get significant action and chances are that you will never get bored as a police officer since so many different things will happen throughout your career. 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. 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. You will also have to make difficult decisions within minutes or even seconds and your life will not be as easy as you might think now. Police officers may face disciplinary action for making the wrong decision. Copyright 2023 Many police officers are also not happy with their overall working environment. 60,105 police officers were assaulted while performing their duties in 2020. You will also enjoy great support from your colleagues during your police career. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you They do not find comic relief in a tragedy. In addition to the personal satisfaction that you gain, you will receive a competitive salary as well as a number of other benefits. You may start your career as normal patrolman, but you can get promoted pretty soon if you are ambitious enough and are willing to put in the work. In fact, while many other jobs will be automized and will be carried out by machines in the near future, policemen are not that replaceable since there is plenty of individuality and discretion in each case and police officers have to make decisions depending on many different variables and circumstances. Many police officers also suffer from sleep deprivation or even insomnia. In turn, you will also become more patient in case things dont work out the way you want them to be. Being a police officer can also be quite stressful. Specialty assignments hone in on someones individual talents whether they are born or made. Its the nature of the beast. These officers tend to work more proactively with community members to resolve issues and prevent problems rather than only reacting to incidents when called. It is often very exciting and spotted with adrenaline dumps. Similarly, community-oriented policing emphasizes building relationships with citizens to identify and respond to community crime problems. 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, in reality, there are also many downsides related to this job. Policemen also learn how to deal with difficult people early on in their careers. This is not only quite sad, it also makes the job of police officers much more difficult since people often just no longer comply with the commands of policemen. Proactive Policing Strategies & Examples | What is Proactive Policing? Consequently, your family and friends will likely also have an easier time in their daily lives in general. 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. [Youre smart and curious about the world. Chances are that it can get much better if you stay ambitious and try to get into different departments. and LL.M. Thus, every goodbye will sound strange and will have a sad implication of what might happen sooner or later. Hence, you will have a huge responsibility in this regard and under pressure, chances are that you will also make wrong decisions sooner or later. 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. By far, the residual payoffs outweigh the bad. Introduction to Human Geography: Help and Review, ILTS School Counselor (235): Test Practice and Study Guide, Introduction to American Government: Certificate Program, DSST Fundamentals of Counseling: Study Guide & Test Prep, Introduction to Counseling: Certificate Program, DSST Human Cultural Geography: Study Guide & Test Prep, Introduction to Human Geography: Certificate Program, Foundations of Education: Certificate Program, Foundations of Education: Help and Review, American Government Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, Introduction to Criminal Justice Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, Foundations of Education Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, Create an account to start this course today. 1. He notices that the person is carrying a gun. 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. Those attributes we contract from experience tend to become permanent character traits. Consequently, be aware of the fact that people will not respect you that much anymore and that you will have to deal with insults or even attacks sooner or later in your career. You should really be convinced about it and should take your mission quite seriously. LockA locked padlock As long as your kids are still small, they will not realize how dangerous your job really is. It also allows the police officer to quickly interpret the applicable statutory law and then act upon the determination. Resources in the criminal justice system are limited and must be used efficiently. 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. 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. 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