If there is anything else that someone would want to be, it is definitely a police officer. Police officers go through quite an extensive training process before being able to “play on the field” and start dealing with the many risks of being an officer for the state and county you may live in.
The Uniform
Being a police officer requires a strict uniform, equipment, and strict rule knowledge. Officers are required to wear a navy blue shirt tucked into their high waisted pants, a belt, their equipment holder which includes a gun holster, pepper spray holster, a baton holster, handcuffs, radio, and some other major necessities. They even have certain socks that are needed and very specific footwear.
There are specifically manufactured oxford shoes for police men and women, and they are the most important part of the uniform (besides the bulletproof vest). These shoes help a police officer stand for long periods of time and run long distances without injuring their feet.
Tasks before entering the field
Some of the tasks that are required before you enter the field can be quite strenuous.
Being a police officer requires passing competitive written and physical tests. Applicants have to be in their best physical shape since the job requires a lot of physical activity. You also have to pass an extensive background check before entering the field. There are also some requirements before becoming a police officer such as having sixty college credit hours. You don’t need to complete a bachelor’s degree but some secondary education is required. Police officers also study Criminal Justice, some computer programming, and psychology.
Entering the police academy
When entering the police academy, there are many tasks that need to be done. There is a packet of information that needs to be filled out. You will also need to submit copies of your high school diploma as well as any college transcripts. There is also a small application fee that needs to be paid as well. And, of course, completing the written entrance exam. Not every exam is the same. They can vary depending on which academy you would like to attend. Upon passing the exam there is a twelve to fifteen-week training that takes place.
The long training
The twelve to fifteen-week training can seem longer than it is. Police officers in training learn a multitude of different things that they will need to know. They take training courses in civil rights and laws at state and federal levels. There are also accident investigation and traffic control courses. Extensive firearm, self- defense, first aid and emergency response training are also important courses that the applicant is required to pass. They also have to complete a technology course to so that they will know how to operate traffic cameras and their own computer programs. Each of these courses helps the officers be the best officers they can be.
Acquiring the job
Once you pass your tests and courses and get your badge, you will feel so proud of yourself! Being a police officer can be tiring, time-consuming, and even emotionally harsh but the job is definitely worth having.
Some police officers are seen as someone kids look up to, or even as someone the whole county looks up to. There are also times when police officers are the bad guys and people may dislike them. But the fact that a police officer is always there to help someone no matter their race, ethnicity, mentality, or financial outcome, is something I will always admire. Police officers risk their lives for other people and that makes the job so much more admirable.
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