advantages and disadvantages of being a police officeradvantages and disadvantages of being a police officer

Police officers work long hours, often with irregular shifts, including night shifts. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. Being a police officer is more than a profession. 2017 shooting of an unarmed youth. Police work is particularly dynamic and no day is the same. 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. Iowa State University and University of Nebraska Omaha provide funding as members of The Conversation US. While many people who work in office jobs have to go to the gym to stay in shape, you as a police officer dont have to do this since you will stay in shape in a natural manner and can spend your time in a more enjoyable manner. 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. Not only do we have individual interests, officers often influence each other and share in the fun. In fact, most police officers are not replaceable with machines in the near future since the job as police officer just involves too much personal judgement to automize it. Police officers keep our streets safe and resolve conflicts between people on a daily basis. 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. While there are many benefits of becoming a police officer, there are also some issues related to it. Less likely to use violence. In fact, you will have the authority to stop injustice and unlawful behavior whenever you see it and can therefore improve the circumstances of the majority of people in our society. For instance, if a police officer erroneously decides to search someone's car, this may violate that person's. and LL.M. List of the Advantages of Police Discretion 1. We would be lost without our firearm and badged clipped to our waistbands. 1. 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. While some people still believe in the best of people, police officers just have a hard time doing so since they experience so many bad things every day. Danger at Work. In the long run, this can lead to serious health issues since constant stress is just not good for us. By far, the residual payoffs outweigh the bad. 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. You will also enjoy great support from your colleagues during your police career. Official websites use .gov 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. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. There are many pros and cons of being a security officer. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_16',146,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');In fact, many police officers have an inner motivation to improve circumstances and to do good for others. Racing through traffic to crime scenes, risking being shot and approaching unsuspecting criminals are just some of the daily activities that make being a police officer dangerous. Being fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not only wise, but it is crucial for an officers physical and mental states. Policemen not only have to work at nighttime, they also have to work on holidays. 60,105 police officers were assaulted while performing their duties in 2020. 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. While some people dont like this high level of insecurity, others live for it since it gives them a certain level of thrill and excitement. Hence, you can make really strong bonds during your career as a police officer and can even make friends for a lifetime. In turn, you will get to know each other quite well and your colleagues will become your second family. Many police officers receive medical, vision and dental insurance. There is just that much insecurity involved in this job that you will never know when you are called to the next operation. Consequently, your family and friends will likely also have an easier time in their daily lives in general. Hence, dont think that your job as a police officer is entirely safe. Many organizations allow workouts on duty and participate in dietetic and nutritional training for their employees. Despite the negative impacts of law enforcement, the love for the job is abundant. Nicolet is also a certified nutrition, wellness and weight-management consultant with American Fitness Professionals and Associates. Educated law enforcement professionals will be better equipped to lead much-needed reform efforts. Probation officers supervise criminal offenders who have been sentenced to a period of probation rather than incarceration. Copyright 2023 Also make sure to check out the following articles: Advantages and disadvantages of becoming a dentist, Advantages and disadvantages of becoming an actor, https://golawenforcement.com/articles/tips-for-going-into-law-enforcement/, https://www.how2become.com/blog/5-tips-to-pass-the-police-officer-selection-process/. The following are the types of decisions that might require a police officer to use their own discretion. 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. 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. After reading this article, you will get more aware of all the chances and dangers of becoming a police officer and you may even change your mind due to that. It is also not that easy to become a police officer. 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. 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. In fact, being a policeman is not safe at all and you should be aware of the fact that you put your life at risk every time you leave your home. Studies have found that a small proportion of police officers about 5% produce most citizen complaints, and officers with a two-year degree are about half as likely to be in the high-rate complaint group. As researchers who specialize in crime and punishment, we see five reasons why police officers should be encouraged to pursue a college degree. 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. Being a police officer in America is a tough job.. Chances are that it can get much better if you stay ambitious and try to get into different departments. 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. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browsers Help menu. interacts online and researches product purchases A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. You will often see them proud of their line of work. This is necessary since most unlawful activities happen at nighttime. For instance, since many people really appreciate your work, you will often get meals for free in your favorite restaurants. As I went to university and got my Masters degree in Economics, I did plenty of research in the field of Development Economics. 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. What is police discretion? Please also note that working conditions and duties greatly vary across countries and also depend on individual circumstances. Juvenile Justice System & Law | The Rights of Juvenile Offenders, Critical Issues Facing Women & Minority Police Officers, Use of Force Continuum | Use of Force Models & Examples, Ethics, Discretion & Professionalism in Policing. By arresting suspects and leading investigations, a police officer can keep the community safe from people who are committing crimes. Imagine you take away the life of a person and it turns out that this has not been necessary at all. All rights reserved. To be clear, school resource officers (SROs) are sworn police officers and not security guards. Those attributes we contract from experience tend to become permanent character traits. Flexible working hours Many security officers have the opportunity to choose their own schedules or work If someone was not competitive as a rookie, they probably will become so in time. You can also work in many different departments. The disadvantages of police officer discretion are that it can escalate a situation or violate someone's rights if applied improperly. Of course, you should never become a police officer solely due to the fact that you would be able to retire early. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. If you are thinking about becoming a police officer, you should first consider the many advantages and disadvantages of this profession. Others may feel the risk is not worth the benefits that come with being a police officer. 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. 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. In turn, those experiences often follow them in their dreams and their overall quality of sleep will often be pretty poor due to that. Many police officers also suffer from sleep deprivation or even insomnia. LockA locked padlock 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. In fact, this can get really nasty, especially if your mistakes have led to serious adverse outcomes. 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. If officers had to ask permission from judges for every decision they were faced with, this would be inefficient and costly. 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. Higher education, including graduate degrees, can enhance the leadership potential of criminal justice professionals and support their promotion through the ranks. The use of discretion allows the police officer the flexibility necessary to perform their job. It's not a lame assignment or a job for a cop looking for a cushy job In any establishment, we choose the seat with our backs to the wall and a view of the entire place. Fraternal relationships in law enforcement are very strong. 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. Police officers may face disciplinary action for making the wrong decision. Also, the prosecutor exercises their discretion to decide the severity of charges levied against the offender. Pro: Youre a hero! 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. In fact, many people struggle with it since it destroys the natural sleeping rhythm. Many children dream of becoming a police officer. 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. You Hence, if you want to become wealthy or even rich, a career as police officer will not be the way to go for you most of the time. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. 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? For instance, one disadvantage of being a police officer is that you will not get rich. Another advantage of becoming a police officer is that it can also help you overcome your fears. Why is being professional important? 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)*. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-leader-1','ezslot_17',149,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-leader-1-0');Thus, over time, you will build a high level of trust with each other and after a few years, you will almost blindly rely on your colleagues having your back in case of emergency. Being a police officer is inherently dangerous, and each day As a police officer, you will also be at significant risk of serious attacks and many police officers even die during their careers. Disadvantages of Becoming a Probation Officer. Between January 2021 and September 2021, 59 police officers in the United States were killed in the line of duty. Gabrielle Nicolet has been writing and editing professionally since 2004. 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. Jessica is a practicing attorney and has taught law and has a J.D. An example of police discretion is when a car gets pulled over for speeding. We constantly scan our surroundings, look for exits, and keep alert. Conversely, the prosecutor can decide whether or not offer a plea bargain so that the defendant does not have to go to trial. On the other hand, the use of police discretion has been criticized for negative aspects. 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. If your colleagues make mistakes, you could potentially lose your life. People still want the personal component since they feel safer talking to a police officer instead of just talking to a robot in case of emergency. While this can be quite annoying and emotionally challenging, you will also learn how to keep your emotions under control and how to react to difficult situations. These charities bridge community partnerships and sometimes close the gap of societal isolation plaguing officers who disassociate. Territories Financial Support Center (TFSC), Tribal Financial Management Center (TFMC). Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. 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. 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. The major pro of being a police detective would be that the work would be interesting and intellectually stimulating. It is all a balancing act. It can be a great alternative to a boring desk job. Christine Liddell graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering. Others think police officers are mean, uncaring snitches who simply arrest people and hand out traffic tickets. In fact, mistakes on your side can lead to horrible outcomes and you should therefore make sure that you act in a responsible manner. Quite often, during your operations, you will be relatively helpless and you have to trust your colleagues to have your back. Charities bridge community partnerships and sometimes close the gap of advantages and disadvantages of being a police officer isolation plaguing officers who disassociate they. In 2020 with it since it destroys the natural sleeping rhythm a tough..! Becoming a police officer, you will also enjoy great support from your will! Is abundant or violate someone 's car, this may violate that person 's will likely also to... 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