The career I have chosen is the police force because its the coolest job there is.

Within the
police comes safety, peace of mind, and the knowledge that you are making a difference. Most
people would think that officers simply love to give people unreasonable tickets but there is so
much more to it! Although, there are different varieties of police, they all general work towards
the same goal which is a better the society. Whether it takes writing a traffic ticket or solving a
murder, all cops are doing something significant.
Anyone who is thinking about taking on the police force, should first look at their own
characteristics and see if they meet an unarguable requirement for this task. Potential officers
should have the ability to use good judgment and to problem solve but to also should be able to
make decisions based on legal knowledge meaning that they can when there comes a situation
where someone is breaking the law but they dont have much knowledge of the law, these
officers should enforce the law but also teach it to the citizen. People who are wanting to be
officers should also have devotion to training and practice along with patience because for
success, these should be constant. Training is what you learn from someone else. Practice is a
gift to yourself. I believe that training takes a lot of strength, not only physically but mentally
because not many people actually want to sit there and learn, they want to do something.
Though, it may seem hard, training is essential. Officers need to be prepared physically,
mentally, and even emotionally which is also another necessity in this career.
Unspeakable things are bound to happen while you are on duty and anyone who has experienced
it can tell you that its hard. Whether you want it to happen or not, people will die, mothers will
lose their sons or daughters, and things will not go your way. These are the times that officers
need to be their strongest because there will come a time where they will have to tell someone
that their loved one is gone, or that theyll find out what was really happening behind the closed

doors of a home. I believe that this is the reason I have always found interest in becoming a
police officer, for the reason that I will bring a runaway teen back to their mother and help them.
I have always been fond of other peoples happiness and though many wouldnt see the good in
officers, they are only trying to protect the people so they may have more time with their loved
ones. Most importantly, I hope to have the integrity and loyalty that officers need to show in their
work.
It may be surprising to some but not much education is needed for potential polices officers. The
minimum requirement is a high school diploma, although, it doesnt hurt to stay in school for a
couple of more years. Though, the education may not be as big as a deal, to be accepted you still
need to be a United States citizen, at least 21 years of age, poses a drivers license, and have no
prior convictions. Meaning that you cannot have any type of criminal record. Once someone has
received their high school diploma, or a higher degree in law enforcement, they would have to
sign up for the police academy. Here, they will first be tested by their physical capability and
their mental state. Some departments choose to go beyond the basic requirements and require
that the applicants have completed some college coursework and a psychological profile.
At the police academy, the recruits usually receive 12-14 weeks of training through their own inhouse academy. Some typical training includes regular fitness and stamina exercises and all
graduates must pass a physical fitness test in order to be allowed to go in the field. Not only is
the academy focused on fitness but also on mental preparation. Academies also include
coursework in classroom settings. In some cases, recruits that may be under the legal age
requirement to work in the field do simple tasks for the department and take courses for a couple
of years until they meet the age requirement. Such courses might include:
Constitutional Law

Working with the public

Civil rights
Mental preparation for hostility
And much more. My plans for my education are to take advantage of the classes at HCC that I
have been given the privilege to take that might help me get closer with my career. After HCC I
will go into a 4 year university and acquire my bachelors degree in law enforcement because, if
I try my hardest and then some, once I graduate from my high school, I will also have my degree
from HCC and I would be too young to go into the work force. So I have decided to use the time
that I have from when I graduate to when I can legally work for my city department, I will get a
better education to better my chances in my success.
On average, a police department requires that each officer work 37-40 hours a week, with an
average of 2 rest days. In the Houston Police Department I will experience a work setting that I
am familiar with and I believe that I would choose a station near my home area so that I can
ensure that the place that I grew up in doesnt become any worse than it is now. Though I will try
my best, the job will be stressful but that is what the academy prepares you for. It tests your
strength physically and mentally so that you can do your best job on the field.
Officers usually receive an annual average salary of $56,260 but their salaries do depend on level
of experience and location. A new recruit officer in Houston would generally get paid from 30
thousand to 69 thousand a year where a Houston police sergeant would get paid generally 69
thousand to 139 thousand a year. Some benefits of the job include health insurance and
occasionally dental coverage, but lets not forget about the discounts on donuts!

Employment of police and detectives is expected to grow by 7

percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all
occupations. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition.
I believe that this career fits me perfectly because I have always
been one to never be able to not want to do something. My mind is
always working and I think that this will help me with the problem
solving part of the job and I have this unexplainable want to just go
out and make a difference, though many people may not see it that
way. Where would we be without our police? Probably, home faster.
You may think. Its so much more and even if people dont see it
correctly, just knowing that Im doing something right, despite what
others think, that is what I hope to achieve.

Bibliography:
www.careerbear.com/police-officer/article
www.riminologycareers.about.com/od/Work_Environment/a/Day-in-the-life-of-a-policeofficer.htm
http://discoverpolicing.org/what_does_take/?fa=skills_abilities
http://www.policeone.com/Officer-Safety/articles/2938489-7-habits-of-successful-policeofficers/
http://educationportal.com/articles/Police_Officer_Educational_Requirements_for_Police_Officers.htmlttp://wor
k.chron.com/police-officer-working-conditions-2079.html
www.payscale.com/research/US/Employer=Houston_Police_Department/Salary
www.allthingspolitical.org/careers/police_job_outlook.htm

POLICE OFFICER
Perla Luna
EDUC 1300: Learning Frameworks
Class Number 12345- MW 8:30
Fall 2014