5 characteristics of a police officer
Commitment to Helping People - correct answer Law enforcement officers
must be true believers in the law and the legal process. They have to be morally upright and committed
to improving conditions in their assigned area. Fighting crime can be frustrating, but the rewards are
great. Police officers face a wide range of dangers and risks and put their health and safety on the line
daily. They help those who cannot protect themselves and need the assistance of a law enforcement
officer the most. There are other physical requirements that law enforcement officers must meet, but
compassion and the desire to "do good" are essential traits exhibited by the best police officers. A great
law enforcement officer enjoys meeting people and interacting with the public, according to the Bureau
of Labor Statistics.
Communication Skills - correct answer The most successful law enforcement
officers are able to effectively communicate with their colleagues, fellow officers and the general
constituency. The difference between life and death can depend on a police officer's ability to
communicate effectively. One day, you might have to convince a criminal to surrender. Another time,
you might have to calm an aggrieved victim. The best law enforcement officers can read a person's
verbal and physical cues and know how to communicate and react accordingly. It is essential to connect
with the young and old, the rich and poor and people from widely divergent cultures. A police officer
must also be skilled at interviewing people and resolving conflict fairly.
Physical Requirements - correct answer Physical fitness is critical for a law
enforcement officer. The reason is two-fold. First of all, the officer must be able to perform in the field.
This can mean chasing a suspect on foot, climbing fences or even fighting. Staying in shape helps ensure
success when forced into these activities. Secondly, a law enforcement officer who is in good condition
is more likely to resist injury or illness. With such a dangerous job, staying in top physical shape is
absolutely necessary. You must pass a physical exam and a drug screen. You need keen eyesight and
good hearing. You vision may not be below 20/30 when corrected. You may not be color-blind, and your
night vision, peripheral vision and depth perception must be within normal ranges. You'll be expected to
do a battery of exercises, including chin-ups, push-ups and sit-ups. You must also be able to run a
specified distance in a certain time.
Psychological Requirements - correct answer To become a law enforcement
officer, you may not exhibit any type of mental or behavioral disorder. You must be emotionally stable
and capable of exercising good judgment. When placed in a dangerous or stressful situation, you have to
use good judgment and react calmly. Persons who display addictive behavior patterns are not good
candidates for a law enforcement career.
Commitment to Helping People - correct answer Law enforcement officers
must be true believers in the law and the legal process. They have to be morally upright and committed
to improving conditions in their assigned area. Fighting crime can be frustrating, but the rewards are
great. Police officers face a wide range of dangers and risks and put their health and safety on the line
daily. They help those who cannot protect themselves and need the assistance of a law enforcement
officer the most. There are other physical requirements that law enforcement officers must meet, but
compassion and the desire to "do good" are essential traits exhibited by the best police officers. A great
law enforcement officer enjoys meeting people and interacting with the public, according to the Bureau
of Labor Statistics.
Communication Skills - correct answer The most successful law enforcement
officers are able to effectively communicate with their colleagues, fellow officers and the general
constituency. The difference between life and death can depend on a police officer's ability to
communicate effectively. One day, you might have to convince a criminal to surrender. Another time,
you might have to calm an aggrieved victim. The best law enforcement officers can read a person's
verbal and physical cues and know how to communicate and react accordingly. It is essential to connect
with the young and old, the rich and poor and people from widely divergent cultures. A police officer
must also be skilled at interviewing people and resolving conflict fairly.
Physical Requirements - correct answer Physical fitness is critical for a law
enforcement officer. The reason is two-fold. First of all, the officer must be able to perform in the field.
This can mean chasing a suspect on foot, climbing fences or even fighting. Staying in shape helps ensure
success when forced into these activities. Secondly, a law enforcement officer who is in good condition
is more likely to resist injury or illness. With such a dangerous job, staying in top physical shape is
absolutely necessary. You must pass a physical exam and a drug screen. You need keen eyesight and
good hearing. You vision may not be below 20/30 when corrected. You may not be color-blind, and your
night vision, peripheral vision and depth perception must be within normal ranges. You'll be expected to
do a battery of exercises, including chin-ups, push-ups and sit-ups. You must also be able to run a
specified distance in a certain time.
Psychological Requirements - correct answer To become a law enforcement
officer, you may not exhibit any type of mental or behavioral disorder. You must be emotionally stable
and capable of exercising good judgment. When placed in a dangerous or stressful situation, you have to
use good judgment and react calmly. Persons who display addictive behavior patterns are not good
candidates for a law enforcement career.
