The job of a police officer is a valuable position in our society. I will highlight the requirements that an individual must possess to hold this prestigious position. Certain criteria must be used as a standard in hiring individuals that are sworn to uphold the laws of our states. Police officers have a power that ordinary citizens do not have and must be of great character to be trusted with this power.
Currently most agencies require a GED or high school diploma as prerequisites for becoming a police officer. Higher education or criminal justice classes are considered a plus for those applying. I believe that candidates for the position of police officer should have at least a two year degree in general studies. The reason I feel that college is necessary is to provide the officer more education specifically in the area of writing. Most police officers must be able to write detailed legible reports. Most of the pertinent skills will be acquired on the job out in the field as a police officer. The lowest 10 percent earned by police and sheriff's patrol officers in 2004 was less than $26,910 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $68,880. (Montaldo, 2009)
There is no discrimination regarding male versus female officers, females have proven to be worthy officers throughout the years. An applicant for police officer should ideally be in good physical shape and take care of themselves. Certain tests may also be done such as a lie detector and personality and behavioral tests to ensure the applicant is not interested in becoming an officer for devious reasons.
A thorough background check must be performed on the applicant to make sure that the applicant does not have any serious offenses on their record such as drug charges or domestic violence. The average age for applicants falls between the ages of 20 and 35. A series of physical tests are administered during the hiring process. This is to evaluate an applicant's strength, endurance and dexterity. Examples of the tests includes timed pushups, sit ups, a 1.5-mile run, arm and leg endurance tests, a 75-yard 'pursuit run,' and a side-step test. (Montaldo, 2009)
There are many reasons that people are drawn to the role as a police officer, general disdain for the rule breakers in our society, continuing a family tradition, and upholding social order while protecting the public. The job description of police officer has many different duties and obligations that come with the job. Police officers are looked up to as role models by most of society and they are the first people we call when we are in danger. Police as a whole generally stick together and have a sense of brotherhood about them, they have seen things that the common citizen may never see.
Being a police officer is more than just a job, I believe it is a lifestyle that most officers hold in high regard. Officers are not only upholders of the law but public servants, which means they do what needs to be done and so often more than they are required to do. I cannot put in to words how much respect I have for these men and women that put themselves in harm’s way daily so I can be safe. I can go about my daily life knowing that if I need them they will be there and keep myself and my family safe. Being an officer is not a job for everyone, but it is important to teach our children to respect not only the laws but the men and women that uphold them.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
feelings
I can relate to a lot of that what should have been a happy time right after we got married turned into him sleeping with a coworker and me begging him not to go out the door holding our 4 month old son....I have a lot of anger he claims to have only been physically unfaithful that one night but i don't buy that, I can't explain why i don't other than woman's intuition, but i will never get that "honeymoon" phase of being newly married back it's soiled and the joy of finally giving him his son after we already had 3 girls........gone are those feelings and that time, the only positive coming to mind right now is that we are young he just turned 30 i just turned 29 and if we stay together there is more time to make new memories, but i will never have my time back there is no way around that
does anybody hear her
She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
If judgment looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we've never even met her
If judgment looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we've never even met her
If Judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we've never even met her
Never even met her
(Never Even Met her)
(OHHHHH)Does anybody hear her? Does anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? (Does anybody hear her?) Does anybody see? (Does anybody See?)
Does anybody even know she's going down today?
Under the shadow of our steeple (shadow of her steeple)
With all the lost and lonely people (Lost and Lonely people)
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Does anybody see?
He is running a hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
If judgment looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we've never even met her
If judgment looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we've never even met her
If Judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we've never even met her
Never even met her
(Never Even Met her)
(OHHHHH)Does anybody hear her? Does anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? (Does anybody hear her?) Does anybody see? (Does anybody See?)
Does anybody even know she's going down today?
Under the shadow of our steeple (shadow of her steeple)
With all the lost and lonely people (Lost and Lonely people)
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Does anybody see?
He is running a hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
WHY
Why is he such a jerk, he is "not accountable" in his opinion and a "victim of his addiction" he makes me want to throw up. I am so sick of this junk...........I am really starting to wish I never met him and that is sad for me ......I have alot of anger still and just want something healthy for myself and my kids ...I dont know I just want somebody to tell me i dont have to stay with this jerk.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
For Better or worse?
I have made a decision I am married for better or worse whatever that means, I am really trying.......I have certain religious beliefs that demand of me to honor my vows even though my dear husband hasn't.......I don't know exactly something to do with long suffering and hopefully God will look at me and say I did the right thing and that is all that matters I know I am not perfect but my hope is this; I wish to work on all the damage created by the lies, porn and actual affair that he had. I wish to heal for myself and stay married to him, I wish for him to address his problems and start upholding his marriage vows; we will have to start over as friends and see what happens the damage has been going on for 9 years and will take time to overcome. I hope this is not in vain, time will tell.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
How does the use of police discretion influence community perceptions?
How does the use of police discretion influence community perceptions?
Police have the ability to make choices everyday that can have a positive or negative impact on an individual. Discretion is the freedom to act or judge on one’s own. To me that means there are obvious rules and guidelines but you must know by use of common sense which rules are flexible and which are not. Police officers are looked at with intense scrutiny these days and must always act in a way that is a good representation of their department, community and family. Now there are certain violations that may occur such as DUI or felony speeding that may require action to be taken by the officer making contact. There are more simple “mistakes” that individuals make where the officer could find it within his or her discretion to give a warning. For an average law abiding citizen just trying to go through life and maybe was going a bit to fast on the freeway or did not realize their tags were due for renewal the officer’s decision to use discretion and go easy may really make the person’s day. In turn improving the way that individual looks at police officers. Each officer is different and may have pet peeves about certain violations, community perceptions are important because the department wants the majority of the community to be supportive.
Police have the ability to make choices everyday that can have a positive or negative impact on an individual. Discretion is the freedom to act or judge on one’s own. To me that means there are obvious rules and guidelines but you must know by use of common sense which rules are flexible and which are not. Police officers are looked at with intense scrutiny these days and must always act in a way that is a good representation of their department, community and family. Now there are certain violations that may occur such as DUI or felony speeding that may require action to be taken by the officer making contact. There are more simple “mistakes” that individuals make where the officer could find it within his or her discretion to give a warning. For an average law abiding citizen just trying to go through life and maybe was going a bit to fast on the freeway or did not realize their tags were due for renewal the officer’s decision to use discretion and go easy may really make the person’s day. In turn improving the way that individual looks at police officers. Each officer is different and may have pet peeves about certain violations, community perceptions are important because the department wants the majority of the community to be supportive.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Police Officers Interviews
On the day they had to fall,
they gave their all.
Wearing brown or blue,
they were protecting and serving you.
It started as just a simple call
and ended in tragedy.
"Officer down," the radio announced.
At the scene the brave man pronounced dead,
The killers had fled.
Another widow cries,
yet no one tries
to stop the killing
of these men and women willing
to risk their lives every day for you.
Always remember the law enforcement
that gave their all,
on the day they had to fall.
(Heckenkamp , 1999)
For this assignment I interviewed two officers on the Phoenix Arizona police force. I interviewed a male and a female officer.
Date: August 25 2009
Location of the Interview: Phone interview
Gender: Female
Age: 31
Race/ethnicity: Hispanic/white
Years of experience: 9
Rank: Officer
Education: 2 year degree in general studies
Type of agency: Maricopa County Deputy Constable
1. Why did you become a police officer? Did you find what you expected? Why or why not? The reason I joined law enforcement was the great deal of benefits, opportunity for promotion and advancement and the flexibility of my job. It is what I expected but there are a lot of politics involved in the agency.
2. What are the worst parts of your job and why? The position I hold now is different than the position I held at the beginning of my employment. Now I am an officer of the court, judges have signed orders that I have to carry out; there is a lot of confrontation and high emotion and stress involved in eviction and dealing with people at that low point of their lives.
3. What are the best parts of your job and why? I like contacting people and I am good at it. Fellow employees that are good at what they do make my job enjoyable. The flexibility of my schedule as a wife and mother is one of the best parts of my job.
4. Would you recommend policing as a career to others and why? I have before and still do, it is a good career that will always be in demand so it offers stability and security as well.
5. Based on your experience what level of education do you recommend police applicants should be required to possess? At least a two year general degree to prepare the potential officer for writing and public speaking. The police academy covers most of the on the job training that the officer will need.
6. Have you ever regretted becoming a police officer? Yes, but the feeling did not last forever. My friend and dear partner was killed on the job, it makes it hard and you have to stop and think about your own family.
7. How did your family feel about your decision to be an officer? My father was proud and my mother was a little apprehensive. My husband was completely supportive. Some family members and friends make a judgment based on what you do and somehow think that you have changed since you became an officer.
8. What advice do you have for a potential police officer? Always think of your own safety so you can make it home to your family. Stay physically and mentally healthy remember all the rules of officer safety and be a good role model. I want to make my children proud, my mom always told me to treat people as if you were dealing with your grandmother, be nice and thoughtful as well.
Maria is a great example of what an asset female police officers can be she is physically in shape very intelligent and seems to maintain a great balance of professional life and family life.
Date: September 1, 2009
Location of the Interview: Phone interview
Gender: Male
Age: 30
Race/ethnicity: Hispanic
Years of experience: 4
Rank: Patrol
Education: Some college
Type of agency: Municipal
1. Why did you become a police officer? Did you find what you expected? I became a police officer mainly due to family history it was a tradition I was expected to follow, it was all that I expected it would be.
2. What are the worst parts of your job and why? The worst parts of my job are when I see bad things happen to families or children, just tragedies that happen to good people.
3. What are the best parts of your job and why? Being able to apprehend people that are breaking the law and stop children from being hurt are the best parts of my job.
4. Would you recommend policing as a career to others and why? I defiantly recommend policing to anyone serious about helping others, the security and pay and benefits are also great.
5. Based on your experience what level of education do you recommend police applicants should be required to possess? Some college is probably enough.
6. Have you ever regretted becoming a police officer? No
7. How did your family feel about your decision to be an officer? My family was all supportive and proud of my decision to become a police officer. My mom is already used to the lifestyle of a police officer’s family she dealt with it for years with my father being an officer.
8. What advice do you have for a potential police officer? Gaining a lot of life experience before becoming a police officer will benefit you in the future, make sure you are willing to work with others.
Officer Ortega sounds like a great police officer as well though I have never met him. Ortega sounds like he has a pretty set plan for his career in law enforcement. The areas where Maria and Ortega differ are in years of experience, required education, and gender. Maria has more years of experience under her belt which may make her perception of her job different. Maria has also lost a partner which could have influenced her in a negative way but did not. The required education that Maria recommends is more extensive than Ortega’s recommendation. I have to agree with Maria on the education, I feel that at minimum the applicant should have a two year degree in college. The rest of the necessary skills can be learned at the academy and on the job.
This assignment was a great insight into the thoughts of police officers for me. I have always had a great deal of respect for officers, just the amount of emotional pressure they must be under seeing things that the general public does not want to see or deal with. Police officers take on the task and oath to protect us and uphold the laws. Some people see officers as the “bad guys” that are going to write them a ticket or give them an attitude, but for the most part I believe that people who become officers do it for the right reasons. Their jobs require a lot of sacrifice and dedication to the laws of our land and citizens as well.
they gave their all.
Wearing brown or blue,
they were protecting and serving you.
It started as just a simple call
and ended in tragedy.
"Officer down," the radio announced.
At the scene the brave man pronounced dead,
The killers had fled.
Another widow cries,
yet no one tries
to stop the killing
of these men and women willing
to risk their lives every day for you.
Always remember the law enforcement
that gave their all,
on the day they had to fall.
(Heckenkamp , 1999)
For this assignment I interviewed two officers on the Phoenix Arizona police force. I interviewed a male and a female officer.
Date: August 25 2009
Location of the Interview: Phone interview
Gender: Female
Age: 31
Race/ethnicity: Hispanic/white
Years of experience: 9
Rank: Officer
Education: 2 year degree in general studies
Type of agency: Maricopa County Deputy Constable
1. Why did you become a police officer? Did you find what you expected? Why or why not? The reason I joined law enforcement was the great deal of benefits, opportunity for promotion and advancement and the flexibility of my job. It is what I expected but there are a lot of politics involved in the agency.
2. What are the worst parts of your job and why? The position I hold now is different than the position I held at the beginning of my employment. Now I am an officer of the court, judges have signed orders that I have to carry out; there is a lot of confrontation and high emotion and stress involved in eviction and dealing with people at that low point of their lives.
3. What are the best parts of your job and why? I like contacting people and I am good at it. Fellow employees that are good at what they do make my job enjoyable. The flexibility of my schedule as a wife and mother is one of the best parts of my job.
4. Would you recommend policing as a career to others and why? I have before and still do, it is a good career that will always be in demand so it offers stability and security as well.
5. Based on your experience what level of education do you recommend police applicants should be required to possess? At least a two year general degree to prepare the potential officer for writing and public speaking. The police academy covers most of the on the job training that the officer will need.
6. Have you ever regretted becoming a police officer? Yes, but the feeling did not last forever. My friend and dear partner was killed on the job, it makes it hard and you have to stop and think about your own family.
7. How did your family feel about your decision to be an officer? My father was proud and my mother was a little apprehensive. My husband was completely supportive. Some family members and friends make a judgment based on what you do and somehow think that you have changed since you became an officer.
8. What advice do you have for a potential police officer? Always think of your own safety so you can make it home to your family. Stay physically and mentally healthy remember all the rules of officer safety and be a good role model. I want to make my children proud, my mom always told me to treat people as if you were dealing with your grandmother, be nice and thoughtful as well.
Maria is a great example of what an asset female police officers can be she is physically in shape very intelligent and seems to maintain a great balance of professional life and family life.
Date: September 1, 2009
Location of the Interview: Phone interview
Gender: Male
Age: 30
Race/ethnicity: Hispanic
Years of experience: 4
Rank: Patrol
Education: Some college
Type of agency: Municipal
1. Why did you become a police officer? Did you find what you expected? I became a police officer mainly due to family history it was a tradition I was expected to follow, it was all that I expected it would be.
2. What are the worst parts of your job and why? The worst parts of my job are when I see bad things happen to families or children, just tragedies that happen to good people.
3. What are the best parts of your job and why? Being able to apprehend people that are breaking the law and stop children from being hurt are the best parts of my job.
4. Would you recommend policing as a career to others and why? I defiantly recommend policing to anyone serious about helping others, the security and pay and benefits are also great.
5. Based on your experience what level of education do you recommend police applicants should be required to possess? Some college is probably enough.
6. Have you ever regretted becoming a police officer? No
7. How did your family feel about your decision to be an officer? My family was all supportive and proud of my decision to become a police officer. My mom is already used to the lifestyle of a police officer’s family she dealt with it for years with my father being an officer.
8. What advice do you have for a potential police officer? Gaining a lot of life experience before becoming a police officer will benefit you in the future, make sure you are willing to work with others.
Officer Ortega sounds like a great police officer as well though I have never met him. Ortega sounds like he has a pretty set plan for his career in law enforcement. The areas where Maria and Ortega differ are in years of experience, required education, and gender. Maria has more years of experience under her belt which may make her perception of her job different. Maria has also lost a partner which could have influenced her in a negative way but did not. The required education that Maria recommends is more extensive than Ortega’s recommendation. I have to agree with Maria on the education, I feel that at minimum the applicant should have a two year degree in college. The rest of the necessary skills can be learned at the academy and on the job.
This assignment was a great insight into the thoughts of police officers for me. I have always had a great deal of respect for officers, just the amount of emotional pressure they must be under seeing things that the general public does not want to see or deal with. Police officers take on the task and oath to protect us and uphold the laws. Some people see officers as the “bad guys” that are going to write them a ticket or give them an attitude, but for the most part I believe that people who become officers do it for the right reasons. Their jobs require a lot of sacrifice and dedication to the laws of our land and citizens as well.
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