- There are five general functions that all cops perform. First, cops arrest individuals who have broken a law. Second, they respond to civilian calls. This requires them to restore order and prevent crimes from happening in the first place. Third, police officers respond to emergencies, such as car accidents or fires. Fourth, they direct traffic as needed. This is mostly needed when special events take place such as a circus. Finally, police officers monitor roadways and issue tickets as needed. This is for the safety of all.
- Police officers often specialize in different fields. You have seen some of these special groups on television shows, such as "Law and Order: Criminal Intent" and "Law and Order: SVU." Police officers may specialize in dealing with rape and abuse, murder, terrorism, drugs, ATF, cold cases, missing persons, fraud, protection and more. By having departments that specialize in one aspect of the law, police officers can learn all there is to know about one subject which increases their odds of finding criminals and stopping crime.
- It can take up to a year and half to two years to become a full fledged police officer. All applicants must take a civil service test which is only offered a certain date each year. The test takes months to grade and get the results back. If your results are favorable you move on to a physical agility test to see of you are physically fit for the job. Then you may be required to take a polygraph test as well as have a background check performed on you. These tests must be scheduled and then applicants must wait for the results. If all of the tests are good, the applicant will be asked to come in for an interview. If approved, the applicant gets a medical evaluation and is then sent off for a six month training program. The last step of the process is to spend three months doing field training. Only after all of that is completed will an applicant be deemed a police officer.
- Becoming a police officer is a dangerous job. Police officers are killed in the line of duty all the time. Anyone with a family may think twice about becoming a police officer. Another consideration possible cops may have is the physical endurance. Applicants must be able to outrun criminals. This requires them to not have any medical conditions that would leave them winded such as asthma. They will also need to be strong enough to apprehend the criminal once they catch up with them. Finally, applicants should consider their mental state. Extreme stress can cause mental illness. If you are already under stress, you may not want to take on any more by becoming a police officer.
- Police officers are eligible for a lot of good benefits. They receive sick days, vacation time and paid holidays. All of their uniforms are provided at no cost. They have the option to get discounted life insurance policies and they are provided with health insurance. If a police officer wanted to take college courses, they could get reimbursed from some of the tuition costs. Cops also have lawyers and counselors provided for them to deal with incidents that occurred while they were on duty. Police officers are eligible to retire after 25 of service and they get good pensions.
