Expert: Dick Rogers - 10/1/2007

Question
Hello my name is Brandon Givens,I am 14 soon to be 15 and i was wondering what it takes to be a police officer.I have always wanted to be a police officer as long as I can remeber.Just send me a message at my e-mail address about this question.i would really appreciate it if you would give me some advice.

Answer
Brandon, as far as the motivation goes, you need to have a sense of serving...just as one would choose a military career.  The are many people who do not have a good opinion of police officers...just as there are those who would never consider advising their children to become members of the military.  The fact is, law enforcement from the earliest days was a community responsibility.  In other words, everyone (actually every male) had to to take their turn as constable or watch person over the hamlet or town. At some point people paid others to handle their duty.  Thus, we have todays modern law enforcement agencies.  So, if you sincerely want to serve as a protector, guardian, and servant of the people, then law enforcement is a career for you.  That's the basic mantra.  To be an effective officer you should have a fair knowledge of the streets (street sense).  You should seek a college degree as most officers are applying with one.  Plus there are many course which can prepare you for the intricacies of case law, evidence and police procedures.  You must remain morally straight, loyal to your convictions and beliefs and you must take pains to keep people who are not of this type away from you...they tend to taint those who come close to them.  Forget about drugs, and take interest and concern for those whose backgrounds and opportunities are not as open as they are for you.  I wish you the best in your endeavor.