“I made myself see the body,” McKenna says. He believes this is a key factor in the public trusting and having confidence in their law enforcement officers. There is no obligation to enroll. “Your instinct is to detach,” he explains. Redlinger explains that negotiation skills not only protect the general public, but they protect the officers involved as well. “Lots of police officers attend conferences and classes on the side of their jobs.”. Please correct the errors and submit again. Purpose – The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of personality traits, namely the Big Five, as a means of selection in good police officers. Twice, I pulled a gun on another police officer in the confusion of a situation, but I had the presence of mind to not pull the trigger.”, Mental flexibility can be a life-altering skill, both for officers and for those they encounter. “Now more than ever, we need people who care about the job and will build rapport with the public.”, If you have some of these lesser-known qualities of a police officer, you might be a natural fit for a career in law enforcement. In order to do this, an officer must be able to place himself/herself in the shoes of someone else.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'outsidethebadge_com-box-4','ezslot_10',140,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'outsidethebadge_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',114,'0','0'])); This helps the officer develop a higher level of appreciation for the conflict at hand. This is where adaptability comes into play. “You have to be very exact, and you have to know the laws that impact your reports.”. “There is a very subtle difference you can observe between someone reaching for a gun and someone reaching for a wallet. “You go into so many scenarios expecting one thing, when something completely different happens. The crisis incidents officers may encounter on the job include several factors, such as negative emotions dictating people’s actions, people failing to listen, tension increasing and failing to see alternative options. Police officers must always do the right thing and follow the laws. If you’re the type to always follow through in performing top-quality work, whether or not a superior is present, then you already possess one of the top characteristics of a police officer. You’ll need to be sharp mentally, visually, and emotionally while making your observations. Aside from this, you’ll have to adapt to the ever-changing technology that’s being used by law enforcement. When asked about the characteristics of a police officer, most people will rattle off adjectives like strong, brave and heroic. The cops who have it, know it. Illustrating common traits provides insight into how and why officers act the way they do and highlights what they are doing well. “You can sit back and try to minimize risk as much as possible, and still earn a paycheck,” he says. Passion. A eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'outsidethebadge_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',111,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'outsidethebadge_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',104,'0','0']));career in law enforcement initially consists of a lot of training at the police training academy, as well during a recruit’s Field Training Phase. 04.27.2020, Brianna Flavin | A strong leader would praise the officer’s efforts and most certainly give her the remainder of the day off to reflect, recover, and, of course, time to purchase more service boots. But I thought, ‘Someday I’ll see a scene like this and the person might still be alive. A police officer with traits of NPD can cast a very large, negative shadow on the trust American citizens put into law enforcement. Not only that, but the audience will feel more appreciated whenever they are given full attention. Empathy Most people don't want to be pitied. Deciding to become a police officer is a career choice that should not be taken lightly. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. As a police officer, you’ll want to hold your words and actions to the highest standards possible. Rasmussen University is not enrolling students in your state at this time. The traits and qualities below aren’t job-specific, but can be carried over into anything you do. 9. And they can recognize it in other cops too. Cops with street senseusually developed this trait while growing up in less than ideal conditions versus those who grew up in suburbia that included a community pool w… That is the aim of this study. In this segment, Lt. Andrew Hawkes talks about the five character traits that make drug interdiction officers successful in what they do. Jess is a Content Specialist at Collegis Education. But there’s a lot more to it than that. The ones who possess common sense will usually evolve into cops who have“street sense.” This is no guarantee. For example, punctuality is a characteristic that is respectable in any career. Police officer's must also be able to talk to people in order to calm emotions, diffuse situations, and gain answers. Conditions on the ground are often dangerous, unpredictable and stressful. Police officers tend to be predominantly enterprising individuals, which means that they are usually quite natural leaders who thrive at influencing and persuading others. When you relay a story, do you take special care to ensure you don’t leave out any important details, painting as vivid and accurate a picture of what happened as possible? “Officers who take the time to really hear what people are saying and who ask questions with real curiosity are going to get better results,” McKenna says. Police officers work all throughout the clock to keep the communities safe. Rasmussen University's Criminal Justice program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body and does not lead to any state-issued professional license. It is important to stabilize the situation as there will be a lot of moving parts. But technical skills are only part of the mix in making a good police officer. Talk with an admissions advisor today. 14 Personality Traits Necessary to be an Officers are. Someone who is naturally curious and is continually willing to grow their knowledge and abilities has the potential to make a sizeable impact as a police officer. There are four main qualities that make a good police officer: integrity, self-disciplined, be physically fit, and be a role model to our younger generation (Gonzalez, 2007). Cops who possess this trait tend to gravitate towards other cops who have it. It’s true that law enforcement professionals tend to be courageous and physically fit. Before you can solve a problem, you’ll need to understand the problem. To learn more about what police officers learn, check out “Police Training: A Deeper Look at Tactics, Weapons and Human Relations.” Important soft skills for police officers. 2. A great law enforcement officer enjoys meeting people and interacting with the public, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “You will find yourself inserted into the most tragic and chaotic moments of people’s lives,” points out Charles Redlinger, former police officer and cofounder of MissionX. Connect with Rasmussen University on Facebook, Connect with Rasmussen University on Instagram, Connect with Rasmussen University on LinkedIn, Connect with Rasmussen University on Pinterest, Connect with Rasmussen College on Twitter, Connect with Rasmussen University on Youtube, Human Resources and Organizational Leadership, Information Technology Project Management, Rasmussen University School of Justice Studies, How to Become a Police Officer: Your Step-by-Step Guide, Financial Aid and FAFSA (for those who qualify). Perception goes a long way in the world of law enforcement. A bit of compassion can truly work wonders for settling a matter in a peaceful manner, which is the main goal. To this end background investigations prove crucial, although potentially time consuming and costly. Ability to Resolve Conflicts. ... 2 Officer: Required Character Traits for LE ; About the Author. It’s also true that your ability to communicate clearly can help you earn the trust of the community in which you serve as a law enforcement officer. Effective Intelligence: Most of the jobs in armed forces are practical rather than analytic and the main job of the officer is to follow the orders of his seniors’ orders.On the field, all it requires is to be practical, spontaneous and courageous. The program you have selected is not available in your area. By maintaining a healthy personal life, you’ll be able to counterbalance all the stress that can be thrown at you on a daily basis. Presence: For Army officers, presence means military and professional bearing, fitness, confidence and resilience. For most law enforcement officers, being a cop is more than just a job, it is a lifestyle and an identity. Take a look at what they had to say—you may even be surprised to learn you already possess some of the most important qualities of a police officer. “It disturbs you, and it can really get to you over time. In my opinion the qualities or traits of a good police office includes; humility, integrity, trust, constructive communication and must be a team player. Another important aspect of effective communication is the ability to patiently listen. For a police officer, you must be: Ethical. If you’ve set your sights on becoming a police officer, it’s important for you to evaluate your specific traits and challenges to ensure you’ll be cut out for a career in law enforcement. 15 Qualities and Skills to Achieve Success as a Police Office. Definition: objective analysis and evaluation by gauging a situation for information. But you’ll want to be sure you’ve got what it takes to succeed before diving into such an important career. In particular, the military police seeks officers who are "talented leaders of character." If you’ve long dreamt of helping others by serving your community and keeping dangerous criminals off of the street, it’s no wonder you’ve considered becoming a police officer. Patrol officers are usually the first ones on scene of an accident. 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Learn more about some of the important qualities that make a good police officer. If you desire to get into police work there is a good chance you will need to work with people from several different racial, language, ethnic, or economic groups. “We desperately need good police officers,” McKenna says. Oftentimes, nonverbal communication can play a greater role than the actual words themselves. “Officers who go into a situation with preconceived ideas—who don’t carefully observe and adjust their expectations—are going to get it wrong,” he says. He explains that when citizens feel like police officers truly care, they’re more likely to cooperate, they typically offer more information and they often work to help law enforcement get to the bottom of an issue. These are all essential qualities if you want to become a police officer specifically in NYC police department. Fill out the form to receive information about: There are some errors in the form. 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. Integrity. The officer, besides being brave and courageous, should also be truthful and honest. – The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of personality traits, namely the Big Five, as a means of selection in good police officers., – The current study examines a sample of 96 police officers from eight non‐urban police departments., – Age and attitude were found to be better predictors of job performance measures than were personality traits. A police officer has to be able to think critically on his/her feet in order to efficiently help members of the community. While some people have difficulty adjusting when their plans are disrupted, the best police officers take on their surroundings without missing a beat. While such qualities are definitely in the job description, there are several less-prominent traits that the best police officers share. All Rights Reserved. While new skills can be learned and some job-related tasks will never be liked, having the personality traits necessary to be successful in a career is not negotiable. “Their world will be upside down, and you will need to be a compassionate, strong authority figure. You must be able to quickly analyze and adjust to your current situation. Police officers have a tremendous amount of power. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’ve had to talk a friend or family member through a tough time by helping them find solutions to their problems instead of simply reacting? By selecting "Submit", I authorize Rasmussen University to contact me by email, phone or text message at the number provided. Empathy helps the police get a better grasp of the situation in its entirety. Whether you just started work as a beat cop or have made chief of detectives, the stakes and the stress will always be high. Patrolling and knowing what's going on in your district is vital, Patrol Officers are the primary response unit to different disruptions in the community. Ineffective negotiation behaviors include things like being confrontational, making promises you can’t keep, telling a subject to calm down, being demanding, rushing the process and being judgmental. This involves avoiding negative non-verbal signals that could potentially cause a conflict. McKenna references an old saying they often repeated in his time on the force: “The one who did it is never the one you expect.”. ... As sad as it is to say, there are still dishonest people in the world who receive a job as a police officer. With the proper training, you can leverage these talents to help make a meaningful impact in your community. A career in law enforcement initially consists of a lot of training at the police training academy, as well during a recruit’s Field Training Phase.However there are some qualities, traits and characteristics that make a good police officer. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2019. In large departments, promotion may enable an officer to become a detective or to specialize in one type of police work, such as working with juveniles. Why It’s Important: You build trust by backing up your promises, acting in a safe/secure manner, and proving your reliability to those around you. EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2015. When dealing with the public, making people feel that they are valuable and welcomed is a good trait to have as a cop. Personality and Interests Police officers or detectives typically have an interest in the Building and Organizing interest areas, according to … Definition: giving full attention to the speaker and trying to understand the complete message. Why It’s Important: Every interaction is going to involve non-verbal communication. This includes facial expressions, tone of voice, and hand gestures. I can’t lose my composure.’”, But it’s also true that throughout his years serving his community, McKenna has seen officers with too much empathy struggle against the harsh realities they encounter on the job. [Related: Public Safety Leadership: Be Cautious of Extreme Narcissists] In order to truly understand law enforcement leadership, it is essential to listen to those who have led and followed in a police … Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. 01.20.2020. External links provided on rasmussen.edu are for reference only. Honesty and Strong Sense of Ethics. “Additionally, there are more drugs on the market than ever, and laws change and update,” McKenna says, adding that departments don’t always have the funding to ensure everyone receives the training they need in these areas. Speaking the truth, being honest with the team members and treating each of them with integrity help the officer to build trust with his colleagues and getting the job done. These six traits include clannish-ness, isolation from the public, loyalty, secrecy, honor, and individuality. Being an officer requires diving into dangerous situations constantly. It’s truly a stressful career that must be balanced with a healthy personal life outside of work. A police officer takes an oath to serve and protect society from individuals who choose not to abide by the rules of the law. You might only have seconds to react,” he explains. It can be a highly stressful and dangerous job, and it takes a certain set of unique skills and characteristics to be successful in the role.. As a result, it’s a profession that’s not for everybody. “Interpersonal communication skills are important because they allow officers to develop a good rapport with the community, with fellow officers and with those from diverse cultures,” offers Eileen Carlin, state program director for the Rasmussen University School of Justice Studies. Rasmussen University is a regionally accredited private university. “You start thinking of your loved ones in those scenes, and it’s tougher than people understand. Why It’s Important: Police officers are constantly helping people solve problems. Sense of Humor. More info. Officers who spend a lot of time out in the field need to be in top physical condition, said Master Sgt. “One of the things people don’t realize about police work is that you have to be a jack-of-all-trades,” McKenna explains. And this is a big key to officer success. Redlinger references his years as a homicide detective, recalling how the compassion he felt for the victims’ loved ones helped motivate him to solve the crime. The potential for law enforcement to be a deeply rewarding career is great and, for many officers, it is. One of the last steps in the hiring process for police officers, the psychological exam can make or break your chances at a law enforcement career. Police cars today, McKenna notes, are equipped with computers, calling upon the officers to not only master new technology but also to absorb the duties that previously fell to people in other positions. Anyone involved in hiring police officers knows the challenges associated with success in these efforts. “This is a tough balance,” McKenna notes. After things had settled, that would be an appropriate time to employ humor about the talented officer … Why It’s Important: Police officers are here to help the public. Definition: Diversity refers to the traits and characteristics that make citizens in your community unique, while inclusion refers to the behaviors and social norms that ensure every person feel welcome. Perhaps one of the most important but least understood aspects of pre-employment screening for law enforcement and other criminal justice careers is the psychological exam. Why It’s Important: Police officers face different situations every single day. As a member of law enforcement, you’ll want to do your best to find a peaceful solution to problems. Learn more about the process in our article, "How to Become a Police Officer: Your Step-by-Step Guide.". In order for a law enforcement officer to be successful he or she must be mentally fit as well as physically fit. Holland Codes Police officers are enterprising and realistic. There are three main things you need to consider during a conflict. Hawkes puts the focus on vigilance, integrity, passion, and a competitive spirit. I might have to try to save them. Why It’s Important: A routine call just doesn’t exist in law enforcement. Rasmussen University is a regionally accredited university authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. First, it requires a strong development of tactical skills, which are learned through intensive professional training at the law enforcement academy (read what is the police academy like?). Are you the type who is extremely thorough when writing emails or letters? Law enforcement officers (police officers) must physically and mentally fit at all times in order to effectively carryout their duties. Definition: the balance between time spent at work, and time spent outside of workeval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'outsidethebadge_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_7',122,'0','0'])); Why It’s Important: Law enforcement never takes a vacation. That means that this is a win-win situation for both parties. Not only will a steady source of empathy help you be an effective police officer, but it can also become the driving force behind your work. But the ability you’ve gained to show empathy and when to provide tough love to your children, siblings or friends may actually come in handy on the job. You either have it or you don’t. We’ll be discussing 9 important skills and traits that are required for the success of any police officer. An effective police officer cannot just do an adequate job. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, there are nearly 900,000 police and sheriff’s patrol officers, criminal investigators, detectives, and first-line supervisors of police and detectives in the US. In fact, proficient communication skills can be more than just helpful as a police officer—they can be vital. Much of an officer’s work requires the ability to relate to those going through incredible hardships, showing compassion while still remaining professional. Rasmussen University does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced. We spoke with seasoned law enforcement professionals to learn more about the overlooked abilities that distinguish an average officer from a great one. Perhaps you have an ability to talk your way through a problem while convincing others to act appropriately. 02.10.2020, Brianna Flavin | These skills would fall under the umbrella of negotiation—one of the vital traits of a police officer. Oftentimes these characteristics are so important to a community, that they have a candidates background and character traits investigated. The officer changes too much mentally/physically/socially over the life of his/her career and the changes are often very difficult for a spouse to deal with. If so, you’ll be happy to hear that these valuable communication skills can be leveraged in a successful law enforcement career. And the only way to efficiently do that is by building up trust. Definition: working towards forming a relationship based on reliability. “You have to remain calm when things don’t go as planned. Police officers will need to do their best at maintaining peaceful, controlled interactions with people. Through the use of psychological evaluations such as the MMPI-2, MMPI-2 L scale, and the NPI, the number of police candidates who may have performance The police are here to serve the community. You will encounter many different people in this profession from different cultures, economic groups, religions, ethnic groups, and races. Kirsten Slyter | “Expectations for officers are really high, and new things are always getting added to their plates.”. This trait helps maintain and nurture healthy communication and relationships. When asked about the characteristics of a police officer, most people will rattle off adjectives like strong, brave and heroic. Police Officers are a the first line of defense in their respective community. While such qualities are definitely in the job description, there are several less-prominent traits that the best police officers share. Effective communication skills are one of the hallmarks of a good police officer. They also tend to be realistic, which means that they often enjoy working outdoors or applying themselves to a hands-on project. 03.02.2020, Callie Malvik | It’s also true that the equipment officers now carry is twice as extensive as it was in prior years. Definition: the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions. Successful ones rely on a clear understanding of what knowledge, skills, and traits … You need to think about de-escalation, proper communication, and the levels of emotions involved in the situation. Identifying these various qualities of a good cop can be challenging, but knowing what characteristics to look for helps forecast what kind of police officer you’ll likely become. When it comes to pursuing the tough work of being a police officer, you may have considered your compassionate personality to be a drawback.
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