Why am I becoming a Police Officer?

Becoming a police officer is a serious career decision. To help in your decision, we have prepared a mini-quiz to help you assess your decision and make sure it is the right one.

Question: Which of the following elements would you consider to be important in your future career as a police officer? (Check all that applies)

Adventure

Compassion

Recognition

Self-Satisfaction

Attractive Salary and Benefit Packages

Adventure (good answer) Being a police officer means you must always be prepared to face the mental challenges and to make use of your physical ability to react to any unpredictable situations you may be involved in. Before you decide to become a police officer, you must fully understand that policing is a job that is like no other due to the complexity, excitement and the dangerous nature of the job.

Compassion (good answer) Police officers are entrusted with enormous power to enforce the law upon the society. This level of authority is unlike that compared with the majority of other careers. A good police officer must be able to exert compassion even while operating under stressful and unpredictable situations in order to practice helpful intervention rather than hurtful intervention.

Recognition (bad answer) If recognition is your goal or motivation in becoming a police officer, then you should reconsider your intentions. Any police officer constantly craving for recognition is not mentally prepared to fulfill the responsibilities of a law enforcer. This lack of mental preparedness is a crucial matter that could endanger civilians as well as yourself. This is why it is important to set your priorities straight before attempting to become a police officer.

Self-satisfaction (good answer) You are on the right track if you selected self satisfaction as an important trait when considering becoming a police officer. There will be many instances for police officers to serve and protect the community and to touch the lives of the general public. It is definitely a rewarding career for you to be proud of. Being self satisfied means whether your outstanding contribution is recognized or not, you will still feel proud of your own actions and be even more motivated to commit to your work.

Attractive salary and benefit packages (bad answer) While monetary benefits are important, it should not be your sole purpose for joining the police force. If money is the only factor for joining the police force, then is it really worth it considering the potential risks?