Being a good police officer requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to always be learning.It's a difficult job.You will be off to a good start if you serve your community first.To develop a sense of the shared values and principles you should focus on in your work, you can work with your fellow officers.You will have a better idea of the skills you want to develop as an officer.
Step 1: Talk to the people in your community.
You can get a better idea of what's going on in your community by talking to people.Walk the streets in your area.To get to know civilians, talk to them.People will have a better relationship with the police officers when they know them.
Step 2: Take part in community events.
There are many ways in which police officers can make a positive impact in their community.These are opportunities to strengthen ties with the residents of your area, and to help them build trust in their police force.Try running toys for tots.At holidays and back-to-school times, police departments host "Shop with a Cop" events to help children and families who are financially needy.To volunteer to visit schools, community organizations, religious centers, and other locations to meet people and talk about the work that police officers do.
Step 3: You can study the demographic of your community.
To best serve your community, you need to know a lot about it.Talking to individuals face-to-face will give you an idea of what's important to them.It will help you serve them with sensitivity if you have a big picture view of your community.Do you know what the average age in my community is?What age range do the majority of people fall into?What is the gender, race, and ethnicity of the population?What is the average household income in the area?
Step 4: Learn how to overcome biases.
Police officers serve a diverse community.It's important to identify biases so that you can overcome them in order to make good judgements in your police work.Problems like racial profiling can be caused by biases.There is evidence that they can be overcome with proper training.To help officers, ask your superiors to host a workshop on diversity.Experts in the areas of diversity and biases are invited to speak to your force.
Step 5: You should be as forthcoming as possible with the media.
For ongoing investigations, it's necessary to keep the information from the press.It will be harder for people to trust the police force if they appear unnecessarily secretive.You should give the media the information they request.I can't comment on that right now, because the investigation is ongoing, so tell them something like that.I will release that information to the public as soon as possible.
Step 6: Discuss your police culture with your colleagues.
The values that are most important to the members of your force are listed.They should be shared with each other and discussed.What type of relationship do these values suggest you have to each other?Do you see yourselves working together with your community, or is it us versus them?
Step 7: Put together a list of official values.
Now is the time for you and your force to establish what you want to do as an officer.Determine which values are important enough to be adopted officially.Share the list with your force.What goals do you want to achieve in your community?How do you want the public to see your force?How will you make sure you're doing your job well?How will officers be reprimanded if they don't serve well?
Step 8: Your values should be shared with the public.
Let community members know about your values if you want them to trust you.If the list of official values can be shared on your force's website or social media, please ask.They will appreciate seeing statements on principles that are important to policing.
Step 9: There is a need to develop a sense of compassion for others.
Police work is about protecting and serving.If you want to do this well, you have to see through the eyes of others.In the heat of the moment, having compassion can help you make good decisions.If you find yourself in a domestic dispute where one party is angry, compassion will help you realize that they aren't threatening you, but just expressing how upset they are.When an individual's behavior is caused by a disease, rather than criminal intent, you can understand if you learn to recognize signs of mental illness.It's easy to become cynical as a police officer, but remember that most people respect police officers and value what they do.
Step 10: Conflict resolution is more important than using force.
Sometimes force is necessary to protect yourself.Think of the question of whether or not to use force as a matter of human life.Before using force against a person, ask yourself if the use of force is necessary.Have I done everything I can to protect this person's life without the use of force?
Step 11: Seek a balance between work and life.
Being a police officer can be very tiring.If stress builds up and isn't dealt with properly, it can cause serious mistakes on the job.Because of stress, you don't want to harm anyone or be less than your best.Take your mind off of work concerns by taking time regularly to relax.Try to spend as much time with your friends and family as possible.If you have the chance, take a vacation.If you feel stressed out at work, see a mental health specialist.
Step 12: Look for a mentor.
It will make a big difference if you have a more experienced officer.You'll get moral support and practical knowledge from a mentor.Ask if your force has a formal membership program.Try to meet with your mentor once a month for lunch to discuss how things are going.
Step 13: Further your education.
Studies show that officers who get advanced education are better at their jobs.If you don't have a degree in criminal justice, you could consider getting one.If you already have a degree, you can get an advanced degree such as a master's or just take continuing education classes.
Step 14: If you haven't received a review in a while, ask.
Discuss your job performance with your commanding officer.What strengths do you have?Do you have weaknesses?What areas should you improve?When trying to become a better police officer, this kind of feedback is very valuable.