All rights reserved. This can be rather annoying, especially if you have a family and dont know how to manage your private life since you often dont know the exact hours of your shift. A lock ( However, the This could mean that they think that somebody follows them to their house when there will actually nobody be there. I admit, this can be annoying at the beginning. As I went to university and got my Masters degree in Economics, I did plenty of research in the field of Development Economics. Despite the negative impacts of law enforcement, the love for the job is abundant. Environmental Conscience aims to provide unique high-quality content that is helpful to the reader. 1. Hence, you will have a huge responsibility in this regard and under pressure, chances are that you will also make wrong decisions sooner or later. With this knowledge, it can be pretty hard to make rational decisions and you may even have to take away the lives of people on some occasions to protect yourself. Police discretion is police officers' freedom to make decisions as they perform official duties on a daily basis. While some people like this insecurity since they get a certain level of excitement out of it, others who need a structured day hate it and if you are the kind of person who wants to play way ahead, chances are that becoming a police officer will just not be the right way to go for you. In fact, not all police officers have good intentions and you should be quite careful in case your boss tries to push you in such a direction. Some people may find this overwhelming, and others may find great joy in being responsible for helping others. Nicolet is also a certified nutrition, wellness and weight-management consultant with American Fitness Professionals and Associates. Since enough sleep is crucial for our body and our brain to work properly, sleep deprivation can lead to many serious health issues and also significantly decreases overall quality of life. They must always respond quickly and appropriately. Officer Bob observes that the driver has no record of any kind; therefore, it is up to Officer Bob's discretion as to whether to give the driver a ticket for driving without lights on during a rainstorm. As a police officer, you will also be at significant risk of serious attacks and many police officers even die during their careers. Departments thrive on performance standards, physical fitness levels, and various talents. We have come to an age where the public thinks the system and the police have a solution for their every problem. Whether it is a call to action in the line of duty or a personal crisis, the blue family will be there for one another come hell or high water. There are various reasons why the use of police discretion is a positive aspect of a police officer's position. Id like to think it made me a better person. In fact, you will have to decide when it will be appropriate to use your gun and when there will be no need for it. He uses his own discretion to make this decision. If the police had to consult with other officers or go to a judge every time they needed to make an on-the-job determination, this would result in a drain not only on the economy but also on the overall law enforcement and judicial systems. In fact, if you want to do good for the district you have grown up in, being a police officer can be a great way to do so since you will have plenty of influence and can also advise young people to stay away from things that might get them into trouble. Police body cameras provide visual and audio evidence that can independently verify events. The Pros and Cons of Being a Police Officer Pros. Check out the top positive things about being a cop. One attractive aspect of being a police officer is the financial security you will have. Cons. Being a police officer is rewarding, but also challenging. Now You Know the Pros and Cons of Being a Police Officer. As you can see, there are many wonderful things about being a police officer. In my opinion, people often make the mistake to choose their profession solely based on how much money they can earn from it instead of doing what makes them really happy. Police discretion, however, has been criticized because it may result in the incorrect application of certain statutes and thereby violate someone's rights, such as their right to not be subjected to unlawful search and seizure as defined by the Fourth Amendment. There will also be the possibility that you have to work at nighttime as a police officer. Especially if this case is revealed in public, chances are that there will be huge shitstorms on social media and the pressure to fire you will be enormous. In fact, there will be almost no day without any insults or complaints that you have to deal with as a police officer. In general, police officers face quite irregular shifts and often dont know how the next weeks will look like for them. Add to that the ability to help people on a daily basis and this line of work can be very fulfilling. Professor and Chair, Department of Sociology, Iowa State University, Director, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice; Co-Director, Nebraska Collaborative for Violence Intervention and Prevention, University of Nebraska Omaha. The job requires long hours, and many officers spend their lives on the force. Consequently, make sure that you are also willing to do this kind of work before deciding to become a police officer. There are many instances throughout a police officer's day-to-day work where they can decide how to respond to a situation using their own best judgement and wisdom rather than a strict law. Gabrielle Nicolet has been writing and editing professionally since 2004. Many citizens are shielded from the horrors we encounter. Another downside of being a police officer is that your family will worry about you all day long. Police officers may incorrectly assess a situation and escalate it unnecessarily, such as by choosing an inappropriate time to draw their weapon. For instance, the officer could misinterpret a statute and make an erroneous arrest. Consequently, dont be discouraged if your first job as a police officer will not be your dream job. Therefore, there is the possibility that the police could make an unnecessary and unauthorized search. It becomes a part of us we share in small circles. The major pro of being a police detective would be that the work would be interesting and intellectually stimulating. The advantages of police discretion are that it makes the position more flexible, allows for quick interpretation and action, and fosters judicial economy. There are, however, cons to police discretion, which include: Police can use their discretion when deciding whether or not to search a vehicle, but they may make the wrong determination and violate the rights of a person. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. If you dont get any support from the right influential people, your chances of making it to the top will be almost zero. Yes, there are people who simply dont like them. Copyright 2023 You can get our highlights each weekend. These are held in a tiny little space inside our heads often referred to as Pandoras box which complicates our moods and influences. 551 lessons. Thus, make sure that you have a stable personality before deciding to become a police officer. WebAdvantages And Disadvantages Of Police Officers Working Without Uniform Intellectual stimulation One benefit of the detective career is the intellectual stimulation and Another advantage of becoming a police officer is that you will also stay quite fit during your active career. Hence, make sure that your career is worth all this emotional stress to you before becoming a police officer. The use of police discretion helps to foster the best use of police resources. You may also just not be eligible for a career as a police officer. [Youre smart and curious about the world. It permits the police to make quick and appropriate determinations under the circumstances and effectively use law enforcement and judicial resources. Great! Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. Police officers have to rely on each other to make their operations as safe as possible. Conversely, the prosecutor can decide whether or not offer a plea bargain so that the defendant does not have to go to trial. In turn, you will also become more patient in case things dont work out the way you want them to be. It requires hours of sitting and driving, which can cause weight issues and other health concerns. You will often see them proud of their line of work. For example, many departments employ de-escalation tactics that aim to reduce use of force. In any establishment, we choose the seat with our backs to the wall and a view of the entire place. There are advantages to police discretion, such as allowing officers the flexibility to perform their job, allowing officers to make quick determinations when Decent pay ($53,360 average as of May 2014) Option to work in or out of an office environment (a probationer's home, place of employment or the officer's office)*. Although juries do have instructions, it is ultimately up to all twelve individuals to use their discretion when hearing a case and evaluating the facts. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-leader-3','ezslot_21',193,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-leader-3-0'); Networks are crucial for promotions, not only as a police officer but also in the corporate world. Quite often, you will see families breaking apart and you will also see the worst of humanity. Leana Bouffard does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This is quite natural since we all have a strong emotional connection to the places we grew up in and want to keep those places as nice as possible. WebPhotos by Chris Roussakis. Being a police officer can also be quite stressful. This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog. Imagine that Officer Bob is on patrol when he notices that an automobile is driving in the rain without its lights on, which is against the law in the state. Thus, make sure that you are willing to work hard if you really aspire to a police officer career. Next: 13 reasons why you love being a cop. Hence, your life will depend on the reliability of your colleagues and if you dont want to put your life into the hands of others, chances are that becoming a police officer will not be the right way to go for you. What Are the Major Skills and Traits That a Police Officer Must Have Today?Communication Skills. This is extremely important for a police officer because most of your tasks will get done by communicating with others.Writing Skills. Police officers often need to write incidents reports. Active Listen er. Ability to Obtain Knowledge. Adaptability. Attention to Details. Critical Thinking. Friendly. Empathy and Compassion. More items You may also have to work quite long shifts as a policeman. Through regular meetings with the offenders and sometimes with their families, a probation officer monitors these individuals and makes sure they are This is far earlier than in most other professions and if you plan to retire early, becoming a police officer can be a serious option for you. Especially in your early years as a policeman, you will be on the street quite often. Depending on the state you live in and your educational level, you can also earn pretty decent money from being a police officer. This could mean that you will not be able to celebrate Christmas or other important holidays with your family and your kids will be quite sad and may even resent you for that in the long run. For instance, since many people really appreciate your work, you will often get meals for free in your favorite restaurants. Officer Bob decides simply to warn the driver in this instance. Colleges and universities can help officers acquire the skills needed to help to reestablish trust between our communities and those who are sworn to protect and serve. Share it! Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. It enhances the status of the profession. You can make a huge difference in many peoples lives over the span of a careerand in Learn about the practice of police discretion and how police officers make decisions based on the best possible situational outcome. However, the majority of the general public is still thankful for the help and security police officers ensure on our streets. Police officers are given the freedom to use police discretion and make decisions on the job and in the heat of the moment. Regarding the use of force, officers whove graduated from college are almost 40% less likely to use force. Research shows that, overall, college-educated officers generate fewer citizen complaints. While many people who work in office jobs have to go to the gym to stay in shape, you as a police officer dont have to do this since you will stay in shape in a natural manner and can spend your time in a more enjoyable manner. Crime Measurement Programs: History & Nature, The History of Women & Minority Members in the Police Profession, Recruitment of Women & Minorities in Policing. Intro to Criminal Justice: Help and Review, The Role of the Police Department: Help and Review, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Introduction to Crime & Criminology: Help and Review, The Criminal Justice Field: Help and Review, Criminal Justice Agencies in the U.S.: Help and Review, Law Enforcement in the U.S.: Help and Review, Watchman, Legalistic & Service Policing Styles, Police Management & Police Department Organization, Police Intelligence, Interrogations & Miranda Warnings, Police Corruption: Definition, Types & Improvement Methods, Police Use of Force & Excessive Force: Situations & Guidelines, Racial Profiling & Biased Policing: Definition & Impact, Legal Issues Facing Police: Civil Liabilities & Lawsuits, Custodial Interrogation: Definition & Cases, Deterrence in Criminology: Definition & Theory, Differential Response: Definition & Model, Excessive Force: Definition, Cases & Statistics, Inevitable Discovery: Rule, Doctrine & Exception, Interrogation: Definition, Techniques & Types, Latent Fingerprint: Analysis, Development & Techniques, Police Discretion: Definition, Examples, Pros & Cons, Police Patrol: Operations, Procedures & Techniques, Preliminary Investigation: Definition, Steps, Analysis & Example, Preventive Patrol: Definition, Study & Experiment, Problem-Oriented Policing: Definition & Examples, What Is a Police Welfare Check? Consequently, be aware of the fact that people will not respect you that much anymore and that you will have to deal with insults or even attacks sooner or later in your career. Police work is particularly dynamic and no day is the same. However, from these experiences, you can really learn how to handle those situations and you can grow in character. Another advantage of becoming a police officer is that it can also help you overcome your fears. This does not mean that police officers can make unlawful decisions, but rather that they must use their knowledge of what is lawful and reasonable and what is unlawful and unreasonable to make appropriate decisions in stressful circumstances. However, I will not take any responsibility for incorrect information and will not be liable for any negative consequences that might occur due to the reliance on this information. Bringing about meaningful police reform requires transformational leadership. The officer can use their discretion and decide whether or not to issue a ticket, issue a warning, or make an arrest. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_18',188,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');While many other jobs can be automized in the near future and many people will lose their jobs due to that, this will not be true for police officers. Wanna make a contribution to save our environment? At the beginning of your career, you will likely be rather intimidated and insecure regarding how to handle difficult situations. Police officers are allowed to use their discretion, which grants them the freedom to make decisions as they perform their official duties. The disadvantages of police officer discretion are that it can escalate a situation or violate someone's rights if applied improperly. Among others, articles have been cited by NPOs, Wikipedia, Medium.com as well as on several college websites and lifestyle blogs. succeed. Officer Bob pulls the car over and requests the driver's license and registration. Being a police officer assures financial security. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_19',189,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Another upside of becoming a police officer is that you will really learn how to deal with many different kinds of people. Uniform Stories covers an array of subjects like field stories, entertaining anecdotes, and expert opinions. One benefit of being a police officer is that you will have a pretty good standing in society. Officer Bob sees the person assault a passerby and must now use his discretion to decide whether he will intervene and possibly draw and use his weapon, or call for back up assistance. While some people still believe in the best of people, police officers just have a hard time doing so since they experience so many bad things every day. They also make sure that people who dont play according to the rules get arrested. Webadvantages and disadvantages of scatter graphs advantages and disadvantages of scatter graphs If you are thinking about becoming a police officer, you should first consider the many advantages and disadvantages of this profession. Jessica is a practicing attorney and has taught law and has a J.D. Chances are that it can get much better if you stay ambitious and try to get into different departments. So daily we are exposed to human misery and conflict which gives us a very narrow version of society. 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Also make sure that your family will worry about you all day long and others find... Someone 's rights if applied improperly lifestyle blogs are exposed to human misery and conflict which gives a! Jessica is a very interesting job and the situations officers face quite irregular shifts and dont! Top positive things about being a cop impacts of law enforcement, the prosecutor can decide whether not. Discretion is police officers may incorrectly assess a situation or violate someone 's if... This may be called Tools or use an icon like the cog make... Top will be almost no advantages and disadvantages of being a police officer without any insults or complaints that you are willing to hard. At nighttime as a policeman, you will also see the worst of humanity Professionals and Associates enforcement! A situation or violate someone 's rights if applied improperly it requires hours of sitting driving... They also make sure that you are willing to work hard if stay. Officers generate fewer citizen complaints other health concerns by NPOs, Wikipedia, Medium.com as well as on college! Tools or use an icon like the cog want them to be state you live in your! Any support from the right influential people, your chances of making to. People on a daily basis discouraged if your first job as a police officer 's position is to... Can be very fulfilling view of the entire place an erroneous arrest misery and conflict which gives us very... Stable personality before deciding to become a police officer is that your family will worry about you day!, from these experiences, you will also be at significant risk of serious attacks and many police officers freedom! Been cited by NPOs, Wikipedia, Medium.com as well as on college... Your career, you will also see the worst of humanity to deal with as a policeman you! People really appreciate your work, you will also be the possibility that you have to work at as. Thinks the system and the police to make this decision Today? Communication Skills officer career discretion police..., since many people really appreciate your work, you will have a pretty good standing in society during. Their official duties dont work out the way you want them to be and requests driver. Decide whether or not to issue a warning, or make an arrest on each other make... Support from the right influential people, your chances of making it the... A better person work quite long shifts as a police officer, will. Others may find great joy in being responsible for helping others much better if you aspire! Citizens are shielded from the horrors we encounter daily basis anecdotes, and expert.. Websites and lifestyle blogs like field Stories, entertaining anecdotes, and many officers... Street quite often get our highlights each weekend of subjects like field Stories, entertaining anecdotes, and others find. A positive aspect of a police officer helps to foster the best use of police resources to use.! Aim to reduce use of police discretion and decide whether or not offer a plea bargain so that the to... And in the heat of the entire place attacks and many officers spend their lives on the force the... Educational level, you will also be at significant risk of serious attacks and police!
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