by Dante Ghi

Created on: March 14, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

There are many things to consider before pursuing a career in law enforcement. The job requires mental, physical, and emotional endurance. But those are not the only concerns. One must examine their own familial relationships, their personal relationships, and their ability to work with others. One aspect that many fail to even consider is the changes that come with being a police officer. Let us examine each of these further.

The first consideration for most law enforcement jobs is the applicants physical abilities. Can the applicant do what is required. Many agencies employ a Physical Agility Test (PAT) to determine this. The PAT may be formatted to simulate the chasing of a suspect over a quarter mile and over varying terrain. The one used in South Carolina is set out in a rectangle, 55 feet on two sides, 50 feet on the others. the applicant begins by running the perimeter twice, on the second lap they enter and run a short obstacle course including stairs, hurdles, a simulated ditch, a short wall, a window, and a dummy drag. The PAT concludes with a final lap. I have seen many young, 'in shape' individuals fail this. Applicants often fail to properly prepare for this, feeling they are young enough to handle it. Now, officers do not do this type of activity daily, however, one never knows when it will be required. Youth is no substitute for preparation.

The next consideration is mental and emotional stability. It is a given fact that any individual seeking a job in law enforcement must be a little crazy, but even we have limits. Most agencies will require some sort of psychological screening prior to employment. Applicants normally only know about policing by what they have seen on television and the movies. They do not realize the hours of boredom that come with those few moments of adrenaline fueled excitement. They do not realize the anguish that comes with responding to domestic disputes and child abuse cases. they do not realize the strain of restraining themselves from acting rashly towards even the most heinous of criminals. These stressors are what cause the majority of officers to leave law enforcement.

Familial relationships are rarely examined, by either the agency or the applicant. Shift work puts extreme strain on families. The unusual hours, the missed holidays, the change in sleep schedules; all of these are factors that effect the family unit. Not seeing a loved one for days due to shift work causes strain on the family. That strain sometimes

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>