Being placed in the position of power that is handed to law enforcement means that you need to be a quality person as well. If you’re going to be a police officer, why not be the best officer on the force?
Strive to be better from day to day, and take the time to research things that will help you refine yourself. Take a quick read through a few qualities you’ll find in a good police officer, and start investing in your career today.
Well-trained in firearm safety
As a police officer, you will need to know how to handle various weapons. Firearm safety is vital, as 65 percent of police officers carry a Glock handgun on their hip.
You need to know when it’s appropriate to use your weapon, how to safely store your weapon, how to clean your weapon, and much more to be an effective police officer.
Empathy and compassion
Police officers are faced with a range of situations that require a mediator that can show empathy and compassion for the individuals involved. Police officers are often involved in public service events as well.
Empathy and compassion for those in your community who need the most help is a quality of a great police officer. It’s always important for law enforcement to have the ability to truly feel and connect with their community.
Patience is a virtue
As an officer of the law, you have to be the bigger person in every encounter. You will deal with people yelling foul words your way and many other common gaslighting behaviors.
You have to have the ability to be patient and calm in intense situations. A good officer will be patient with individuals until patience simply is no longer a solution.
Negotiation skills are useful
If you’re caught in the middle of a hostage situation, you have to know how to negotiate. You have to know how to diffuse a tense situation with class.
Police officers have a huge responsibility to work towards peace and resolution in every situation, and proper negotiation skills are a big help in the line of duty.
You should be physically fit
Working in law enforcement will present more than a few moments when you need to be in good health to keep up with what’s happening. The stress and mental taxation of the job is enough to warrant a body that can handle the test.
If you have to chase down a criminal, you need endurance and speed. It’s best to invest in your physical fitness when you’re off the clock, so you’ll have the energy needed to handle all the calls you answer while you’re on the clock.