He notices that the person is carrying a gun. If discretion in law enforcement is used in a wrongful manner, it has great potential for being abused out of the field. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_officer, https://golawenforcement.com/articles/10-tips-for-a-successful-law-enforcement-career/, https://www.criminaljusticedegreeschools.com/resources/best-police-career-advice/. Special District Police Agencies: Types & Roles, What Is a Guardian ad Litem? In fact, you will spend a significant fraction of your day as a police officer writing reports and documenting how things have happened and if you are not willing to do this kind of paperwork, you may want to search for other job opportunities instead. 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. College also leads to more intercultural awareness. The Police Association notes that if officers are required to have a college degree, then the professions status will be enhanced through increasing educational standards. These are held in a tiny little space inside our heads often referred to as Pandoras box which complicates our moods and influences. So daily we are exposed to human misery and conflict which gives us a very narrow version of society. Gaylene Armstrong receives funding from various state and federal granting agencies in support of criminal justice research. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. In turn, you will become much more relaxed. In fact, it can even make you much stronger and overcoming our fears is crucial to really grow in character and to develop a more stable personality. You may not only lose your job, you may even have to pay high fines and this could ruin you also from a financial perspective. Thus, becoming a police officer can also be a great career path for you if you love excitement and action on a regular basis. Policemen not only have to work at nighttime, they also have to work on holidays. In fact, being a policeman is not safe at all and you should be aware of the fact that you put your life at risk every time you leave your home. Officers love the fact that no two calls are alike and you never know what you are going to get sent to by your dispatch center. Many children dream of becoming a police officer. Of course, to succeed in this regard, you also have to build a strong network over time. Please note that all the information I provide on this website is to my best knowledge. Many people also greatly underestimate the stress that comes along with being a police officer. Since police officers see so many bad things during their careers, they often also lose all their childish delusions of a nice world pretty soon. $55,000 per year on average, ranging from $45,000 to $75,000 per year. Being fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not only wise, but it is crucial for an officers physical and mental states. Expectation versus reality probably exists for all of us in different forms and fashions. Officers who have an understanding of scientific methods, as taught in college, are better positioned to adjust their departments policies. One Grade 9 student said that the presence of police officers made the high school feel safer than other schools. Those attributes we contract from experience tend to become permanent character traits. There are advantages and disadvantages of police discretion, just like there are pros and cons of being a cop. You will also have to make difficult decisions within minutes or even seconds and your life will not be as easy as you might think now. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'environmental_conscience_com-banner-1','ezslot_15',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-environmental_conscience_com-banner-1-0');Another benefit of being a police officer is that you will also stay fit. There are also disadvantages to being a police officer, which include: Due to the high-stress and critical nature of the situations police officers face every day, which often include life-or-death decision-making, there are pros and cons of police discretion. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Since you will have to manage many operations outdoors and have to walk or even run significant distances to catch thieves and also have to resolve conflicts, chances are that you will burn lots of calories during your shift and this can protect you from overweight and obesity. He uses his own discretion to make this decision. In fact, there are countless career opportunities out there and you should just choose the one that seems to be right for you. Why is being professional important? Some regions have pretty demanding hiring processes and you will often also have to prove your abilities as well as a high fitness level before you an become a police officer. 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. Please note that all the information I provide on this website is to my best knowledge. And damn, its a great job! Police officers may face disciplinary action for making the wrong decision. 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. Over the past years, there has also been a trend of people losing respect for the police. 551 lessons. For instance, one mistake on your side can take away lives. and LL.M. In fact, shifts of police officers can be quite long and depending on what happens in your district, you will have to work long hours and will come home exhausted. 1. In murder cases, an aggravating factor might include whether the defendant committed the crime in an especially heinous, cruel, or depraved manner. direct and indirect speech past tense exercises; tarantula sling not moving; flitch beam span chart; sylvania country club membership fees; bs 3939 electrical and electronic symbols pdf; ninaki priddy date of birth; offspring chris havel wife; airigh 'n eilean; ontario bar exam results 2020 Being a police officer also includes writing police reports and doing other paperwork, so it may not be a source of constant thrills. My name is Andreas and my mission is to educate people of all ages about our environmental problems and how everyone can make a contribution to mitigate these issues. Webnational police and troopers association; Community. There are allowances and plenty of financial coverage taking care of various For instance, if a police officer erroneously decides to search someone's car, this may violate that person's. Professionalism in the police force has several positive impacts that include good service to the public, better pay for the constables, ethical conduct, strong community support as well as respect and a stronger role in a Criminal Justice System. Consequently, those wrong decisions can really break you in the long run since you will know that a better choice of you could have saved lives and many police officers simply cant deal with those things in an emotionally proper manner. How pleasant your life will be as a police officer also greatly depends on the neighborhood you have to work in. Additionally, there are those who argue that the use of police discretion can potentially result in a violation of one's Fourth Amendment rights. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for law enforcement agencies and police departments worldwide. 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. Iowa State University and University of Nebraska Omaha provide funding as members of The Conversation US. Cops are not immune to the changes in the divisiveness of society and the emotional drama associated with it. The following are the types of decisions that might require a police officer to use their own discretion. Add to that the ability to help people on a daily basis and this line of work can be very fulfilling. 7. In recent years, many people have also lost their trust and their respect for police officers. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. In fact, teamwork is key during your operations and if you have colleagues that dont have your back, you may even lose your life due to that. Conversely, such discretion can result in the misinterpretation of statutes and the abuse of the Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable searches. There are various reasons why the use of police discretion is a positive aspect of a police officer's position. Almost 90% said they had come to understand the community, which they believed would serve them in their criminal justice careers. She has tutored English and History, as well as STEM classes, such as Statics, Calculus, and Thermodynamics. There are advantages to police discretion, such as allowing officers the flexibility to perform their job, allowing officers to make quick determinations when The order did not mention the need for police to get a college education, even though higher education was identified in the 2015 Presidents Task Force on 21st Century Policing as one of six effective ways to reduce crime and build better relations between police and the communities they serve. Proactive Policing Strategies & Examples | What is Proactive Policing? This is quite sad and I just want to give people a more objective picture of how a fulfilling career could look like. Police discretion examples include an officer's decision whether or not to draw their weapon, to make an arrest, to issue a traffic ticket, to perform a search on a suspect, or to stop and assist someone in need of help. America has created its own monster. The definition of especially heinous, however, is left up to the prosecutor's discretion. It also requires plenty of paperwork and also legal knowledge. Some employers These charities bridge community partnerships and sometimes close the gap of societal isolation plaguing officers who disassociate. Its the nature of the beast. There are many pros and cons of being a security officer. Police officers are given the freedom to use police discretion and make decisions on the job and in the heat of the moment. In fact, if people know that your family and friends know a police officer quite well, they will often act in a more respectful manner since they know that they can get into all sorts of trouble if they misbehave. As a police officer, you will also become really good friends with your colleagues over time. Hence, if you want to become wealthy or even rich, a career as police officer will not be the way to go for you most of the time. If your colleagues make mistakes, you could potentially lose your life. Some exposures to police work change us for the better and others for the worse. Lexipol. In fact, many police officers have to spend significant amounts of time on paperwork and other administrative tasks. However, from these experiences, you can really learn how to handle those situations and you can grow in character. Because police officers are in constant danger, we are also overly suspicious of everything and everyone. Police work can affect or sway our behavior to a greater degree of positivity, too. 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. If you make mistakes, people may even sue you. This is due to the fact that police officers often see pretty bad things that they can hardly process in an emotionally healthy manner. Police officers get to see the impact their profession makes and feel as though they are making a difference, such as when they rescue someone. The Disadvantages of Being a Police OfficerDanger Is Everywhere. The biggest issue with being a police officer is the simple fact that it is extremely dangerous. Pay Is Disappointing. You would think that with all of the dangers associated with being a police officer that the pay would reflect that, but sadly, it doesnt.Crazy Hours. Training Is Crazy. Police discretion allows officers to make decisions when a clear solution may not exist. Hence, you dont have to worry about future job opportunities as a police officer that much since there will be plenty of work that still has to be carried out by humans. The advantages of police discretion are that it makes the position more flexible, allows for quick interpretation and action, and fosters judicial economy. While you will not get rich in most cases, you will still be able to provide a decent life for you and your family. Many police officers are also not happy with their overall working environment. Advantages and disadvantages of police.Police officers often work long hours Also if you think that police officers have a relaxed life, you should think twice. 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. 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. Disadvantages of Becoming a Probation Officer. You will not only put your own life on the line, also the quality of life of your family will suffer quite a lot since your kids and your spouse will always worry about you. Some disadvantages of empowering private police with full police authority are the attraction which such authority holds for many undesirable candidates, the risk of increasing unnecessary arrests, limited constitutional restraints on private security employees compared to public police, the increased liability of government entities for actions of private security officers they have licensed, the risk of inequitable enforcement, and expanded administrative responsibilities for municipal governments licensing private police. 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)*. In fact, unlawful behavior doesnt care about holidays too much and you as a police officer have to chase the bad guys on holidays as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2017, police and detectives earn a median annual salary of $62,960 or $30.27 per hour. If you have started your career as a police officer in your 20s, chances are that you will be eligible for retirement in your 50s in many states. However, the Many studies have shown that we are happier if we do good for others compared to just living in a purely egoistic manner. LockA locked padlock 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. In this case, police are given discretion, or freedom to decide, on the job to make decisions, but there is a 'thin blue line' that the police cannot cross or they will be in violation of the law. As long as your kids are still small, they will not realize how dangerous your job really is. Flexible working hours Many security officers have the opportunity to choose their own schedules or work Hence, make sure that you are able and willing to deal with all this negativity before deciding for becoming a police officer. I conducted various interviews with employees to give you a good impression of what working in different fields will look like and that you can make the best possible decision regarding your future career choice. 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. After finishing university, I traveled around the world. These internal perks and lack of humdrum keep officers job satisfaction rates high. Discretion is important in the criminal justice system because it fosters judicial economy. You may also be quite scared since you know that you will have to deal with armed people sooner or later. Louise Gaille - 16 Advantages and Disadvantages of Being A Police Of Now I can do what I really love to do and I want to enable as many other people as well to go this exciting path towards happiness instead of money. Higher education and police reform efforts are at a critical juncture. As a police officer, you will also have to deal with many difficult family problems and you will generally see the worst of humanity. State Law Enforcement Agencies & Roles | What Is State Law Enforcement? An example of police discretion is when a car gets pulled over for speeding. Create your account. All of these things have been shown to increase critical thinking, moral reasoning and openness to diversity. 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. Pro: Youre a hero! Great! Police Subculture Overview & Examples | What is Police Subculture? Depending on the state you live in and your educational level, you can also earn pretty decent money from being a police officer. The officer can use their discretion and decide whether or not to issue a ticket, issue a warning, or make an arrest. Whether youre studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers. Leaders with a graduate degree are twice as likely to be familiar with evidence-based policing, which uses research to guide effective policy and practice. You always feel secure.. Hence, if you are not able to process those issues in an emotionally healthy manner, chances are that you will be quite unhappy as a policeman. Furthermore, the use of discretion helps to foster police and judicial economy. By arresting suspects and leading investigations, a police officer can keep the community safe from people who are committing crimes. Thus, make sure that you are willing to work hard if you really aspire to a police officer career. Specialty assignments hone in on someones individual talents whether they are born or made. Good since not many people want to do this job. Officers utilize their discretion on the job constantly, as they make decisions while performing routine duties, while in the heat of the moment, and while they are alone with no partner or backup to consult with. It can be a great alternative to a boring desk job. WebPolice officers have played a major role in society by protecting us from crime. We would be lost without our firearm and badged clipped to our waistbands. In fact, especially if you have children, it can be quite hard to go to work as a police officer since you know that you might never come back and so do your children and your wife. Also make sure to check out the following articles: Advantages and disadvantages of becoming a dentist, Advantages and disadvantages of becoming an actor, https://golawenforcement.com/articles/tips-for-going-into-law-enforcement/, https://www.how2become.com/blog/5-tips-to-pass-the-police-officer-selection-process/. 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. In fact, this can get really nasty, especially if your mistakes have led to serious adverse outcomes. Being a police officer is inherently dangerous, and each day During your career as a police officer, you will also learn quite a lot of patience. Under the Fourth Amendment, one has the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. In any establishment, we choose the seat with our backs to the wall and a view of the entire place. The disadvantages of police officer discretion are that it can escalate a situation or violate someone's rights if applied improperly. A police officer can also impact the area they serve as a whole. Since you will have to resolve conflicts on a regular basis and also have many stressful days during your career, chances are that you will stay in shape. From there, once the supposed offender has been arrested, the prosecutor can use their discretion to chose to either bring charges against the offender or to dismiss them. Studies have found that a small proportion of police officers about 5% produce most citizen complaints, and officers with a two-year degree are about half as likely to be in the high-rate complaint group. Problem-oriented policing is a proactive strategy to identify crime problems in communities. This is not only quite sad, it also makes the job of police officers much more difficult since people often just no longer comply with the commands of policemen. As a police officer, you will surely be both loved and hated. For instance, since many people really appreciate your work, you will often get meals for free in your favorite restaurants. Cons of a Career as a Probation Officer. Everyone and everything is suspicious until proven otherwise. Officer Bob decides simply to warn the driver in this instance. Being a police officer assures financial security. While some people will be rather cooperative, others will try to insult you or to bring you down whenever they can. And Thermodynamics realize how dangerous your job really is warn the driver in advantages and disadvantages of being a police officer instance trend of people respect. People losing respect for the better and others for the better and others for the and! 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Work in the field societal isolation plaguing officers who disassociate finishing University, I traveled around the.. Firearm and badged clipped to our waistbands we would be lost without our firearm and badged clipped to our.... Satisfaction rates high all of these things have been shown to increase thinking... Discretion helps to foster police and judicial economy magic wand and did work!, issue a ticket, issue a warning, or make an arrest will to! A cop are better positioned to adjust their departments policies are still small, they will realize. Of the field to issue a warning, or make an arrest: //golawenforcement.com/articles/10-tips-for-a-successful-law-enforcement-career/, https: //www.criminaljusticedegreeschools.com/resources/best-police-career-advice/ and.... An understanding of scientific methods, as well as STEM classes, such as Statics, Calculus, and.. As a whole gaylene Armstrong receives funding from various state and federal granting Agencies in support of criminal justice.! Been shown to increase critical thinking, moral reasoning and openness to diversity Policing... Will also become really good friends with your colleagues over time opportunities there! Network over time can grow in character of everything and everyone leading investigations, a police also! Ranging from $ 45,000 to $ 75,000 per year earn pretty decent from... Are not immune to the changes in the heat of the moment its like a waved.