Law enforcement is a profession that is not easy; it can be challenging because, more often than not, as a law enforcement officer, you are interacting with people on their worst day. However, law enforcement can also be a gratifying career, and there is a strong bond among law enforcement agencies that offers support for their fellow brothers and sisters in the field.
Learn How to Become a Cop
What follows is A Conversation with Assistant Chief Nathan White of the Lubbock Police Department. Currently, the law enforcement job market is wide open. Recent statistics indicate that the majority of departments are down by 65-78 percent. Retention has always been a challenge in this line of work; however, departments have been working diligently to improve work conditions and compensation for law enforcement officers. These incentives have included sign-on bonuses and longevity pay increases. Morale in law enforcement appears to be improving steadily.
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What it Takes for Law Enforcement
What does it take to become a cop? There are physical tests, psychological evaluations, and written tests. These are all set in place to equip law enforcement officers to be the best they can be once they are on the street and responding to calls. Most law enforcement academies are 12 to 27 weeks long; academies vary by state. Once through the academy, a newly certified officer is placed in an FTO (Field Training Officer) program before they are allowed to respond to calls on their own. During the FTO phase, a new officer will be given more responsibility with each phase until they can be on the street on their own.
Positive Mindset
There are physical, mental, and emotional standards that must be met in order to become a successful law enforcement officer. One of the Assistant Chiefs of the Lubbock (TX) Police Department, Nathan White, said, “Physically, police officers must maintain a high level of physical fitness for obvious reasons.” These reasons include lifting or dragging an injured suspect or controlling a suspect. “Officers often carry significant amounts of equipment and may be required to respond quickly in dangerous and unpredictable environments,” stated White. “Most importantly, officers must be physically capable of protecting themselves and others. In critical situations, physical preparedness can be a matter of life and death.”
Emotional Control
When it comes to mental and emotional abilities, law enforcement officers must be prepared on many levels, including knowing laws such as traffic laws, the Penal Code, and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP). The CCP is extremely important for officers to know, as it governs how law enforcement performs their duties, including when it is lawful to detain or arrest a subject and the proper procedures for collecting evidence or obtaining a search warrant. “Officers must be able to apply this knowledge accurately and quickly, often under high levels of stress,” stated White.
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Assistant Chief White stated that the emotional demands of policing are the most difficult to explain. “Police officers are routinely exposed to the worst aspects of humanity, including homicides, fatal traffic accidents, and child abuse cases, some of which involve loss of life,” stated White. “Each exposure to a critical incident carries an emotional cost, and officers will experience these types of events repeatedly over the course of a 20- to 30-year career.” For this reason, it is essential that those in law enforcement careers have resilience and strong support from family, friends, and peers. “Having trusted people to talk to and being willing to seek professional help when needed can make the difference between maintaining mental health and developing unhealthy or harmful coping mechanisms.”
To Protect and Serve
It is crucial for law enforcement officers to remain vigilant at all times, not only to keep the public safe but also to stay safe themselves. As a law enforcement officer, you must be able to multitask, pay attention to detail, and remain at the ready at all times. Most states require officers to receive training annually and biannually, depending on the subject. These are usually training sessions that law enforcement officers have already had, but need a refresher on. Additionally, depending on what your interests are, you can take additional training to become specialized in a skill. This could include SWAT, Crime Scene Investigation, drone operator, or many other avenues of law enforcement specialties.
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Assistant Chief White stated that the Lubbock (TX) Police Department (LPD) currently offers a wide variety of career paths. “Officers may work toward becoming detectives in several traditional investigative units, including Homicide, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Crimes Against Children, and Property Crimes, among others,” said White. Additionally, LPD has a Special Operations Division that includes other specialty units, including Narcotics, Crime Suppression (which entails undercover police work), Vice, a Motors Unit, a Drone Unit, a K-9 Unit, and a Gang Unit.
“There are also several ancillary unit opportunities available to interested officers, including SWAT, Hostage Negotiator, Mounted Patrol, Honor Guard, and Lake Patrol,” stated White. “These assignments allow officers to develop specialized skills and pursue areas of law enforcement that align with their interests and strengths over the course of their careers.”
A Fulfilling Career
No matter what route you choose to take in a career in law enforcement, it is a fulfilling career. It may be hectic at times, but it is a great feeling to help those in your community stay safe. For officers in specialized units that handle calls such as homicides, it is helpful to view those positions positively; detectives and crime scene investigators can help families find answers and closure.
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Assistant Chief White stated that police work is usually described as a rewarding career, and while this is true, there is more to it than that. “A major reason many people choose law enforcement is not the only reason the career is rewarding,” said White. “Policing is also, quite simply, one of the most engaging and fulfilling professions a person can pursue.”
In law enforcement, there will always be challenging times. However, the bond among police officers is strong because of the shared purpose of the job and the shared experience of responding to various calls for service, such as foot pursuits, traffic stops, vehicle chases, and intricate investigations. “The bonds formed with fellow officers and the variety of experiences throughout a career make law enforcement unlike any other profession,” said White. “I truly believe that being a police officer is one of the most rewarding careers there is.”
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A Future in Law Enforcement
For those who wish to join a great career and be part of a community of law enforcement professionals and families, start training now so you will be ready to test and give it your best.
Assistant Chief White stated the police academy is not easy, but advised not give up. “It is physically demanding, mentally challenging, and will likely be one of the hardest experiences you face,” said White. “However, every aspect of the training exists for a reason. Law enforcement requires individuals who are tough, resilient, and capable of performing under pressure.” The police academy is set up to prepare those who become police officers for what they may face on a day-to-day basis.
“Officers must be confident in their ability to safely take control of situations, conduct thorough and lawful investigations, and make sound decisions in high-stress environments,” said White. “They must be able to apply the law correctly and, when necessary, defend themselves and others.”
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Finally, once you complete the police academy, you are ready to go.
“The challenges of the academy prepare you for a profession that is both demanding and deeply rewarding,” stated White. “Being a police officer is truly one of the most unique and fulfilling careers available.”
If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, check out the requirements for the agency you have your eye on and get going on a career that is truly amazing. For the Lubbock Police Department, the requirements for the police academy may be found at: https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/police-department/academy-recruiting.
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