A career in law enforcement, security, or corrections is a valuable and exciting path. This guide helps readers achieve that goal by sharing some of the basic skills and ideas behind the journey to settling into a career in one of these areas. It provides helpful tips on drafting a perfect resume and cover letter, how to approach any interview successfully, and what to do after you've landed your dream job. A great resource for any reader who isn't necessarily college bound.
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR I have a head full of information, not all of which is useful. It bothers me that the lyrics for Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, I've Got Love in My Tummy are taking up room that could be occupied by something more life-relevant. Still, I've often found myself the person people come to when they want to know something, but aren't sure where to find it, and I enjoy providing that service. Quora is a great outlet for people like me. I stumbled on the site a little more than a year ago, and almost 600 answered questions later, there's enough material for a book. Law enforcement is a passion for me, not for the power trip or the adrenaline rush, but because it can be a truly noble vocation when done right. People depend on law enforcement officers to protect them from predators, see that the bad guys are held to account for their acts, and establish order out of chaos. The authority that cops have is a sacred public trust. Most officers carry out their duties proudly and honorably, but there will always be a few who abuse that trust. The short essays here are about both sides of that issue. These answers are also about separating some of the myths of police work from the reality. There have been so many dramatic depictions of law enforcement, some of them very realistic and others that seem realistic, that people tend to believe they know how cops work and why they do what they do. Here, I've tried to give you the straight scoop, knowledge accumulated from my own experience and from knowing cops from all over the country and the world. Some of it isn't flattering, but otherwise it wouldn't be honest. I hope you enjoy and benefit from these insights into police work. Tim Dees EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK Is It TRUE That Parking Patrol Officers Can NOT Stop Writing A Ticket Once They Have Started? Some agencies do in fact have a policy that an officer, police, parking or otherwise, can't discard a citation once they have started writing it. Virtually all of them have some process for voiding a citation issued in error once the citation has been issued, but this process is carefully monitored to prevent abuse. Absent a monitored process, the system is easily manipulated. Someone makes a call to a person in the police department who has influence, and that person contacts the officer who issued the ticket. They persuade the officer to void the ticket. If the voided ticket appears to be correct in format, e.g. license plate matches the vehicle description, violation is appropriate for that location, etc. then whoever is in charge of reviewing the voided citations is supposed to follow up and find out if the citation was voided for a legitimate reason or as a favor to someone. Most of the time, when the issuing officer has started the citation form (and many of them are generated via handheld computer these days) and the violator runs up and asks them to stop, the violation is legitimate, and the officer has already looked around for the driver of the vehicle. The typical complaint is "but I was just gone for a minute" (which may or may not be true). In any event, there is seldom a provision in the law for parking there for a minute-you aren't supposed to park there at all. So, in short, it's usually true that the officer is not supposed to stop once they have begun issuing the citation. Buy the book to read more!
Crime analysis has become an increasingly important part of policing and crime prevention, and thousands of specialist crime analysts are now employed by police forces worldwide. This is the first book to set out the principles and practice of crime analysis, and is designed to be used both by crime analysts themselves, by those responsible for the training of crime analysts and teaching its principles, and those teaching this subject as part of broader policing and criminal justice courses. The particular focus of this book is on the adoption of a problem solving approach, showing how crime analysis can be used and developed to support a problem oriented policing approach – based on the idea that the police should concentrate on identifying patterns of crime and anticipating crimes rather than just reacting to crimes once they have been committed. In his foreword to this book, Nick Ross, presenter of BBC Crime Watch, argues passionately that crime analysts are 'the new face of policing', and have a crucial part to play in the increasingly sophisticated police response to crime and its approach to crime prevention – 'You are the brains, the expert, the specialist, the boffin.'
Discusses more than eighty career possibilities in police departments, private security, emergency services and more, including information on education, training, and salaries.
Discusses the responsibilities and qualifications for a variety of law enforcement jobs, including federal agents, parole officers, and security guards.
Careers in Law Enforcement is a valuable resource for students considering a career in the criminal justice field, specifically in policing. Written in a concise and conversational tone, author Coy H. Johnston includes three main sections: planning a realistic path, selecting an appropriate career path in law enforcement, and preparing for the hiring process. The first chapter offers students a unique opportunity to take a personality/career test to help them discover the types of jobs that might be a good fit. Consequently, students will set sensible goals at the beginning of their degree program and seek appropriate internships and volunteer opportunities. This text is a helpful resource students will be able to peruse repeatedly when they are ready to start the process of applying for jobs within law enforcement.
It isn't widely known, but the FBI recognizes that their men and women have lives; the agency offers a part-time program, which allows an agent to work 16 to 32 hours a week. Give your readers a cool look inside the various careers of the FBI. This book covers the various types of jobs and internships that readers can pursue, detailing the education, training, and equipment candidates would need for different FBI roles. Real life stories and cases are shared, giving readers a close up look at this rewarding field.
Careers in Criminal Justice, Second Edition prepares you to plan, pursue, and realize your career goals—from conception through the hiring process. Coy H. Johnston’s contemporary approach emphasizes self-reflection and pragmatism in the pursuit of self-fulfillment and professionalism. With coverage of over forty careers in policing, courts, corrections, and victim services, you receive a comprehensive overview of the most popular and growing careers in the field. Self-assessment tools enhance your self-awareness and steer you toward realistic and suitable careers in criminal justice. This easy-to-read guide is organized to prepare and encourage growth throughout your career. New to the Second Edition: A new chapter titled “Volunteering and Internship” (Chapter 9) guides you through the important process of early involvement in the field to create a more enticing resume. Three new “Guest Speaker” profiles offer you new perspectives and practical advice on a variety of careers and geographical areas. New career assessment tools are included to help you evaluate your compatibility with various careers in the criminal justice field. Expanded information about critical areas such as private prisons, careers in the judiciary, and resume building ensures that you are receiving a balanced introduction to criminal justice careers.
This book provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date information about federal law enforcement jobs, in a manner that is simple and easy for readers to understand and use. It is the ultimate resource for anyone who is serious about landing a law-enforcement career in the federal system.
