A day in the life of a Police officer.?

Question

This question is for someone in law enforcement. I'm just wondering what a typical shift might look like for a police officer. From the moment it starts to the moment it ends. I'm wondering because I'm interested in becoming a police officer and I'm trying to get as much information as I can. thanks.

Answer 1

I've worked as a university officer so I imagine that would be a little different, however, it seems as I have taken ride-alongs with friends at various neighboring services that there isn't really any steadfast way of doing things.  

A general idea would be:

- Arrive early, maybe put in a little gym time, get uniformed and prepared.

- Attend briefing (some call it roll call).  Here you are assigned a car and radio, etc.  Any equipment that is shared amongst officers as opposed to being assigned to you personally.  It's during this meeting that you will be briefed on the previous shift's events or any ongoing concerns that an officer should be aware of.  The senior officer will likely give a once over to ensure proper deportment as well.

- From there you are out in the cars.  Seems to me that most all shifts I worked the start times were designed to be about an hour or two ahead of the rest of the world.  So in that time, I was able to get on the road and grab a coffee before the world woke up or came off work.  I would also (depending on the morning or afternoon shift) follow up with phone calls that needed be made, or checking on emails/paperwork.

- As the world starts to get busy, the calls would come in.  From there you attend, investigate, and respond accordingly.  Compile a report and do it again.  Sometimes, paperwork would need to be put on the backburner as there were more calls than officers.  In such a scenario, paperwork would be compiled once things slowed down.  During aday shift, one will often need to come off the road from time to time to attend court and testify on cases you filed that are being tried.

From there, with the exception of following up with past calls as was required, the cycle of new calls repeated for the duration of my shift until such time as I was expected to return the car and equipment.  

This is just an idea for standard patrol.  Of course, it would be different for units specializing in various fields, but as a patrol officer (where you would spend the first handful of years anyway) this is the bare bones version of what to expect.

As the other answerer stated, sounds dry as can be.  Trust me, if you love it, this work takes hold of you like a viscious addiction.  If it's not for you, you would know quickly enough.  Her suggestion to take part in a series of ride alongs is a terrific idea!  Take any opportunity to learn anything you can and be certain you're well informed.  This truly is more than a job - You are choosing a lifestyle.  

Best of luck!!

Answer 2

Each and everyday if different.  Each and every department is different in what they do and who they service.

Try contacting a few different types of agencies - big city, small town, sheriff's dept, and see if they do ride alongs.  That will give you an opportunity to see what being a police officer is like.

Its not like COPS, because you don't see all the paperwork and reports needed to complete a seizure or arrest.

Answer 3

In my experience, just reading a description online is pretty dissatisfying.  Most departments have civilian ridership programs. Call your local station and ask if they do.  Then spend an entire shift in the passenger seat of a cruiser.  You can see what a real shift is like first-hand.  And talk with the officer while you're riding.  You can really get a good feel for the job in general and the department specifically.  Plus, it's a TON of fun!

Good luck :)