Career Project: Police Officer By: Carter

Why did I choose this career? What is so appealing about it to you? I don’t really think there is a reason as to why I want to be a police officer. I just really like helping people and being in charge. I've always thought it would be a cool career to pursue. Every time I see them on TV I've always thought that what they do is very cool and so I've always wanted to be one.

What would the training prepare me to do? What does this job involve? This job involves stopping crime and laying down the law. They need to be able to stop people if they're doing something against the law, to protect others. They also Investigate accidents and crime scenes, secure evidence and interview the witnesses. In some cases they must go to court.

Training program- what education is needed? Where? How long? Cost? You must have a high school diploma, but many police departments require one or two years of college coursework or have an associate's degree. Going to college would help you a lot in getting a job, and it would make it a lot easier.

Professional requirements? The professional requirements to be a police officer is: to be able to play well with others Have strong communication Quick decision-making Good stress management This is not a must, but it really helps in getting hired if you’re in good physical condition, with all the things police officers go through.

Continuing education requirements? Some police officers may go back to college to learn more about both the law enforcement and human relations skills required to police modern, socially, ethnically and technologically diverse communities.

Where are police officers employed? Police officers are employed in most cities, at police departments. Moose Jaw has the Moose Jaw police service. In Moose Jaw you must take some tests, if you are hired, you must then attend the recruit training class at the Sask police college. Recruit graduates then complete a Field Training program Liam’s dad

Hours/ shifts worked? The hours that police officers work depends on where it is they are. At most police departments they work about 8 hours or 8 ½ hours a day. But at some places its known for them to work up to 12 hours a day.

Current wages received in Sask? Police officers in Saskatchewan make about 38$ an hour, which should be about 60 000- 70 000$ a year. They can make as low as 19.50$ an hour And as high as 45$ an hour It all depends on where you work, what rank you are and of course how much you work.

Typical stresses associated with this job? Many police officers are seen as evil, and are targets once they have their uniform on. Some police officers may have their lives threatened, having to associate with criminals. They also risk their live daily to protect others one thing that causes stress for them that many people may not know of is boredom. Some officers may just drive around all day looking for people that are speeding, so boredom is a big one.

Workplace hazards and safety considerations? There are MANY hazards for police officers. They may have to: Stop a criminal with a gun They may need to stop someone who's speeding, Which is a hazard to others unless they stop it And they may get into high speed car chases. These may be very rare but they're something that many officers must be prepared to do.

Other professionals that they work with? Police officers often work with people such as: Emergency service workers Fire fighters Educators There are also lots of other people they must work with, like: Parents (of the victim/ witness/ criminal) Kids (could be a witness/ victim)

Why is this career so appealing? I don’t know why this is so appealing to me, it just is. I really like doing physical things, not sitting around in an office all day. So having the authority of a police officer and protecting people has always sounded interesting to me.

Scholarship Opportunities One scholarship I could look into: The Gary and Nanci Segal award This scholarship supports students who are entering the law enforcement studies diploma program. It contains an award of 1000$ annually.

Bibliography Moose jaw police service 211 Saskatchewan (2015) police services – moose jaw police service. Retrieved from http://www.sk.211.ca/service/11590962_11590963/police_services Police officer salary in Canada Living in Canada (2015) Police Officer Salary Canada (Except Commissioned). Retrieved from http://www.livingin-canada.com/salaries-for-police-officers-canada.html Continuing education Humber (2015) Police Foundations (Continuing Education) Diploma. Retrieved from http://www.humber.ca/continuingeducation/program/police-foundations-continuing-education-diploma Professional skills needed to be a police officer Career bear (2011) Top 4 skills you need to be a police officer. Retrieved from http://careerbear.com/police-officer/article/top-4-skills-you-need-to-be-a-police-officer