Officer Selection Process Research Paper

Officer Selection Process
Joe Burwell
Loyola Law School
Pre-Law Selection Course
Introduction to Police Theory and Practices
CJA/214
James Roberts
February 16, 2011

Officer Selection Process The job of a police officer involves stressful situations and entails interactions with many individuals in the community. It also requires quick decision making and good judgment. Police duties vary from writing reports to maintaining order to responding to criminal situations, all of which require critical thinking skills (Grant & Terry, 2009). Because of the range of duties, officers should possess certain traits: physically agility, the ability to cope with difficult situations, well-developed writing skills, good communication skills,
This probationary period begins with training at the police academy, a school where officers learn on-the-job techniques prior to receiving full police powers. Officers must train at the academy for up to 1,100 hours, and they receive full pay and benefits from the time they enter the academy (Grant & Terry, 2009). Training is rigorous, demanding and exhausting. It is also a rewarding life-changing experience. New officers learn how much they are capable of by succeeding at seemingly impossible challenges, both physical and mental (Joinlapd.com, 2011). While in the academy, the officer receives educational as well as practical physical
It also encompasses training in physical arrest techniques, controls, and weaponless defense (Joinlapd.com,