Blog Post: A Career in Law Enforcement?

Unfortunately these are real life responses to my question, "Why do you want to be a Police Officer?"

The reality is that a career as a police officer is a great option. It offers stability, advancement, challenge, variety in daily tasks, variety in assignments, good pay and benefits. There is no one type of person who makes a good officer. A good police department needs officers who have strong, assertive personalities just as much as they need officers with compassion. A good police department needs people with great people skills, people with good technical skills (think computer crimes), and people with great analytical ability (accident and criminal investigations).

The minimum requirements vary from department to department. Educational requirements vary from HS diploma only, AA degree, or BA/BS degree. Some departments, like Greeley, require POST certification. Other departments will hire non-certified officers and send them to a POST academy.

If you're unsure about what you want to do with your life - consider becoming a Police Officer. Most department allow and encourage you to schedule ride-alongs and I can't stress enough how important it is to do as many ride-alongs as you can.

Each department is different, each community is different, and each branch of law enforcement is different (Police, Sheriff, Highway Patrol). The key is to find the agency that fits you and your goals.

One great opportunity to find out more information is to attend the Criminal Justice Job Fair at University of Northern Colorado in February. Of course the Greeley Police Department will be there, but so will many other Police and Sheriff's departments, the Colorado State Patrol, and lots of federal agencies.

Questions about a career in law enforcement? Give me a call! 970-350-9716, or email me at linda.cannon@greeleygov.com

Linda Cannon, Human Resources Analyst, City of Greeley, Colorado