Insights for Aspiring Law Enforcement Officers: Lessons from a Career in Policing
Choosing a career in law enforcement is a noble and often challenging decision. As an experienced officer who has walked in your shoes, I want to share some valuable insights that I wish I had known before embarking on this journey.
The Impact on Family Life
For me, the journey began when my wife entered the picture. Although I was confident in my career choice, there was always a lingering concern at home, especially with my wife and daughter. The worry was not unfounded; every time I went to work, I was uncertain if I would make it home safe. Despite the unwavering support from my spouse, it wasn’t until my retirement that I fully realized the impact my career had on our family. An understanding and supportive partner is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship and preventing marital breakdowns. However, balancing the demands of law enforcement with family life can be challenging. You must be able to separate the job from your personal life. Discussing sensitive information with anyone other than fellow law enforcement members can make your family feel shut out, thereby causing undue stress and pressure. It’s important to strike a balance, ensure you have police friends to vent to and confide in, but never let these discussions replace time with your family.
Understanding Public Perception and Scrutiny
I can share my experiences, primarily from my time policing in the UK, specifically in Scotland, where the scrutiny faced by law enforcement officers is incredibly high. You may not realize the extent of this scrutiny until you experience it firsthand. What I wish I had known was that the phrase 'Could this look bad' should be the foremost consideration in every action, whether it’s on or off duty. The reality of modern policing is that some officers have thrived by stepping on their colleagues, indicating that the level of scrutiny faced by officers is often biased and perceived as misconduct or even criminal, unless it can be proven otherwise. This scrutiny is a much more severe challenge than that faced by members of the public. Following this principle can help you avoid unnecessary complications and outcomes.
Veting Important Decisions
Early in my career, I faced a situation involving a man attempting to commit suicide by jumping off a harbour wall into the water. I was the first officer on the scene and had to make the decision to disobey the order not to enter the water, based on my immediate assessment of the situation. My decision was based on my capability and the urgency to act. Fortunately, the positive outcome of the rescue led to a commendation, and disciplinary procedures were dropped. However, it was a stark reminder of the public’s and the organization’s perception of actions, which can be drastically different from reality.
Being Exposed to Unseen Factors
What I wish I knew was that you would become personally exposed to unseen, incidental influences in the force. This exposure can affect your career significantly and is often not considered or acknowledged in training. While you may follow all the rules, the public and your superiors might still scrutinize your actions. Sometimes, the reputation of an officer can be used to fit a PR agenda or protect the corporate reputation, rather than treating the individual fairly.
Understanding these challenges can help prepare you for the realities of law enforcement. It’s essential to navigate these obstacles with a balanced perspective and a strong support system at home.