Answer

Requirements and Challenges Worksheet

PART 1

Which type of mentality makes the best police officer: warrior or guardian? Explain why.

The police are charged with the primary mandate of protecting the citizens. When officers treat every encounter with citizens as a time for combat they will not effectively be able to carry out their mandate. The type of mentality that makes the best officer is the guardian mentality. When the police adopt this mentality, it is more plausible that the community will cooperate with them and this will make their work less dangerous.

What are the requirements to become a police officer? What are the components used to test and select recruits? Does an applicant’s motive impact his or her ability to join the force? Why?

Most agencies require police officers to at least have a GED or a high school diploma. Officers are also required to have good IQ, high physical agility, be mentally healthy and have no criminal records. In order to test and select recruits, some of the activities that are undertaken include; written exam, physical agility test, oral interview, medical examination, psychological check, and background check (Orrick & Director, 2008). An applicant’s motive can affect his or her ability to join the force because the recruiters will look out for their motive and if it does not align with the mandate of policing, the applicant will lose the chance of joining the force.

Sources

Orrick, W. D., & Director, P. S. (2008). Recruitment, retention, and turnover of law enforcement personnel.

PART 2

Identify an emotional, physical, and social challenge that an officer may face

A significant physical challenge that an officer may face is violent attacks. Based on a 2012 report that was submitted by the FBI, 57,774 or 10.2% of police officers in the US were assaulted (Covington, Huff-Corzine, & Corzine, 2014). Additionally, 26.6% of those who had been assaulted suffered injuries during the assault (Covington, Huff-Corzine, & Corzine, 2014). Police officers, therefore, often face the threat of violent attacks.

What are strategies an officer can use to manage or combat stress? Provide a resource that you could use to manage stress

A significant strategy that an officer can use to manage or combat stress is scheduling personal downtimes and vacations. When an officer is fatigued, their physical and mental abilities become impaired. This subsequently has an adverse effect on their productivity. Officers should also plan their meals and make healthier eating choices since this will also have an effect on their productivity. In this regard, a resource that I can use to manage stress is MyFitnessPal phone App. This App assists in planning healthy meals.

What potential challenges are associated with career advancement in the field of policing?

One of the challenges associated with career advancement is lack of physical fitness. Many officers live sedentary lifestyles and as a result they have low fitness levels. Since police is work is physically demanding, it is important that an officer stays in good shape. Another challenge is relatively low pay. Salaries for police officers are often not commensurate with the expectations of job applicants.

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