Becoming Police Officer Essays - Legal Professions, Crime Prevention

Becoming Police Officer I respect police officers; I always have and always will. I have always looked up to and wanted to become part of the RCMP. The position of representing the law would bring out my pride to large extents that not even I could imagine. Police officers help to protect citizens and their property, maintain public peace, prevent and detect crime. They apprehend those who break the law, process court requirements, handle traffic problems, enforce regulations, and act as agents of social change within the community to promote safer neighborhoods. In their daily work, police officers perform many duties ranging from enforcing the law and apprehending criminals, to controlling traffic and arbitrating domestic disputes. Police work does not always involve a physical act of protection or the apprehension of a lawbreaker. It also involves activities such as crime prevention activities, helping victims of crime, working with community groups to identify and solve policing problems of mutual concern. To add to that police officers will participate in forensic investigations, administrative work (lots and lots of paper work), and court appearances. Police officers make a "well above average" salary. Just a starting salary for a diploma program graduate averages about $19,000 a year (in 1998). However, according to the 1996 census, most Albertans in the "Police officers (Except Commissioned)" occupational group earned from $50,000 to $60,000 a year. These figures include special rates of pay for statutory holidays, overtime and court appearances during off duty hours, and pay differential for evening and night duty. Many Police Officers may work a regular five-day, forty ? hour week or a compacted (four?day) work week with twelve-hour shifts. Since police protection is a necessity one hundred percent of the time, there are better shifts to work than there are others. Officers will work in and outdoors, in all kinds of weather, and may be required to stand or walk for hours at a time. They may even have to ride in their care for an entire shift. At times, they have to use force and may have to be required to lift twenty-five kilograms in an emergency situation. A police officer is usually under constant strain. Normally working in dangerous situations (normally life threatening). They deal with domestic and public disputes, arresting lawbreakers or pursuing speeding motorists. To fill such a position you need some good personal characteristics. It would include honesty, integrity, good judgement, patients, intelligence, good observation skills and basic good humor are essential in this occupation. A police officer also needs to be physically fit, emotionally stable and responsible, able to work with all kinds of people in a variety of situations, able to use their own initiative with minimum supervision, and should be very good at working as part of a team. Because that is exactly what the RCMP is all about. A team effort in trying to protect the people. The requirements involved in becoming part of the team can vary. If you compare what you need to become a police officer to anything else that requires an education it seems minimal. This surprised me when I first read up on it. The basic requirements include a high school diploma or a related post- secondary diploma (or have no stated minimum education requirement). Someone trying to become part of the RCMP would also need some good character references. In addition, they will need Canadian citizenship or lawful admittance to Canada for permanent residence. This person also requires good typing skills, valid driver's license, and a valid first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificates. The minimum application age varies from 18 to 21 years depending on the particular police service. However, the average age of new recruits is generally 26 to 27 years of age. Related post-secondary education, the ability to speak a second language and knowledge of Alberta's multi-cultural and volunteer communities are definite assets. It would prove to be true after all this intense training and getting educated on the matter that being a cop is truly earned by an individual. It would have to be in somebody's heart to become part of the RCMP. The desire would have to be a number one priority because you have to commit your life (literally) to this career choice. It takes the right kind of person to fulfill the shoes of a police officer. I'm glad it isn't easy to become part of the team that controls the law. Because it needs to be "select" individuals to take on this role. Bibliography All my resources were from my own knowledge or the

Free Essays on Gatsby - American Dream

The â€Å"American Dream† is best defined as an ideal lifestyle for anyone. Americans find comfort and warmth in three major prospects of life; money, power, and popularity. These are the three main aspects of the â€Å"American Dream†. In the novel, The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is the story about Jay Gatsby’s assessment of the American Dream by achieving money, power, and popularity through corrupt and unlawful means. Although Jay Gatsby went about his success through ways that were both illegal and unconstitutional, he still achieved the kind of money one would need to piece together the â€Å"American Dream†. Even though Gatsby did manage to accumulate the kind of wealth he has through corrupt ways, it didn’t seem to effect him the least bit throughout the novel. He seems to live a completely carefree lifestyle, as if the weight of his actions are some how justified through his success. Throughout the novel Jay is very frivolous with his money. For example, his extravagant parties with the entertainment, food, and booze that he supplied. To be able to afford the kind of luxuries that Jay has, is definitely a sign that he has the wealth of someone who has achieved the â€Å"American Dream†. And not only did he have the money to show for it, he also had the power. The kind of power possessed by Jay Gatsby is almost unimaginable for most Americans. He was able to achieve his power through his money and illegal actions. He had the power to anything he wished at any time he wished. He could make himself available or unavailable at anytime. Although it is never directly stated in the novel, it can be ascertained that he was part of a click of people that were involved heavily with the mob. However there is not a single instance during the novel that shows any abuse of Gatsby’s illegally acquired power. Gatsby upholds an image of power alone. With his massive mansion among the miniscule houses around his esta... Free Essays on Gatsby - American Dream Free Essays on Gatsby - American Dream The â€Å"American Dream† is best defined as an ideal lifestyle for anyone. Americans find comfort and warmth in three major prospects of life; money, power, and popularity. These are the three main aspects of the â€Å"American Dream†. In the novel, The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is the story about Jay Gatsby’s assessment of the American Dream by achieving money, power, and popularity through corrupt and unlawful means. Although Jay Gatsby went about his success through ways that were both illegal and unconstitutional, he still achieved the kind of money one would need to piece together the â€Å"American Dream†. Even though Gatsby did manage to accumulate the kind of wealth he has through corrupt ways, it didn’t seem to effect him the least bit throughout the novel. He seems to live a completely carefree lifestyle, as if the weight of his actions are some how justified through his success. Throughout the novel Jay is very frivolous with his money. For example, his extravagant parties with the entertainment, food, and booze that he supplied. To be able to afford the kind of luxuries that Jay has, is definitely a sign that he has the wealth of someone who has achieved the â€Å"American Dream†. And not only did he have the money to show for it, he also had the power. The kind of power possessed by Jay Gatsby is almost unimaginable for most Americans. He was able to achieve his power through his money and illegal actions. He had the power to anything he wished at any time he wished. He could make himself available or unavailable at anytime. Although it is never directly stated in the novel, it can be ascertained that he was part of a click of people that were involved heavily with the mob. However there is not a single instance during the novel that shows any abuse of Gatsby’s illegally acquired power. Gatsby upholds an image of power alone. With his massive mansion among the miniscule houses around his esta...