How to become A Peace Officer

In all countries that believe the government must prioritise the personal security of its people, Peace Officers play a critical role in ensuring their compatriots abide by the law.

• Police Officer
• Deputy Sheriff
• Law Enforcement Officer

What do Peace Officers do?

A Peace Officer would typically need to:

• Uphold the law and maintain the peace with minimal injury and danger to all stakeholders
• Patrol a designated area to enforce the law; serve writs, subpoenas and notices; execute court orders
• Interview and assess at-risk individuals and take statements; counsel and manage offenders and individuals going through intervention
• Perform background checks, DNA testing, drug testing, fingerprinting and photographing for new cases
• Monitor dangerous and prolific offenders placed on both active and passive GPS restrictions within their jurisdiction
• Use closed-circuit security or TV systems as well as computer tracking and alcohol monitoring devices to legally monitor offender compliance
• Make use of the data so collected to make risk analyses and provide comprehensive pre-sentence reports to the judicial authorities
• Practice motivational interviewing techniques, cognitive behavioural methods and customised Risk-Need-Responsivity approaches to rehabilitate offenders
• Offer life skills training to modify or eliminate behavioural problems while maintaining productive communication with family members
• Assess prison inmates to prepare them for release on license into the community and to serve requisite community sentences
• Introduce juvenile delinquents to programs of rehabilitation communication and cooperation within the community
• Keep records and track reports; manage and enforce community orders issued by the court; testify in court
• Investigate crimes and direct traffic/assist the victms at accident sites; respond to calls for assistance or protection, if employed as a police officer
• Work to prevent escapes or other disturbances in the facility, if employed as a correction officer
• Work with criminals on early release programs and their families to prevent further delinquency, if employed as a probation officer
• Manage approved premises, which provide accommodation to offenders on bail, probation or parole
• Assist victims of violent or sexual crime in ensuring justice and getting their lives back on track
• Execute random home visits, personal meetings and drug/DNA testing to ensure probationer compliance
• Collaborate with the police, local authorities, courts, health services, substance misuse systems, youth offending teams, and voluntary agencies

The work environment of a Peace Officer may range from a desk in an office to a patrol car to a crime scene to a law enforcement facility. Stress and danger is the norm in most of these work settings. 

You may work with inmates, suspects, witnesses and authorised government officials.

Local travel may be necessary to keep tabs on the various offenders under your charge

Peace Officers may find themselves putting in more than 40 hours per week. Their 24/7 work schedule may be erratic; rotating shifts may include evenings, weekends and public holidays, depending on current cases and emergencies that need their attention.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Peace Officers can boost their job search by asking contacting employers directly and using job search platforms.

Peace Officers are generally employed by:

• The Prison Service
• The Ministry of Justice
• The Social Works Department
• Local Police Forces

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Association of Chiefs of Police, are crucial for Peace Officers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• High probability of injury from close interaction with violent and emotionally unbalanced offenders
• The nature of the job entails regular emotional trauma with a negative impact on one’s personal and professional lives
• Lack of work-life balance
• The need to stay physically fit to withstand a possible assault by an aggressive offender

Most employers prefer applicants who have at least three years of prior work experience as security officers, police officers or security guards. However, in some locations, candidates with 12 earned hours of college credits from an accredited institution or an honourable discharge from the military may also have a fighting chance. 

In addition, paid or voluntary work in prison visiting services, victim support services, youth offending teams and community payback teams will also help you gain the skills essential to maintain peace in the community.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working as Peace Officers to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Although a high school diploma or GED (General Education Diploma) may fetch you an entry-level job as a Peace Officer, most applicants complete a bachelor’s or an associate degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, business, psychology or sociology. A smaller number have a master’s degree in the above-mentioned subjects.

Focus on physical education, civics, psychology, social sciences and English in high school.

Certification in criminal law, legal office administration, criminal justice and artificial intelligence and law from an objective and reputed organisation can enhance your public safety, emergency and procedural skills. That will help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of advancement.

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Employers may mandate acquisition of a law enforcement license after passing exams in basic policing, county corrections and basic telecommunications and obtaining basic jail certification. 

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Peace Officers who become Officers before eventually being promoted to the position of Operations Officer. 

It is also possible to work as Senior Probation Officers, Probation Area Managers, Accredited Program Tutors and Practice Development Assessors after gaining significant experience as probationary officers.

Those employed as corrections officers may be promoted up to and including the Governor of the facility. Seasoned police officers, on the other hand, may move up the ranks from Sergeant to Inspector to Chief Inspector or Chief Superintendent.

You can also move laterally or specialise in various areas of policing, probation or corrections.

Candidates with a relevant bachelor’s degree, desirable certifications and requisite work experience in law enforcement will have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Peace Officer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

CPD is also essential for the regular renewal of desirable certifications. In addition to on-the-job support, your employer may offer regular training in equality and diversity, anti-social behaviour, suicide prevention and anti-bullying programmes.

Peace Officers with considerable service under their belt may choose to specialise in a particular area, make the most secondment opportunities in sister agencies or acquire the leadership skills essential for promotion to supervisory/managerial roles.

To Qualify

Individuals who wish to become Peace Officers must typically be physically fit, able to lift and move 150 pounds without assistance and run at least 100 yards without getting winded.

In addition, the applicants must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to prevent and diffuse challenging situations, self-confidence, patience, collaborative and negotiation skills, attention to detail, problem-solving and decision-making skills, resilience, integrity and appreciation of equal opportunities.

A comprehensive understanding of the law coupled with the soft skills mentioned above will help you get through reading and writing ability tests, a medical and psychological evaluation as well as an in-person interview. There may be other prerequisites to getting the job. Contact your local law enforcement agency for exact details.

The Japanese police fire paintballs at fleeing vehicles so they can be identified easily by other police vehicles. The paint is bright orange and tough to remove.

Exemplary Peace Officers make sure they contribute to an orderly and secure environment as the legal guardians of their community.

“True public safety requires a collaboration between law enforcement and the community.”

Betsy Hodges