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Police Application Personal Statement Example & Tips

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A job as a police officer is one of the world’s most demanding and rewarding jobs. This guide offers a good police application personal statement example to teach you how to structure your statement.

A personal statement example shows an employer that you have the skills to work in law enforcement. Read on to see how to structure a good police personal statement and learn from an example.

Personal Statement for a Police Application

Many people aspire to a law enforcement career and envision themselves as police officers. You merely need a high school diploma or equivalent, such as the General Educational Development (GED), to qualify.

To begin your career as a police officer, you must first be accepted into and graduate from a police academy. But there’s more to it than just filling out an application.

A solid education, application requirements, and a battery of exams are needed to qualify and progress in your area. If you have professional expertise, cover letters and personal statements can assist you in getting into the police academy and networking with law enforcement.

How to Write a Captivating Personal Statement for a Police Application

Creating a cover letter can sound needlessly complicated as if you’re trying to customize your application for each job opportunity. Consequently, you may compose a personal statement.

Your history, values, and hobbies should be in a personal statement. Explain in your statement why you want to become a police officer and how attending the academy would help you achieve this goal.

Some guidelines for crafting an engaging personal statement are provided below.

• Get your thoughts down on paper.
• Take your time composing your essay.
• Take care to pick and use the correct phrases.
• Utilize your strengths as a writer to guide your work.
• Begin with a solid introduction.
• Do not make up anything; stick to the truth.
• Check your statement for typos.

Police Application Personal Statement Example

The personal statement for a police application is meant to show how valuable a resource the applicant can be for the police force. Here’s an excellent example from INK .

As a law enforcement professional with years of experience, my devotion to public service and justice will be helpful as an officer. I’m proud of my local community’s impact in avoiding crime through education, awareness, and support.

I take great pride in communicating effectively with a wide array of individuals. From teaching kids to avoid danger to defusing heated disputes, I’ve seen how important it is for officers to be proactive and convincing.

My aptitude for problem-solving, resourcefulness, and persistence make me an ideal candidate for this position. I have consistently exemplified ethical conduct throughout my career by making prudent decisions to uphold justice and respect people’s rights. In addition, I have earned repute among colleagues due to my punctuality in attending to details and completing tasks promptly and accurately.

In conclusion, my professional experiences have prepared me for the demands of police work, and I look forward to serving my community.

The police application personal statement example above is a very stunning example of a well-written personal statement for a police application. Write with passion in your application and reassure the reader that you have the specific skills they need.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Criminology & criminal justice personal statement example.

People should be aware of the law and the consequences for those prepared to break it, however, the law is still broken. I find reasons for this very interesting. Originally, I believed them to purely cognitive; but after further research from my readings and attending conferences, I quickly found that this was not the case. I want to investigate how Government enforces the law with overcrowded prisons and rising costs to the taxpayer, causing people to become more laxed when following the rules. I am fascinated by current criminal trends and the availability of drugs, observing the effects they have on society as a whole.

During the summer holidays I attended a most interesting and inspiring “Insight into Crime” conference at The University of -. I was able to speak to a reformed prisoner, who gave me his own reasons for his offending. I also had the opportunity to look at the work of CSI (forensics), along with being able to analyse and discuss a mock up crime scene, through a variety of different activities. I also had a taste of university life, staying the night in halls.

I have a long standing ambition to serve as a police officer, and completed a very enjoyable and interesting two weeks’ work experience placement with the police. I experienced working with PCs, patrolling the area and attending call outs, showing me how challenging, but rewarding police work is. I had the opportunity to undertake in the administrative work in various different departments I had previously not been aware of and saw the importance of their work. This experience helped improve my communication skills and confidence when dealing with members of the public.

At A2 level I study business studies, geography, and philosophy and ethics. I also studied psychology at AS level. I thoroughly enjoy all my subjects and apply myself fully to them, cultivating the analytical and evaluative skills they demand. Outside the classroom, I have been on geographical field trips to -, - and -, collecting and analysing my own data. I successfully took part in Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme where I was able to undertake in various activities and gaining skills such as stamina and team work. I particularly enjoyed the paired reading scheme where I helped 8 year old children to read. I am also a member of my local church choir and am actively engaged in church youth activities. I enjoy acting and have taken part in many productions, including a performance at the -, as well as taking an interest back stage, painting and designing the set for numerous school productions, a passion I hope to continue at university.

At my last school I was Chairman of the School Council. This position demanded good leadership qualities and organisational and communication skills, including taking regular meetings and liaising with staff and students, often using my own initiative when needed. I am currently a House Prefect which requires me to help the tutor on duty in the running of the boarding house. I was also a part of the Army Cadets at -, where I developed my skills in activities as diverse as first aid, shooting and map reading. This experience also taught me valuable lessons in self discipline, a skill I have been able to apply to my A level studies. I have also been a member of the school Rounders, Netball and Hockey teams, as well as attending tennis club, keeping me involved in school life as well as maintaining my physical fitness. In my spare time I like to relax by going to the gym regularly, pottery and cooking.

I am fully committed to studying Criminology at degree level. I consider myself an outgoing, cheerful, industrious, intelligent and friendly person who has much to contribute to the wider life of the university, and would relish at the opportunity to continue my academic studies at the highest possible level.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by tea for application in 2009.

tea's Comments

This PS isn't perfect but did get me provisional offers into all five unis less than two weeks after submitting my application. Since I have now graduated I may as well make it available to help others.

This personal statement is unrated

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• Works co-operatively with others to get things done, willingly giving help and support to colleagues.
• Is approachable, developing positive working relationships.
• Explains things well, focusing on the key points and talking to people using language they understand.
• Listens carefully and asks questions to clarify understanding, expressing own views positively and constructively.
• Persuades people by stressing benefits of a particular approach, keeps them informed and manages their expectations.
• Courteous, polite and considerate, shows empathy/compassion.
• Deals with people as individuals and addresses their specific needs and concerns.
• ​ Treats people with respect and dignity, deals with them fairly, without prejudice of their background or circumstances.

Police Application Example: Working With Others

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A former Royal Marine, Detective Inspector, and is a qualified coach/mentor. With extensive police experience, Steve also established Rank Success to help officers achieve police promotion.

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Making a statement to the police

• Related content
• Peer review
• Glenn Cornish , consultant psychiatrist
• Surrey and Hampshire Borders Partnership NHS Trust Glenn.Cornish{at}surreyoaklands.nhs.uk

You may be called on to make a statement to the police at any stage in your career. Typical examples are:

When you have seen someone in accident and emergency who has been assaulted

As a paediatrician, where abuse is alleged

If one of your psychiatric patients offends

Making a statement to the police is not difficult, but can raise anxieties. It is actually a straightforward procedure, which you already have the skills to do successfully. Usually the statement is all that is needed but occasionally it will be necessary to attend court as well. In this case it is well worth seeking specific training, advice from the police, and/or from your defence organisation. Unless the court directs you to break confidentiality, you should usually obtain your patient's consent to disclose details about their treatment. You should follow the General Medical Council's guidance on confidentiality.

The purpose of a police statement is to record your observations and conclusions in a way that will be most helpful to the court. Generally, a police officer will guide you through the process, and write the actual statement down.

You should start by saying who you are, your job, qualifications, and your involvement with the case.

You can and should refer to notes that you (or your team) made, and say this in the statement. You can also report things from memory but you must comment on how certain you are about accuracy. Statements are most helpful if they use short sentences, non-medical language, and clarify the differences between your observations and conclusions. The officer who takes your statement will try to help you achieve this, but you should be entirely happy with the result, which is your statement alone. Do not be afraid to clarify technical terms and include everything that you believe to be relevant. You should not feel pressured to include anything you do not wish to, or to omit anything.

At the end you will be asked to check the statement. It is crucial you do this carefully and correct or amend anything you wish to. You may subsequently be asked in detail about any part of your statement in court. You must feel comfortable that it is accurate in fact and in its conclusions.

Cooperate as far as confidentiality allows

Refer to notes and quote directly if appropriate

Express any uncertainty you have

Use short phrases and non-technical language

Make a statement if you feel uncertain about the process

Make a statement you would not be happy to defend in court

Automatically agree to wording suggested by an officer

Feel afraid to make corrections or alterations at any point

Fail to check the statement thoroughly before signing it

The author took advice from police officers in drafting this article. ■

Rank Success Blog

Free uk police promotion to sergeant, inspector and beyond.

Interviews , Personal Statements

Personal Statements: Police Promotion Interview

When it comes to police promotion interviews, one of the biggest fears Sergeant and Inspector / Chief Inspector candidates have is drawing a blank. Having nothing to say, immersed in an awkward silence.

“Think of your personal statement as an ace up your sleeve.”

In  Personal Statements For Promotion Applications , I discussed how UK police forces often require aspiring officers to submit a written application for promotion as part of their selection process. Compiling a 450-word personal statement might work well in writing, but is impractical to introduce to a promotion interview. However, the concept is still sound. Consequently, this blog looks at more  condensed personal statements for your interview to support you in delivering a great performance at promotion board.

Reassuring the Board

Developing a  verbal personal statement  is a highly valuable exercise when preparing for your promotion board. The board is responsible for making a risk decision: Whether promoting you now is a good risk for the organisation. The board members simply want to know three things:

• Can you do the job?
• Will you do the job?
• Do you act and speak like the leader/manager/supervisor they are seeking and which the force needs?

A prepared personal statement enables you to inject your enthusiasm and personality into the process. Police promotion is advertised as an objective process, but remember your board are human, so subjectivity comes into it. A honed, verbal personal statement delivers  impact . Consider it your very own ‘elevator pitch’. It offers you an opportunity to reassure, influence and convince board members that promoting you is a good investment.

It is important on a number of levels. For starters, it can assist you in answering the following ‘Why You?’ questions:

• Why do you want promotion?
• Why should you be promoted?
• Why would anyone choose to be led by you?

A Brutal Focus Point…

“Don’t tell me the Moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” – Anton Chekhov

Having developed your personal statement, there will be an opportunity to include it in interview (more on that later). Therefore, knowing what you are going to say beforehand is a massive confidence boost . Being quietly confident in your slick personal statement, ready to deliver, puts you one step ahead of the competition for police promotion .

Imagine walking into your promotion interview. The Chair of your interview panel welcomes you, puts you at ease, and then drops this brutal bombshell:

“We have decided to hold a very succinct process for promotion candidates this year. Please take a moment or two to gather your thoughts and then tell us in no more than FIFTY WORDS, why you should be promoted today?”

Condensing the case for promoting you into  just 50 words  is a great development exercise to include in your board preparation. It focuses the mind and puts you on right on the spot. Coincidentally, that’s exactly where you will find yourself in a promotion interview! It’s  tried, tested and highly successful  and something I encourage all aspiring promotion candidates to consider.

Personal Statements for Interview: Examples to Get You Started…

So, which 50 words would you choose? Getting started can be tough, so here are a couple of 50 word examples I prepared earlier to get you thinking and to give you an idea:

EXAMPLE 1: “I am motivated and enthusiastic, which infuses others. I’m a strong role model for colleagues and take care about developing my staff. I set and agree SMART objectives, encouraging ownership at all levels. I treat people as individuals, fostering an open and motivating environment. I recognise and acknowledge good work.”

EXAMPLE 2: “As a leader, I recognise I’m in a position of trust and responsibility. I lead by example. As supervisor, I set, communicate and reinforce standards, starting with my own punctuality and smart appearance. My personal values fit well with our force, including integrity, trust, fairness, respect, and public service.”

Try building the case for promoting you and reduce it to 50 words. Then when you are happy with it, rehearse it! Treat it as you would any important speech, or like an actor rehearsing lines. Doing this helps fix the content in your mind, aids your confidence, while ensuring effective and meaningful delivery. And as I discuss in my recent transformation podcast , you aren’t rehearsing to sound rehearsed; you will rehearse to the point that you are transformed into a confident candidate, who can authentically respond to any question.

“All the real work is done in rehearsal.” – Donald Pleasance

The principle is that you are equipped with a powerful statement you can introduce as part of your response to questions from panel members. You won’t be that individual who dries up or has nothing to say. On the contrary, you will be waiting for an opportunity to introduce your prepared personal statement.

Of course, you can use more than 50 words if you wish. If you want to go further, think how you might then expand the key points from your distilled statement to a more rounded, 5-minute response to the question: “Why should anyone be led by you?”

In short, you are selling yourself and your skills, and the board is buying. It is difficult to sell a product you don’t believe in, so practicing your personal statement delivery is time well spent.

“Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people.” – Jim Rohn

“I’d Just Like to Add…”

You  will  get an opportunity to deliver your personal statement. You may even get more than one opportunity, but don’t worry about repeating yourself; you’ll never say it the same way twice!

So when will you get to deliver your personal statement? Good question! Promotion boards are behavioural interviews, which feature mainly open questions. A benefit of being asked open questions is that you can get across what you want to say. Fantastic opportunities usually arise at the end of your promotion board; that’s when the chair of the panel will normally say something similar to this:

“That brings the formal questions to an end. Before you go, is there anything you would like to add?”

Most unprepared candidates will take the opportunity to vamoose, pronto, with half a mind on that celebratory drink later for getting through it!  But not you.  You will take a deep breath, gather your thoughts, look the panel members in the eye, thank them for the opportunity, then leave them with a lasting favorable impression by delivering your prepared personal statement.

Kind Regards, Steve

Author’s Note: This post was first published in March 2019, as part of the additional free written content I provide for cops on the popular police news site, Police Hour. Minor updates have been made when incorporating the content here on my main blog site.

If you found this blog helpful, you can hit the ground running with your promotion preparation. Get your personal  digital promotion toolkit , attend or download my  Police Promotion Masterclass , or contact me to arrange  personal coaching support . For more completely free, no-strings content, I have a collection of  videos , eGuides,  a podcast , plus more free blog content via my  Police Hour guest articles .

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Statement to Police: Rights and Considerations when Making or Refusing a Statement

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When faced with a criminal accusation, one of the initial encounters you may have is with the police.

During this interaction, you may be asked to provide a statement. It’s crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities in these situations.

The statement you give to the police can significantly influence the course of your case.

At Sarah Leamon Law, we are focused on ensuring our clients are well-informed about their rights, including the right to remain silent and the potential implications of providing a statement to the police.

What is a Police Statement?

A police statement is a written or verbal account given to the police about an event or series of events that the person has witnessed or been involved in.

It can be a crucial piece of evidence in a criminal investigation and can significantly influence the course of a case.

Do I Have to Give a Statement to the Police?

No, you are not legally obligated to provide a statement to the police if you are accused of a crime. It is part of your right to remain silent, which is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

However, there are certain circumstances, such as during a traffic stop, where you may be required to provide some information.

What is a Witness Statement?

A witness statement is a written account given by an individual who has witnessed a crime or event.

A witness statement provides details about what the witness saw, heard, or experienced and can serve as crucial evidence in a criminal investigation or trial.

How to Write a Statement for the Police?

If you choose to provide a statement to the police, you must be clear, concise, and truthful. Stick to the facts that you know or experienced directly. And avoid speculating or guessing about things you’re unsure of.

It’s also advisable to consult with a lawyer before providing a statement to ensure that you understand your rights and the potential implications of your statement.

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What Happens When You Make a Statement to the Police?

When you make a statement to the police, it becomes a part of the official record for the investigation.

The police may use this statement to further their investigation, and it could potentially be used as evidence if the case goes to court.

You should keep in mind that once a statement is given, it cannot be taken back or changed without potentially serious legal consequences.

What Should I Not Say in a Police Statement?

In a police statement, you should avoid speculation, assumptions, or hearsay. Stick to the facts that you know or experienced directly. Do not provide information on which you are unsure. Avoid making self-incriminating statements.

It’s also vital not to lie or provide false information, as this can lead to charges of perjury or obstructing justice.

If You Give a Statement to the Police, Do You Have to Go to Court?

No, giving a statement to the police does not necessarily mean you will have to go to court. However, depending on the nature of the case and the content of your statement, you could be called as a witness in court.

Can You Record While Giving a Statement to Police?

Laws regarding recording interactions with the police vary by jurisdiction. In some places, it is legal to record your own interactions with the police, as long as you are not interfering with their duties.

However, it’s always best to inform the police that you are recording, and to consult with a lawyer beforehand.

Is a Police Statement Admissible in Court?

Yes, a police statement can be admissible in court. However, for the statement to be used as evidence, it must be relevant to the case and must not violate any rules of evidence, such as the rule against hearsay. The admissibility of a police statement is ultimately determined by the judge.

Can I Refuse to Give a Statement to the Police?

You have the right to refuse to give a statement to the police. Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you are protected by the right to remain silent.

What Happens if You Don’t Give a Statement to the Police?

If you choose not to give a statement to the police, they may continue their investigation using other available evidence.

Your decision to remain silent cannot be used as evidence of guilt. However, depending on the circumstances, not providing a statement could potentially limit some of the defence strategies available to you later.

It’s always best to consult with a lawyer before deciding whether to give a statement.

Can You Refuse to Give a Witness Statement?

You could refuse to give a witness statement. However, if the matter goes to court, you could be subpoenaed to testify.

If you refuse to comply with a subpoena, you could face legal consequences.

The best course of action is to consult with a lawyer if you’re unsure about your rights and obligations as a witness.

Do You Have the Right to Remain Silent in Canada?

You have the right to remain silent. This is a fundamental right protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

In other words, you are not obligated to answer any questions posed by the police, especially those that could potentially incriminate you.

However, there are certain situations, such as during a traffic stop, where you may be required to provide some basic information.

Contact Us Today Before Making a Police Statement

If you’re faced with the prospect of providing a police statement, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the potential implications of your statement. At Sarah Leamon Law, our team is ready to guide you through this process, ensuring your rights are protected and you’re making informed decisions.

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How to Write a Police Report

Last Updated: April 13, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Saul Jaeger, MS . Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 13 testimonials and 85% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,143,718 times.

If you're a police officer or security guard, knowing how to write up a detailed and accurate report is important. A well written incident report gives a thorough account of what happened and sticks to the facts. If you're trying to write a police report, or are curious about how the police put together their reports, learning what to include and how to format the report is helpful.

Following Protocol

• Try to do your write-up using word processing software. It will look neater and you'll be able to use spellcheck to polish it when you're finished. If you write your report by hand, print clearly instead of using cursive.

Saul Jaeger, MS

Did You Know? If you call 911, a police report may or may not be generated, depending on the outcome of the call. If a police report isn't generated and you want to file one later, you can call the non-emergency number, and an officer will come out and take the report. However, if you're ever in need of emergency services, call 911.

• If you can’t write the report on the day that the incident happened, record some notes about what happened to help you when you do write the report.

• The time, date and location of the incident (Be specific. Write the exact street address, etc.).
• Your name and ID number
• Names of other officers who were present

• For example, a report might say: On 8/23/10 at approximately 2340, officer was assigned to 17 Dist. response vehicle. Officer was notified via radio by central dispatch of a 911 call at 123 Maple Street. Officer was also informed by central dispatch that this 911 call may be domestic in nature.

Describing What Happened

• For example, an officer's report could say: Upon arrival, I observed a 40 year old white male, known as Johnny Doe, screaming and yelling at a 35 year old white female, known as Jane Doe, in the front lawn of 123 Maple Street. I separated both parties involved and conducted field interviews. I was told by Mr. Johnny that he had come home from work and discovered that dinner was not ready. He then stated that he became upset at his wife Mrs. Jane for not having the dinner ready for him.

• Use specific descriptions. For example, instead of saying "I found him inside and detained him," write something like, "I arrived at 2005 Everest Hill at 12:05. I walked to the house and knocked on the door. I tried the knob and found it to be unlocked..."

• Police officers often have to write reports about auto accidents. It can be much clearer to illustrate with a picture or a diagram how the accident occurred. You can draw a picture of the street and use arrows to show how where each car was headed when they hit each other.

• For example, instead of saying “when I arrived, his face was red,” you could say, “when I arrived, he was yelling, out of breath, his face was red, and he seemed angry.” The second example is better than the first because there are multiple reasons someone’s face is red, not just that they are angry.

• Even though it is hearsay, make sure to write down what each individual at the scene said to you. It may be important, even if he or she is lying. Include any information about the witness’ demeanor, in case what he or she told you becomes controversial.

• Use the party’s name when possible, so you can avoid confusion when talking about multiple people. Also, spell out abbreviations. For example, say “personal vehicle” instead of “P.O.V.” (personally owned vehicle), and “scene of the crime” instead of “code 11,” which is a police term for “on the scene.”

• Preserve your integrity and the institution you represent by telling the truth.

Editing Your Report

• For example, if you forget to include the one party's reason why the argument started, then that would leave a gap.

• For example, if you included phrases that start with "I feel" or "I believe," then you would want to remove these to eliminate any bias in your report.

• If you have to mail or email your report, follow up with a phone call within a 10 day period. Do this to make sure your report was received.

Sample Police Report and Things to Include

Expert Q&A

• Ask your department for any templates or forms that they use, in order to make sure the report is in the proper format. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
• Keep a copy of the report for your records. You may need to refer back to it in the future. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
• Add to the report, if new information comes to light. Add an addendum that reports the new information, rather than deleting information from your original report. That information may also be important. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1

• Do not ignore facts as irrelevant. At the time of a preliminary police report, investigators may not know the motive or suspect, so it is important to give as much objective detail as possible. Some details that seem irrelevant, may be important with new evidence or testimony. Thanks Helpful 36 Not Helpful 12
• Do not use opinions in a police report, unless you are asked to do so. A police report should be objective rather than subjective. Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 5

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.lapdonline.org/lapd_manual/
• ↑ http://www.securityguardtraininghq.com/how-to-write-a-detailed-incident-report/

About This Article

To write a police report, you should include the time, date, and location of the incident you're reporting, as well as your name and ID number and any other officers that were present. You should also include a thorough description of the incident, like what brought you to the scene and what happened when you arrived. If you're having trouble explaining something in words, draw a picture or diagram to help. Just remember to be as thorough, specific, and objective as possible. To learn what other important details you should include in a police report, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Police Personal Statements Samples For Students

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9 Real Police Officer Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

Police Officer

Best for senior and mid-level candidates.

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

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Police Officer Resume

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Police Officer Resume FAQs

You’re a defender of the police and a protector of the innocent; you’re a police officer, and keeping people safe is what you do. 

As a police officer, you’re used to discipline and organization, so your resume should also reflect those qualities. But what else does a good resume include?  Making an amazing resume  and writing an effective cover letter may feel more exhausting than chasing a suspect through the night, but it doesn’t have to be mysterious.

For this reason,  we’ve created nine police officer resume samples that will help get you hired in 2024 . These resumes contain everything you need to know about writing a police officer resume, including the essential details you’ll want to include or omit so that you can turn in your current job resignation letter and get hired faster!

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• If you’re in the middle of your career, don’t worry about adding an objective or summary to your police officer resume; they’re completely optional, albeit useful if used well.
• On the flip side, if you do choose to use an objective or summary,  always tailor it to each job for which you apply . Mention the employer and role by name, and include your reasons for wanting that particular position.
• Hiring managers typically spend only six seconds reviewing your resume. Including awards can help you gain recognition and increase your chances of getting an interview.

Experienced Police Officer Resume

• “Supervised and coordinated a team of 12 patrol officers” and “reducing road accidents in school zones by 50%” are potential examples of tangible, eye-catching results.
• We’d recommend listing six to eight highly relevant skills such as “search & seizure” and “teamwork.”

Entry-Level Police Officer Resume

• The key to a good objective is customizing it for each job for which you apply. Include the name of the employer, the role you’re seeking, and the skills you hope to use in your future position to stand out and get noticed by hiring personnel.
• For example, mentioning soft skills like “managed,” “handled,” “analyzed,” or “trained” shows leadership and is a great way to book your spot for an interview!

Retired Police Officer Resume

• For a part-time bailiff position, shape your career objective around your proven ability to follow protocol—a must in courtroom settings.

Auxiliary Police Officer Resume

• Don’t forget to include your criminal justice degree on this resume. It reveals a longstanding dedication to the mission of the police department.

NYPD Police Officer Resume

• For instance, did you achieve the status of sergeant or captain? Include it on your resume, highlighting your most recent and relevant experience first in reverse-chronological order.
• What does this mean? Use strong verbs and active voice to demonstrate your leadership. For example, instead of saying, “Aided other officers in patrols by taking calls,” say “Monitored radio calls during night shift to assist officers during patrols.”

Federal Police Officer Resume

• Start by putting your work experience in reverse-chronological order, then lay out the rest of your information according to importance.
• For example, keep your contact header at the very top of your resume, and put your skills section after your education.
• You’d be surprised to discover the fine details interviewers notice when searching for the perfect candidate, so always  check your resume  for errors before you hit submit!

Public Safety Officer Resume

• For instance, have you moved from completing some tasks to supervising various teams completing many tasks? Ensure your resume shows a progression in your ability to handle more responsibilities.
• The goal with your skills should be to show employers you’ve got more than just head knowledge. A great example would be “administered first aid to 32 injured students” because it shows how you applied your abilities at first aid.

Campus Police Officer Resume

• Make the job description your roadmap for skills and experience to include. Are they looking for someone to train new recruits? Mention how you mentored cadets in the past. Do they want someone who can maintain their own police vehicle? Include any maintenance experience you have. Customizing your resume is the number one way to get noticed!
• Your employer likely expects you to have experience dealing with adolescents or college students, so, try to mention your communication skills. This kind of resume alteration will help employers realize you’re the one.

Related resume guides

• Security Officer
• Investigator
• Security Guard
• Firefighter

What employers don’t want to see is a list of job duties. They already know what a police officer does; instead, use your job description bullet points to speak to accomplishments in your law enforcement career. What situations did you encounter, how did you respond to those situations, and what was the result or impact? Whenever possible, quantify those statements.

Be detailed and specific in your resume, but save the story-telling aspect for your police officer cover letter .

This depends on the job description. If you’re applying to work as a public safety officer, you might consider skills like firearm safety and security equipment maintenance. If you’re planning to serve at a college campus, crowd control is an excellent skill to have. And working for a traditional police department, search and seizure will be important. The point is to understand what the job requires and to tailor your police resume accordingly.

Since law enforcement leaves room for an upward trajectory, it makes the most sense to format your resume in reverse-chronological order. What’s “above the fold” of your resume is what hiring teams will focus their attention on most, which means if you’re currently a sergeant, you shouldn’t start by listing your first job right out of the police academy.

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The purpose of a personal statement is to showcase your relevant skills and experience against the job requirements.  The statement is your opportunity to give examples of how you fit the requirements of the job.  When writing a personal statement it is important that you:

• Read the job specification so you are clear about the job requirements.
• Outline the skills and experience that you have that are relevant to the job and use examples to help demonstrate this.   Wherever possible include specific facts and figures that demonstrate the tangible results of your work.
• Keep to the word limit. If your statement is too brief it will not provide the required depth of detail and evidence to be assessed fully. 
• Proofread your statement before submitting it to make sure it is clear, easy to read and relevant.

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A Proclamation on Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Officer Week,   2024

     Every day, police officers pin on their shields and walk out the door, rushing into harm’s way to keep the rest of us safe.  Being a police officer is more than what they do — it is who they are.  On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we recognize the incredible courage of our Nation’s police officers and honor the fallen heroes, whose ultimate sacrifice we can never repay.

     During the pandemic, States and cities saw violent crime rising as they faced deep cuts in law enforcement and public safety budgets.  That is why the American Rescue Plan, one of the first bills I signed as President, provided $350 billion that States could use to keep law enforcement on the beat and communities safe from violence.  That led to the largest Federal investment in public safety in our history.  Police departments used that funding to establish training facilities, hire more officers, and raise salaries.  I also expanded benefits for first responders disabled in the line of duty and for their families.  I increased access to mental health resources for police officers, who too often experience emotional and physical trauma on the job.  Supporting our police officers with resources they need to do their jobs has paid off. Last year, the United States had one of the lowest rates of violent crime in more than 50 years. 

     My Administration recognizes that being a police officer is harder than ever.  We expect them to be everything to everyone — counselors to people experiencing a crisis, social workers to kids who have been abandoned, and guardians to communities flooded with weapons of war.  That is why we have invested in more crisis responders who work alongside police officers to respond to non-violent crimes.  We have also increased investments in recruiting, retaining, and training officers and in violence prevention to get guns off the streets.  We are working hard to strengthen the bonds of trust between officers and the people they serve.  My Budget requests over $10 billion to recruit, train, support, and hire 100,000 additional police officers trained in effective, accountable community policing — working hand in hand with community leaders and local partners to gain trust and advance public safety.

     My Administration has also taken historic action to end the scourge of gun violence in America, which puts far too many police officers at risk.  To date, my Administration has taken more executive actions to stop the flow of illegal guns than any other administration in history.  I formed the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, overseen by Vice President Harris.  I signed the most significant gun safety law in nearly 30 years.  I appointed the first Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director to lead the agency in over 7 years, who has since led efforts to crack down on gun trafficking, ghost guns, rogue gun dealers, and unlicensed sellers that fuel the flow of illegal firearms. I continue to call on the Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, require safe storage of guns, fully fund ATF, and pass universal background checks and a national red flag law.   

     This year, we also honor our Nation’s law enforcement families, who serve and sacrifice alongside their loved ones.  Every day, they summon courage as their loved ones put on their badges and leave for work, praying for their safe return home.  To those who have lost a loved one who served, I know that no memorial can fill the void left in your heart.  But I hope you find solace in knowing that their memory lives on through you, the community they served, and all those that they inspired through their example.  Our Nation will never forget their sacrifice. 

     Last year, I bestowed six law enforcement officers with the Medal of Valor for going to unimaginable lengths to protect their fellow citizens.  They exemplified a selflessness of character and a bravery that inspires.  On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, let us show our gratitude for all the women and men of our Nation’s law enforcement community, who make extraordinary sacrifices every day.  Let us honor the memory of those who have fallen in service to their fellow Americans.  Let us recommit to supporting the people in uniform and their families, who ensure the safety of our communities all across the Nation.

     By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week in which it falls as “Police Week.”

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2024, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 12 through May 18, 2024, as Police Week.  I call upon all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities and salute our Nation’s brave law enforcement officers and remember their peace officer brothers and sisters who have given their last full measure of devotion in the line of duty.  I also call on the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day.  I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on that day.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.                                  JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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