Randy’s Career Tips

This is probably a situation that is more of a regional issue, but one of the questions I was thinking over was how to get youth more interested in police work. To my knowledge and experience, most of the big city departments and their suburbs are in a constant battle to keep their recruiting levels up, and it seems like the standards are constantly being moved lower to meet recruiting goals. I’m sure this is more a reflection on society’s development as a whole, but that is a topic completely worth it’s own discussion.

From a police officer’s perspective, there are all types of things we can do to ensure kids continue to aspire to a career in law enforcement. Many cities and police departments take it upon themselves to host youth activities so police officers, the youth, and the local community in general can all interact with one another in a safe and non-hostile environment. There’s D.A.R.E., various mentor programs, police explorer programs. But what are the things we can do as regular line officers to make a better impression on youth so that they look at a career in police work as something to be admired and not disdained? So where should the law enforcement community start? How do you get youth more interested in a career in law enforcement? As with any problem, there are many different approaches to tackling this situation, and there is no one silver bullet that would be the go to solution.

Often times the most detrimental place kids can form their opinion of the police is while officers are actively on the job. With officer safety and civil liability concerns, not to mention mentally documenting all that is going at a given scene, officers rarely have the luxury of stopping to think what their actions might mean to a watching child. Often times the most effective approach is also most expedient. But these issues aside, we really never know who is watching, and tempering our mannerisms and genuine empathy when it can be afforded may often be a huge factor in shaping youth perceptions of the police and a career in law enforcement.

On the job can also be one of the best times for a child to form his/her opinion of the police. I have kids coming up to me all the time asking for stickers, and this is one of the easiest ways to show children the lighter side of my personality. Mild conversation from a uniformed officer when kids are at this age can go a long way to forming perceptions of police in general later in life for the child. Kids always have questions about my police equipment, and I never balk at the chance to make a good impression toward an inquisitive child.

What about policing each other? One of the hardest things to do is correct a fellow officer, especially when it is something that more of a personal preference and not a violation of department policy. But officers with whom you are friends should be open to your advice, given you haven’t tarnished your own reputation or are not the type who always has unwelcome advice for others. If you’re coming from a place of genuine concern, your words should fall on receptive ears.

The media is going to be on the side of whatever sells - be it advertising, subscriptions, box-office sales, whatever. So we can’t count on them to portray what is in the best interest of law enforcement and recruiting levels. Parents also play a huge role in shaping youth perceptions of police, especially when these parents are habitual offenders. Those in law enforcement and pro-law enforcement citizenry must take their own proactive measures to ensure our youth continue to view a career in law enforcement and police work in a positive light. It is good for the community and good for the department.

Check out more great LE advice at The Cover Officer.

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