9781422276693

NOTES FROM THE FIELD Police cadet, Bend, Oregon Q: How did you get your job?

A: I got started in the program because of a friend who was in it. I didn’t even know it existed until he told me about it, and then I asked the school’s resource officer to give me more information. After talking about it for a while, he said I would be a good candidate, and a few days later I picked up an application at the police department. A few months [later] I was called back, as they hire yearly, and was scheduled for an interview. One of the better points that I had on my résumé was my activities for the JROTC [Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps] unit I was in at the time, which shows great commitment and maturity. Q: What do you like best about your job? A: The best part of the job is making a difference at the end of the day. If you can help a few people or improve someone’s day, then [that is] my favorite part of the job. Although most of the time will be spent training for competitions and for a career as a law enforcement agent, it still feels good to know that you might use these skills later as a sworn officer. If you want to be a police officer, nothing is better: you are in patrol cars, get to talk to officers constantly, and just be in that world to a much higher degree than the average person as well as gaining a lot of experience to help you later in life. Q: What’s the most challenging part of the job? A: The police cadet program I am in is mostly training. When we have a meeting, we go over whatever topic is on the docket for the night, whether it be fel- ony traffic stops, courtroom testimony, or building searches. All of it is taught by police officers from the department and is hands-on. Otherwise, when rid- ing with the officers, you are mostly just an assistant, jotting down notes and being another set of eyes. However, as you ascend through the ranks you can

Police Officer  •

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