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MAKE AN EDUCATED DECISION

DE CISION

Regardless of the size and location of an agency, keep in mind that all police officers make a
positive contribution to society. We believe there is no better profession in the world than
policing, and we want to help as many people as we can. We are constantly looking for ways

to improve American Policing. The purpose of these two pages is simply to help educate
people interested in entering the profession. We want to help you make a more informed
decision about the type of agencies you apply for.

Below are some questions to help you make a good decision about your future:

• What kind of officer do I want to be? Proactive or reactive?

• What size of agency do I want to work for?

• Would I prefer to work in a rural or urban environment?

• Am I comfortable working alone or even unsupervised for extended periods of time?

• What kind of schedule is best for my family and I? How soon or how often can I

work a dayshift?

• Am I looking for an agency with a great relationship with the public and great

community support?

• What areas of policing am I interested in and does this agency offer those

opportunities?

• Does the equipment matter to me? Do I want to work for an agency that provides the

latest equipment?

• Does this agency allow officers to work out on duty, and does it provide other officer

wellness programs?

• How does this agency recognize is employees?

• How does this agency give back to the community?

• Is this agency contributing to law enforcement and helping to make it better?

• How does this agency develop its current and future leaders?

• What are my career goals, and will this agency help me reach those goals?

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• Is this agency accredited and does it employ 21 century policing practices?
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• Am I looking for agency that is traditional or a modern agency which has evolved

with the times?