If you’re considering a career as a law officer like alex heidt consultant, then this list is for you. The skills on this list are vital to your success in the field of law enforcement. So take the time to learn them, practice them in your daily life, and keep up with the latest trends in the field through research, textbooks, and professional websites.
1. Body Language
Body language is more than just how you stand or how you look. It consists of the words and the actions that go in tandem with the message you want to get across. Body language allows suspects and witnesses to decode your mental state so they can better react to your presence. There are six types of body language that represent each emotion: anger, happiness, surprise, sadness, disgust and guilt. The goal is to interpret these emotions correctly so that they don’t get the best of you in a situation.
2. Prepare for the worst and expect the best
Law enforcement is full of surprises, and knowing how to deal with them will save you, your partner and your department a lot of headaches. There are hundreds of scenarios that law enforcement officers have to deal with daily and it’s imperative that they know how to handle them best. A lot of these situations can be avoided through proper planning, which takes practicing and being aware of different environments in which you police. There are many different types of preparedness out there, so make sure you read about as many as possible before you’re ready for a real life situation.
3. Traffic control is key
Traffic control is becoming more important than ever, especially when dealing with inclement weather. A traffic collision can be caused by both pedestrians and drivers. One traffic situation can bring out multiple agencies including the police, fire department, ambulances and paramedics. The goal is to manage the situation and make sure it doesn’t become any more complicated than it already is. You should have a plan to follow in a traffic incident, which will allow you to keep your composure while helping others and preventing further chaos on the road.
4. Know your neighboring officers
If there’s one thing that police officers are good at, it’s helping one another out in times of need or when they’re involved in something they can’t handle on their own. The only thing better than being a part of a team is to have one that you can completely trust. It’s crucial to maintain a close relationship with other officers in your department and know what they’re going through at all times. The goal is to understand their needs and make sure you accommodate them as much as possible.
5. Know the basics
Some crimes seem big or scary, but they don’t necessarily need a large response from an officer. Knowing the basics of these crimes will allow you to get the job done in a short amount of time, while not wasting valuable resources on unnecessary issues. The goal is to learn how to deal with certain situations on an individual level, and being able to correctly identify the first problem before it gets out of hand.
6. Build good relationships
Having a close relationship with criminals is not an easy task, but it’s highly necessary for you as an officer. The best way to establish a good relationship is through understanding the needs of your suspect. If you can get them riled up, they will be less likely to think rationally and more likely to make mistakes that could cost them their freedom forever. This doesn’t mean you have to go full throttle on them or trust them blindly; just be aware that they’re willing participants in their crimes and your words might not be enough by themselves.
7. Always be calm and professional
Law enforcement is full of stress, but the best way to handle it is to stay professional no matter what the situation. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you when you’re involved in a situation and your words don’t match those emotions with the suspects. If you act calm, then the suspect will be less likely to perceive you as a threat and more likely to think rationally about their actions. Knowing how to act in any situation when a crime is taking place is crucial since it allows you to keep both your composure and an arrest if one should occur.
8. Know the law
Police officers have to have the ability to think on their feet when they’re in a difficult situation. There’s a fine line between using your imagination and using your knowledge of the law to prevent yourself from making a mistake. The goal is to keep your emotions out of the way and use common sense when someone is breaking the law in front of you. It’s important not to try and be like your heroes on television shows as there are no shortcuts when it comes to performing your job correctly.
