I recently got the chance to sit down and talk to a female police officer, “L,” about her years on the force and what her life has been like.
Q: What is it that you do?
A: I’m a police constable for a mid-sized city in Canada, for just over eight years now.
Q: What kind of schooling did you have to do to get into this career?
A: I attended college and got a two-year certification in Police Foundations. It has a basis in physical fitness as well as sociology, psychology, political science, criminal and traffic law, and other applicable theories. Once I was hired, I went to a 12-week Police College where I had more in-depth theory and practical classes, as well as firearms and advanced driver training.
Q: What can you tell me about the “culture” of policing? Are there any personality types you think tend to be drawn to that kind of job?
A: Ha! Well, there’s definitely a “them vs us” mentality among police officers. It’s not always a bad thing, but sometimes it gets to be a bit much. I think there are all kinds of people drawn to this career. Not everyone can do this job, though.
Q: Do you think there is a discrepancy between what is taught in school and what happens in real life when you start working as a cop? If so, why do you think that is?
A: Not really. Police College training was pretty spot-on. There are procedures and rules for everything, for both the public’s and the police officer’s protection. The only thing they don’t talk about before you start is how the rumor mill works in police stations…but as long as you do your job and have a thick skin, you’ll be fine.
Thanks to L for talking to me!