Which characteristics do you think are the most important for police officers to have?

Question

Which characteristics do you think are the most important for police officers to have? Why? Which are the least important? Why?

Answer 1

The following characteristics are looked for by recruiters when selecting potential police officers:

1. enthusiasm: individuals must have an inner desire to be an officer
2. good communication skills: officers must be able to efficiently mediate situations through the use of proper listening and speaking skills
3. good judgment: officers must be able to "think on their feet" and make rational decisions quickly
4. sense of humor: the rigors of police work are extremely stressful; if officers lack this trait they will quickly become overwhelmed and burnout
5. creativity: similar to good judgment, the majority of police work is conducted by one officer on the scene; the officer must be capable of developing the best course of action to handle any situation
6. self-motivation: once again, as the majority of police work is conducted by officers acting alone, officers must be able to preserve their own self-will for continuing effective police work without needing to rely on a supervisor or others to motivate them
7. knowledge of the job and system: though this may seem simplistic, individuals must have at least a general understanding of what police work entails prior to applying for a position; otherwise, the shock of actual police work may prove overwhelming
8. ego: refers to having a positive image of one’s self
9. courage: although seemingly simplistic, this entails that officers must be able to respond wholeheartedly without a second of hesitation
10. understanding of discretion: individuals must understand that official response for most situations are not mandated; therefore, individuals must understand how to make the most logical decision based upon circumstance
11. thirst for knowledge: police work is not stagnant and individuals will be exposed to new levels of information on a continuous basis. Individuals must have an inner desire to continue to learn in order to develop more innovative methods for handling various situations

Answer 2

Police officers need to possess the most important characteristic for them, which would be to uphold the law, but at an honest and moral upholding.

Least important for a police officer should be his or her personal pride, the number of criminals caught, and such.

Answer 3

1. Honesty.
2. The dedication to the law and the will to uphold it.
3. Trustworthy.
4. Brave

Answer 4

- Common sense (Book smarts will get you nothing and enrage everyone else)
- The ability to enforce both spirit of the law and of law when applicable (ties into Common Sense above)
- Good morale standing (based not in religion, but respect for people)
- Respect for others on the job regardless of personal feelings
- Good sense of humor

Answer 5

Most important: Empathy and compassion
Least important: God Syndrome

Answer 6

A genuine desire to help people and make a difference, not to lord your authority over them, just because you can.