When we look at the idea of the training process and career development programs for those in law enforcement, we can find a large number of different topics that are brought up. There is the idea of selection, and having to have the right body type, height, etc, but there is also much more than that when it comes to training and the development of a career police officer. Within my hometown in Wisconsin, we begin developing those who are interested in middle school through what is known as the Police Explorers program. This program allows for a multitude of different things to be entered in to the mindset and give a better understanding to those who are interesting in being police officers. Too often, we find that many people don’t understand the stress that goes in to the idea of being a police officer, however, programs such as this will test your level of stress tolerance, and numerous other areas. Training also includes the talking to people, as well as how to properly help people and talk with them so that everything is calm, and easygoing. We look to the idea of training to be a cop as rigorous, which is spot on. Rigorous training allows for our law enforcement officers to broaden horizons, and be ready to face anything. The training process is one in which tests you physically, mentally, emotionally, and on a community basis. Being able to interact properly with those who are intoxicated, upset, mentally disabled, or other civilians is something that can’t ever be expected to be perfect, but guidelines are brought about in training.
Both harmful and helpful to officers, stress plays an important role in the effectiveness of a police officer both on and off duty. Police officers face several types of stress while on the job. The most common stressors come from internal and external factors. Eustress is a common type of stress that is normal and good, even considering the nature of the job of police officers. Distress is behavior outside of the...