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Lindsay, Police Officer at UCLA Police Department Department: Advize Career Interview
A UCLA Police Department officer's career path is far from typical, showcasing a journey from community college and Air Force ROTC to teaching, ultimately leading to a fulfilling law enforcement career.
The work involves diverse responsibilities, including patrol, investigations, and community engagement, demanding strong communication and continuous learning.
Daily life is unpredictable and rewarding, requiring adaptability and a commitment to serving the community. Success in the field necessitates strong communication, a commitment to justice, and a willingness to learn.
While challenging, requiring significant personal sacrifice, the career offers unique opportunities for growth and interaction, emphasizing the importance of ethics, integrity, and a positive attitude.
Entry-level options exist, benefitting from prior experience in public service or related fields. A clean record and a bachelor's degree are recommended for advancement.
The interviewee's story inspires with its message of diverse skills and the lasting impact of pursuing a career driven by service and dedication to the community.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Lindsay Schirner
Police Officer
UCLA Police Department Department
UCLA, 2015
n/a
History, Art History
Law Enforcement
Legal
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
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Career Path of a Police Officer at UCLA Police Department
Lindsay's career path is anything but typical, starting with community college, then Air Force ROTC at UCLA, followed by a career as a fifth-grade teacher. This experience, combined with family encouragement, led Lindsay to a career in law enforcement with the UCLA Police Department, demonstrating that "there really is no typical path" to becoming a police officer.
Main Responsibilities of a Police Officer at UCLA Police Department
As a UCLA Police Department patrol officer, Lindsay's responsibilities include responding to calls, conducting traffic stops, and collecting evidence, culminating in court testimony. In their role as a lead officer, Lindsay acts as a liaison between the department and the graduate student housing community, focusing on community policing within this diverse population by addressing concerns and mitigating vulnerabilities.
A Day In The Life Of A Police Officer At UCLA Police Department
A day as a UCLA Police Department officer is anything but typical; "every day is new," involving 12-hour shifts (A or B watch) starting with briefings, patrol, and responding to calls ranging from "in progress" incidents to later reports, with investigative work and community meetings interspersed. The unpredictable nature of the job, often ending with a flurry of activity just before shift's end, makes it consistently engaging and rewarding.
Most Important Skills for a Police Officer at UCLA Police Department
For a UCLA Police Officer, strong communication skills are paramount, as "you can talk people into handcuffs," de-escalating situations through conversation rather than force. Beyond communication, a commitment to continuous learning and growth, through opportunities like sexual assault or DUI training, is equally crucial for professional development and effectiveness in the role.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Police Officer At UCLA Police Department
Lindsay Scherer enjoys the community interaction and autonomy inherent in her role as a UCLA Police Department lead officer, calling it a "huge honor" to serve her alma mater's community. This allows Scherer to "humanize" the police and show that officers "care about the community and want to help."
Biggest Challenges Faced By a Police Officer at UCLA Police Department
Lindsay's biggest challenges as a UCLA Police Officer include navigating the diverse campus community to ensure everyone feels represented and understood, and confronting the realities of "the homeless crisis" in Los Angeles. The demanding responsibility of protecting lives, coupled with the exposure to society's worst aspects, requires constant self-reflection to maintain perspective, reminding oneself that "the vast majority of people are good."
Favorite Parts Of Working In Policing As A Police Officer
Lindsay, a UCLA Police Officer, finds the constant learning and diverse interactions most rewarding aspects of law enforcement, stating "there's never a dull day." The career's variety, with opportunities ranging from "canine officer" to administrative roles, allows for significant professional growth and caters to diverse personalities.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Law Enforcement Industry According to a Police Officer at UCLA Police Department
Success in law enforcement hinges on strong communication skills, both verbal and written, as "you can talk yourself in and out of situations," and accurate reporting is crucial. Beyond communication, a willingness to confront wrongdoing, coupled with humility, a strong sense of justice, and the ability to offer and receive constructive criticism, are key attributes, ensuring that even "the bad guys" are treated with dignity and respect.
What a Police Officer at UCLA Police Department Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Law Enforcement Industry
Lindsay, a UCLA Police Officer, emphasizes the significant personal sacrifices required, stating "there would be a lot of sacrifice needed," impacting holidays and family time, a reality not fully grasped before experiencing it. The job profoundly changes individuals and their relationships, yet it's crucial to remember that the uniform does not automatically grant respect; "you are still a person," and this career path demands self-awareness and a commitment to personal boundaries.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Police Officers at UCLA Police Department
Entry-level positions in policing don't have a "one size fits all" approach; however, experience in programs like "explorer programs" or "CSO programs," prior experience as an EMT or paramedic, or military service are beneficial, as is community involvement and demonstrating a commitment to public service. Seeking ride-alongs and building a supportive network are crucial given the "grueling process" of police academy training.
Significant Career Lesson From A Police Officer At UCLA Police Department
Lindsay's most significant career lesson centers on the core values of "ethics, integrity, and attitude," emphasizing that compromising these values can ruin a career. Maintaining these values, particularly "doing the right thing even though no one is watching," is crucial for a successful and lasting career in law enforcement.
College Experiences That Helped a Police Officer at UCLA Police Department Succeed
To prepare for a career in public service, maintaining a clean record and obtaining a bachelor's degree are crucial, as the latter is a requirement for promotions, and a strong work ethic cultivated through balancing school and employment provides valuable multitasking and time management skills. The interviewee emphasized the importance of careful conduct in today's digitally documented world, stating, "Everything is being recorded now," while also highlighting the transferable skills gained from diverse work experiences such as "working at a grocery store" or "being a teacher."
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