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."
Workplace Challenges, Overcoming Challenges, Resilience, Ethical Dilemmas, Community Engagement
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
Government & Public Sector
Legal
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. The diverse community at UCLA presents challenges in ensuring all feel represented and understood.
2. The pervasive homelessness crisis in LA significantly impacts the role of a police officer.
3. The job's responsibility for protecting lives and the exposure to society's negative aspects can be overwhelming, requiring a conscious effort to maintain perspective and avoid burnout.
Transcript
What are some of your biggest challenges in your current role?
Some of the biggest challenges are also the things I really like. I enjoy changing, learning, and growing, though that is certainly a challenge. Everyone can struggle with it from time to time.
Because the university is such a diverse community, it can be challenging to ensure that I understand, and that all people from all different backgrounds feel represented and understood by us. I think that's one of the big challenges.
Working in LA in general presents its own challenges. We all see the homeless crisis we're experiencing. That's a separate issue. While not a specific challenge to my role, being a police officer in LA is certainly a challenge.
It often feels like we're just running in circles. While knowing this role carries significant responsibility is something I enjoy most about being a police officer, it's also a challenge. We are responsible for protecting the lives of our community, and that can be overwhelming.
It's a huge honor, but it's a challenge. It's something I hope I can live up to, and I try to every day.
One thing that may not be discussed or considered much by those wishing to become police officers is that we see the worst in society. It's important to remember that the 5% of interactions we have with people does not represent the vast majority. The vast majority of people are good.
I've definitely changed since taking this job. I tend to look at people differently. When I come home, I really need to remove that officer hat and remind myself that I often interact with people on their absolute worst days. Most people are good.
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