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.
Sacrifice and Commitment, Personal Transformation, Maintaining Identity, Respect and Demeanor, Suitability for the Profession
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. There will be significant personal sacrifices, including missed holidays and family events.
2. The job will change you and how others perceive you; it's crucial to maintain your identity outside of the uniform.
3. Respect isn't automatically earned by wearing a uniform; remember your humanity and treat others with respect to build trust and positive relationships
Transcript
What have you learned about being a police officer that you wish someone would have told you before you started?
Someone told me something that I think many people experience: you don't fully comprehend something until you experience it yourself. Prior to this job, I was repeatedly told that a lot of sacrifice would be needed.
You'd miss holidays, birthdays, and family parties. I always thought, "Yeah, okay, sure," and for some reason didn't believe it would apply to me.
I really want to emphasize that this job isn't for everyone, and that's okay. There will be a lot of personal sacrifice involved. If you're willing to make those sacrifices, that's wonderful. But it's not for everyone, and again, that's okay.
This job will also change you, including how your family and friends see you. It's important to remember who you are and that you are not the badge. You are a person who wears a uniform.
I think that can often go to people's heads in this position. They have a strong desire for respect and feel that by putting on the uniform and badge, they automatically deserve it. I don't necessarily believe that's true at all.
So, I think we really need to remember that it's going to be a huge sacrifice. Also, remember that you are still a person; this is just a job, and you don't automatically deserve respect simply for wearing a uniform and badge.
Advizer Personal Links
No thank you :)