LEO qualities

[Steelers4Ever43]

In your opinion, what qualities are most important in those seeking to being LEOs? What types of things are prospective employers looking for in applicants? These can be anything from moral character traits, talents(the ability to write clear, concise police reports perhaps? among others), really anything. So, what makes a great officer?

[Outshined]

I always look for honest, caring, people with morals and values. I can teach you the rest.

[Citicop]

Honesty and integrity, plus the ability to make good decisions fast under pressure.

[Kimble]

I always look for honest, caring, people with morals and values. I can teach you the rest.

That and someone who will wear their gun belt at all times... even at the breakfast table... when naked.


Maturity and someone who can be trusted are the two biggest qualities that will either help you get the job or not.

[pafindr]

Hmmmm for some reason this sounds like a homework assignment to me.

[Outshined]

That and someone who will wear their gun belt at all times... even at the breakfast table... when naked.

Well that goes without saying, I didn't think I needed to mention that.

[Trip]

I always look for honest, caring, people with morals and values. I can teach you the rest.

Honesty and integrity, plus the ability to make good decisions fast under pressure.

That and someone who will wear their gun belt at all times... even at the breakfast table... when naked.


Maturity and someone who can be trusted are the two biggest qualities that will either help you get the job or not.

How about that. As someone who's been hiring people for a long time, those are exactly the same qualities I look for as well, sans the gun while eating breakfast naked. I start with character issues and attitude. The rest can be taught, assuming they have the drive/attitude.

[retdetsgt]

It's nice to have people who can talk to people of all socio-economic levels. We used to have a lot of people who could do that. By the time I retired, very few could.

I also appreciate someone who's curious and willing to spend a little more time than required on a situation. One of my FTO's was a Harvard graduate who could talk to anyone. He also went a little farther on every call it seemed and made a hell of a lot of arrests and cleared cases. He just retired as an AUSA in Phoenix.

I also like people who aren't terribly impressed with themselves because they're a cop. Compassion for someone not as well off as them is a huge plus to me too.

[Steelers4Ever43]

In addition to what you guys have said, would you agree that having someone with a service-oriented mindset is actually more important than a law-enforcement mindset? In this day and age, isn't it the service aspect of policing that is most important, the sort of, Community Policing? Of course law enforcement is obviously always important, but many people want to go into the job not knowing that keeping order does not always mean guns a blazing, right? I think that might be what you were talking about, retdetsgt.

[retdetsgt]

In addition to what you guys have said, would you agree that having someone with a service-oriented mindset is actually more important than a law-enforcement mindset?

I would say they are equally important. People who are more law enforcement oriented in my department seemed to gravitate to traffic division. Everything there was more black and white and they don't deal with non LE issues as much as the guy getting calls on crimes and disturbances.

[dadyswat]

Common sense.

[MikeG]

That and someone who will wear their gun belt at all times... even at the breakfast table... when naked.

Cops. Breakfast table. Naked.

There's a donut holder joke in there somewhere.

[Apexer]

Cops. Breakfast table. Naked.

There's a donut holder joke in there somewhere.

LOL I see the joke but I'd rather not say......

[tcop733]

Work in a junior high or high school for a few years; you'll definitely learn how to be service oriented Vs. just an enforcer of the law.
Also, and some may disagree, work in a county lock up for a while, you'll definitely learn how to hone your communication skills. Conversely, if you don't you'll learn your physical limitations and learn how to write good use of force reports.