Whether they are working on the streets in local communities or behind the scenes identifying fingerprints and investigating crimes, police officers play an essential role in society. Those who are interested in pursuing a career as a police officer can learn about the specific skills and training required for the profession, as well as reading first-hand accounts of police work from officers in different areas of the police force. In exploring how police work has changed over the decades, this informative volume gives readers the tools they need to take the first steps toward their future careers.

Police do not and cannot prevent crime. This alarming thesis is explored by David Bayley, one of the most prolific and internationally renowned authorities on criminal justice and policing, in Police for the Future. Providing a systematic assessment of the performance of the police institution as a whole in preventing crime, the study is based on exhaustive research, interviews, and first hand observation in five countries--Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Japan, and the United States. It analyzes what police are accomplishing in modern democratic societies, and asks whether police organizations are using their resources effectively to prevent crime. Bayley assesses the impediments to effective crime prevention, describes the most promising reforms currently being tested by the police, and analyzes the choices that modern societies have with respect to creating truly effective police forces. He concludes with a blueprint for the creation of police forces that can live up to their promise to reduce crime and enhance public safety. Written for both the general public and the specialist in criminal justice, Police for the Future offers a unique multinational perspective on one of society's most basic institutions.

Does a more academic type of police education produce new police officers that are reluctant to patrol the streets? What is the impact of gender diversity and political orientation on a police students’ career aspirations and attitudes to policing? These are some of the questions addressed by this longitudinal project, following police students in seven European countries. The unique data material makes it possible to explore a wide range of topics relevant to the future development of policing, police education and police science more generally. Part I presents an overview of the different goals and models of police education in the seven participating countries. Part II describes what type of student is attracted to police education, taking into consideration educational background, political orientation and career aspirations. Part III shows the social impact of police education by examining students’ orientations towards emerging competence areas; students’ career aspirations; and students’ attitudes concerning trust, cynicism and legalism. The overall results show that police students are strikingly similar across different types of police education. Students in academic institutions are at least as interested in street patrolling as students in vocational training institutions. Gender and recruitment policies matters more in relation to career preferences than education models. The national context plays a more important role than the type of police education system. Written in a clear and direct style, this book will appeal to students and scholars in policing, criminology, sociology, social theory and cultural studies and those interested in how police education shapes its graduates.

Your ticket to a higher score on the police officer exam Police exams are becoming increasingly difficult to pass, as law enforcement agencies are looking for the most capable officers from the candidate application pool. To help select the most qualified candidate, more than half of the departments and agencies throughout the country are following the current trend of using the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST also referred to as NPOST). Police Officer Exam For Dummies features three POST exams based on the official test, plus one New York City (NYC) exam. If you're a prospective police officer who needs to take the written exam, Police Officer Exam For Dummies gives you all the essential test preparation you need to succeed. Packed with study advice and test-taking tips, you'll get targeted instruction on everything you can expect on the actual exam. Targeted review in judgment, map reading, memory observation, and recall skills Coverage of all key subject areas 4 full-length practice officer exams with answers and detailed explanations Whether you're taking the local, county, state, or federal agency exam, this guide contains everything you need to score your highest on the exam and realize your dream of becoming a police officer.

Prepare to serve your community with this easy-to-follow guide for future police officers Open positions for police officers and detectives are expected to expand dramatically over the next decade. The time is right if you're looking to become a new police officer in your town or city. And whether you're hoping to become a local, county, state, or federal law enforcement official, the Police Officer Exam For Dummies has all the info you need to prepare for and pass the National Police Officer Selection Test or your local police officer exam with flying colors. From the low-down on physical ability testing and the personal background interview, to targeted reviews of judgment skills, map reading, memory, observation, and recall, this guide will whip you into shape for the police officer test in no time at all. In this book, you'll: Get the instruction you need to find your confidence and banish test anxiety for good Learn memory aids and tips so you can master the observation and recall test Get actionable and practicable test-taking strategies that actually improve your performance on the exam So, stop rubbing that rabbit's foot and start preparing like the pros do, with the Police Officer Exam For Dummies!

As communities continue to undergo rapid demographic shifts that modify their composition, culture, and collective values, police departments serving those communities must evolve accordingly in order to remain effective. The Future of Policing: A Practical Guide for Police Managers and Leaders provides concrete instruction to agencies on how to pr

Describes training, salaries, and working conditions for law enforcement and criminal justice careers.