Careers in Law Enforcement / Edition 1

by Coy H. Johnston

Overview

Careers in Law Enforcement is a valuable resource for students considering a career in the criminal justice field, specifically in policing. Written in a concise and conversational tone, author Coy H. Johnston includes three main sections: planning a realistic path, selecting an appropriate career path in law enforcement, and preparing for the hiring process. The first chapter offers students a unique opportunity to take a personality/career test to help them discover the types of jobs that might be a good fit. Consequently, students will set sensible goals at the beginning of their degree program and seek appropriate internships and volunteer opportunities. This text is a helpful resource students will be able to peruse repeatedly when they are ready to start the process of applying for jobs within law enforcement.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781483379067
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	03/10/2016
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Coy H. Johnston is a professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management at the University of Phoenix and his master’s degree in community counseling from Northern Arizona University. He has been a nationally certified counselor since 2004. For more than 27 years, Johnston worked in law enforcement, specializing in sexual crimes and domestic violence. During his career, he co-organized the Mesa Police Benefit Fund, which offered financial assistance to needy employees; the Mesa Police Department RCVR program, which provided additional funds for victims of crime; the statewide domestic violence awareness committee, involving over 1,200 domestic violence professionals; and the annual statewide law enforcement domestic violence roundup. Noteworthy awards during the last decade of his career included the Distinguished Service Award of Victims of Crime from Attorney General Terry Goddard and a certificate of recognition from Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano for the law enforcement domestic violence roundup. Johnston served on the governor’s grant approval committee for STOP and Recovery grants from 2007 to 2013. Since retiring from law enforcement in 2007, he has taught psychology and criminal justice classes at University of Phoenix (AXIA), ITT Technical Institute, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Everest College, CARLOTA Police Academy, and Arizona State University. This book is his fourth official publication.

Table of Contents

Section 1 – Planning
Chapter 1 - Know Yourself
What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You
What You Don’t Know
Self Assessments
What Color is Your Parachute?
Keirsey Temperament Sorter
True Colors
What Type Am I?
The Four Temperaments
What Color is Your Personality?
Human Metrics
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Chapter 2 - Setting Realistic Goal
Setting Realistic Goals
Issues with Police Work
The Use of Deception
The Role of Acting in Police Work
The Use of Discretion
The Use of Force
The Polygraph Test
Interviewing and Interrogating
The Internal Investigations
Investigations
Interviewing and Interrogation
Report Writing
Court Testimony
Dangers and Stress
The Realities of Working in Criminal Justice
Change
The Search for Happiness
Section 2 - Pursuing
Chapter 3 – Local and State Law Enforcement
Local Law Enforcement
Game and Fish Warden
Gaming Officer
Campus Police
Hospital Police
Reserves
Diversity Issues
Chapter 4 – Crime Lab
Crime Scene Technician
Forensic Scientist
Medical Examiner
Investigative Technician
Criminalist – DNA Analyst
Criminalist – Toxicologist
Forensic Nurse Examiner
Forensic Psychiatrist Specialist
Forensic Interviewer
Forensic Entomologist
Diversity in Forensic Jobs
Chapter 5 – Victim Services
Victim Advocate and Related Positions
Diversity in Victim Services
Chapter 6 – Other Non-Sworn Positions
Crime Analyst
Communications
Police Aide
Records
Property/Evidence
Supplies/Equipment/Fleet Management
Animal Control
Crime Prevention/Community Outreach
Information Technology
Intelligence Analyst
Parking Enforcement
Public Information
Chapter 7 – Detention officer/Jailer
Local Jails
County Jails
Corrections
Chapter 8 – Federal Law Enforcement
FBI
DEA
ATF
Border Patrol
ICE
U.S. Secret Service
U.S. Marshals
TSA
Non-Sworn Positions
Diversity in Federal Law Enforcement
Experience
Chapter 9 – Private Security and Investigations
Security Officer
Private Investigators
Loss Prevention
Armed Security Guard
Diversity Issues in Private Security
Section 3 - Preparing
Chapter 10 – Getting a Foot in the Door
Portfolios
Letters of Recommendation
Certificates
Volunteer Service
Education Documentation
Vita/Resume
Interview Preparation
Police Ride-a-Long
Firearms
Physical Fitness
Volunteering vs. Internships
Education/Grades
The Application
Written Tests
Psychological Test
Chapter – 11 – The Interview
Punctuality
Appearance
Body Language
Introductions
Sample Questions
Dos and Don’ts
A Note to Females
Personal Note to Minorities, Females, Gays, and Lesbians