Police Officer Resume Example (Free Guide)

Are you looking to become a police officer? Writing a resume can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Our Police Officer Resume Example article is here to provide you with all the information and tips you need to create a stunning resume that will help you get noticed by potential employers. We will discuss the key skills and experience that you need to include, as well as how to make the most of your resume to stand out from the competition. So read on to learn how to make your police officer resume shine!

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
What a resume template is, and why you should use it.

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a Police Officer do?

Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining public order. They patrol the streets, respond to emergency calls, investigate crimes, make arrests, write detailed reports, and testify in court. They may also provide community services such as educating the public, intervening in neighborhood disputes, and attending public events.

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Police Officer related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a Police Officer?

Patrolling assigned areas to deter and respond to criminal activity
Investigating suspicious activity and responding to calls for assistance
Interviewing witnesses and victims
Gathering evidence and recording details of incidents
Writing reports and testifying in court
Arresting suspects and processing them into custody
Enforcing traffic laws and issuing citations
Providing first aid to victims
Educating the public about crime prevention

Sample Police Officer Resume for Inspiration

John Smith

Address: 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA

Phone: (123) 456-7890

Email: johnsmith@email.com

John Smith is an experienced Police Officer with over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. He has a solid understanding of criminal law, investigation procedures, arrest protocols and community relations. John is an excellent communicator and an expert in de-escalating volatile situations. He is an asset to any police department and is dedicated to protecting the public.

Work Experience

Police Officer | Anytown Police Department | Anytown, USA | 2009-2019

Patrolled assigned areas, responding to calls for assistance and conducting investigations.
Utilized appropriate force and protection techniques when responding to calls.
Conducted interviews, collected evidence, and wrote reports.
Documented arrests, charges, and other details for court proceedings.
Developed and maintained effective working relationships with community members.

Security Officer | Smith Security | Anytown, USA | 2008-2009

Monitored entrance points, patrolled areas, and responded to security incidents.
Enforced rules and regulations while maintaining public order.
Investigated suspicious activities and reported violations.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice | Anytown University | Anytown, USA | 2007

Skills

Investigation
Crisis Management
Surveillance
Interpersonal Communication
Public Safety

Certifications

Advanced Police Officer Certification | Anytown Police Academy | Anytown, USA | 2012
Firearm Safety and Use Certification | Anytown Police Academy | Anytown, USA | 2009

Languages

English (Native)
Spanish (Intermediate)

Resume tips for Police Officer

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Police Officer resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Police Officer - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Highlight notable accomplishments to demonstrate your value to the department.
Include relevant keywords from the job description to ensure your resume is picked up by automated systems.
Include a well-crafted summary statement at the top of your resume to quickly draw attention to your qualifications.
Organize sections in reverse chronological order to emphasize your recent experience.
Highlight any specialized training or certifications you've completed that are relevant to the role.

Police Officer Resume Summary Examples

A police officer resume summary or resume objective is a great way to quickly give potential employers an overview of your qualifications and experience. It can provide a snapshot of your professional background, highlight your unique skills, and provide a brief glimpse into your career goals. By providing a concise, yet informative summary or objective, you can demonstrate to employers that you are the ideal candidate for the position.

For Example:

Dynamic Police Officer with 10+ years of experience protecting citizens and enforcing laws. Adept at responding to emergency calls and delivering quality services to the community.
Highly trained Police Officer with 5+ years of experience. Skilled in de-escalation tactics and crime prevention. Proven ability to maintain order in potentially chaotic situations.
Resourceful Police Officer with 7+ years of experience in law enforcement. Skilled in patrol procedures, interviewing, and report writing. Committed to upholding laws and public safety.
Dedicated Police Officer with 10+ years of experience responding to emergency calls and protecting citizens. Expertise in crime scene investigation and evidence collection.
Experienced Police Officer with 5+ years of experience. Proven ability to work with citizens in a variety of situations. Committed to upholding law and order and protecting the public.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Police Officer Resume

Building a strong experience section for a police officer resume is important for several reasons. First, it can help demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to serve as an effective police officer. It can also provide evidence of your ability to handle stressful situations, work as part of a team, and think critically. Additionally, it can showcase your commitment to the law enforcement profession and your willingness to stay up-to-date on the latest police procedures and practices. Finally, a strong experience section can serve as a platform to highlight your accomplishments and demonstrate the value you can bring to the position.

For Example:

Extensive experience in apprehending, arresting, and processing criminal suspects.
Proficient in conducting both proactive and reactive police patrols.
Exceptional ability to identify and respond to potentially hazardous situations.
Competent in managing and resolving conflicts and disputes.
Demonstrated experience in preparing, maintaining, and filing accurate reports.
Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Highly skilled in the use of firearms.
Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse range of individuals.
Experienced in conducting investigations and collecting evidence.

Police Officer resume education example

A police officer typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as formal training and certification in law enforcement. Depending on the agency, officers may also need college credits or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Police Officer resume:

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - ABC University, May 2018
Associate Degree in Criminal Justice - XYZ College, May 2016
Certificate in Police Management - PQR College, December 2017
Certificate in Advanced Police Tactics - ABC College, January 2020

Police Officer Skills for a Resume

Adding skills to a Police Officer resume is important because it helps employers understand the applicant's qualifications and abilities to perform the job. It is also useful for the employer to assess the applicant's suitability for the position. Examples of skills that may be important to include on a Police Officer resume are communication skills, decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, physical fitness, ability to work in a team environment, ability to follow orders, and attention to detail.

Soft Skills:

Interpersonal Skills
Communication Skills
Leadership Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Organizational Skills
Time Management
Decision-Making
Critical Thinking
Teamwork
Conflict Resolution

Hard Skills:

Firearm proficiency
Investigation skills
Emergency response
Crowd control
Communication skills
Patrol experience
Crime prevention
Law enforcement
Report writing
Self-defense

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Police Officer Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Police Officer resume

Highlight relevant work experience, such as patrolling neighborhoods and responding to calls
Include any professional certifications or specialized training related to the position
Detail any awards or commendations received for exemplary law enforcement work
Include any special skills such as proficiency in multiple languages, computer skills, and first aid
List any affiliations with law enforcement organizations
Specify the state in which you are certified to serve as a police officer

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.