Northeast Editing - CliffsNotes Police Officer Exam Cram Plan

Police Officer Exam

CliffsNotes Police Officer Exam Cram Plan

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Copyright 2011 Wiley, Hoboken, NJ

Published simultaneously in Canada

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011922788

ISBN: 978-0-470-87812-5 (pbk)

ISBN: 978-1-118-03364-7 (ebk)

Printed in the United States of America

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About the Authors

Northeast Editing, Inc., has been developing electronic and print products for educational publishers since 1992. Founded by Tracey Vasil Biscontini, the company works with clients to create high-quality, socially sensitive test-preparation and library-reference products, textbooks, teacher guides, and trade books for students of all ages. Located in a former rectory in Jenkins Township, nestled between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton in northeastern Pennsylvania, the company employs nine full-time editors, several part-time employees, and a large pool of local freelance authors and editors. The staff enjoys a relaxed work environment that feels like a home away from home. When theyre not hard at work, the editors and writers at Northeast Editing, Inc., enjoy breaks in a large backyard and take time to scratch the bellies of the three rescued cats that live at the office.

Acknowledgements

Northeast Editing would like to extend special thanks to Greg Tubach, our acquisitions editor, and Elizabeth Kuball, our project editor, for their advice and patience during every step of this project.

Editorial

Acquisition Editor: Greg Tubach

Project Editor: Elizabeth Kuball

Copy Editor: Elizabeth Kuball

Technical Editors: Jane Burstein, Michael McAsey, Mary Jane Sterling

Composition

Proofreader: Laura Bowman

Wiley Publishing, Inc., Composition Services

Note: If you purchased this book without a cover, you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher, and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this stripped book.

Introduction

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, police officers are on the street, working diligently to fight crime, maintain order, and keep our cities and towns safe. These officers dedicate their lives to serving and protecting the public.

Police officers face many dangers every day. However, the risks of the job are outweighed by the gratification they receive from upholding the law and protecting their communities.

Because of the dangers and difficulties of the job, police officers must be capable of thinking quickly, acting with authority, and maintaining their composure in stressful and potentially dangerous situations. Officers must also work well with others, because their lives often depend on their ability to think and act as a team.

Due to these requirements, prospective police officers must pass a rigorous screening process before earning the right to wear a badge. Candidates endure a series of challenges, including written exams, physical ability tests, medical and psychological evaluations, background investigations, and interviews.

If youre holding this book, you know that a prospective police officer must be organized and diligent to meet the high standards expected of all law-enforcement officials. Think of this book as another tool in your arsenal as you continue your journey to becoming a police officer. This book will prepare you for the written exam in an organized and timely manner and provide you with additional information about the application requirements, physical abilities test, and personal history statement.

Police Officer Career Opportunities

If youre thinking about becoming a police officer, there are a wide range of career opportunities available to you. Police officers serve their communities in many capacities, all of which include unique duties and responsibilities. Here is a brief description of some of the possible career opportunities for a police officer, which may vary from location to location:

Patrol officer: Patrol officers are the most common type of police officers. These officers are responsible for patrolling designated areas and watching for criminal activity or other suspicious behavior. Patrol officers must use their knowledge and their senses to recognize criminal activity, apprehend suspects, and prevent crime. Although many patrol officers perform their duties on foot, others use automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, horses, boats, or aircrafts to monitor their communities.