Why People Become the Police

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.Why People Become Police Officers Law enforcement is one of the most important occupations in modern day society. An individual's reasons for entering the law enforcement field are as diverse as individuals themselves. However, some common elements appear when the motivations for entering the enforcement side of criminal justice are examined. Common motivations among individuals entering a law enforcement career can include a noble sentiments such as a sense of civic duty, a desire to see a reduction in crime, personal motivations based on a history of being affected by crime. More practical elements without regard for such noble virtues include the power, respect, and authority provided, the challenge of the career, lack of private sector alternative employment avenues following military discharge; and perhaps most importantly, ever-increasing pay and benefits for law enforcement officers in the developed world. Principal among reasons for those wishing to enter law enforcement is typically a strong sense of civic duty. In its simplest definition, civic duty is the responsibility that comes with being a citizen. Individuals wishing to enter the field of law enforcement are typically those for whom this knowledge of the responsibilities of citizenship is ever on the forefront of their mind. The notion that a civilized society can exist without each citizen upholding their responsibility is an illusion, and those who become law enforcement officers typically take it upon themselves to shoulder an extra share of that duty to the community at large. This is perhaps the most important motivation that one should possess when considering a career in law enforcement, else the power that is bestowed upon a person could be misused without the moral sense of duty that must come along with it. With a sense of civic duty also comes a desire to have a positive

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