Police Officer Resume

A career in law enforcement requires skills, experience, and high morals. Your resume is just the initial step at proving your readiness to serve and protect, and you must reflect professionalism. The following guide will take you through the process of crafting an exciting resume for a police officer; whether you are an experienced one or a recruit.

Check out the free templates for police officer resume.

Template 1

Template 2

Template 3

Template 4

How to Write a Police Officer Resume?

Strong Summary

It doesn't matter whether you are a fresher or an experienced candidate, your summary in the resume will be the first impression for the readers to proceed with your profile.

Example:

Dedicated Police Officer With years of experience in community policing, crime prevention, and reaction in emergency cases. Proven ability to ensure public safety and foster developing positive relationships in the community. Utilize skills and experience to benefit the [City] Police Department.

A good summary is one that summarizes your experience, skills, and what you bring specifically to the police department. Tailor it to the job you are applying for.

Use Key Skills

Police work encompasses an extremely unique mix of skills. This would encompass both your hard and soft skills such as: 

• Crime prevention and law enforcement: Show how you have experienced making policies and providing safety.
• Emergency response: You must be able to respond promptly and effectively in high-stress situations.
• Writing reports: Clearly indicate your experience writing accurate and descriptive reports of incidents and investigations.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills: Emphasize your ability to possibly defuse an emotionally charged situation and resolve conflict.
• Knowledge of procedures in courts: Working knowledge of state and local ordinances and court procedure is highly valued.
• Community outreach: If you have engaged in community organizations, this shows that you have a track record in community building.

Professional Experience

Work experience: a work history in reverse chronological order, descriptions of jobs and what was accomplished while at the different jobs. Use action verbs and focus on measurable results.

Example:

Police Officer | City Police Department | June 2018 – Present

• Patrol assigned areas to preserve public safety and prevent criminal activity.
• Answered over 500 emergency calls with a resolve rate of 98%.
• Collaborated with local schools to develop community outreach programs to involve the youth in their communities to work in collaboration with law enforcement and safety.
• Conducted over 200 criminal investigations that reduced crime by over 20% in the local precinct.

Education and Certifications

This area is very crucial for police officers. Include your education history, law enforcement training, as well as other certificates relevant to the position.

Check out more: Medical Receptionist resume

Example:

• Police Academy Graduate | City Police Academy | 2018
• Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice | University Name | 2017
• First Aid and CPR Certified
• Taser and Firearm Safety Training

If you've had specialized training (K9 handling, SWAT, crisis negotiation for example) be sure to note that.

Honors and Awards

Recognition within your department or community speaks to commitment towards being the best in your field.

Example:

• Officer of the Year – City Police Department, 2022
• Community Service Award, 2020
• Commendation for Bravery, 2019

Professional Development

Continued education and training are a cornerstone of a law enforcement profession. Any recently completed courses, workshops, or seminars associated with your occupation.

Example:

• Advanced Crisis Negotiation – [Training Organization], 2023
• Leadership in Police- [Organization], 2022
• Volunteer Security Officer, Annual Charity Run, 2020–2023
• Community Mentor, Youth Outreach Program, 2019–Present

Note: 

• Make the resume with bullet points readable.
• Each resume is customized according to the job posting using keywords within the description.
• It is suggested to be maintained at one page whenever possible, more so for inexperienced officers.
• Proofread for grammar and spelling; attention to detail is everything in law enforcement.

By following these guidelines, your police officer resume will reflect skills, experience, and commitment that distinguish you from others in this competitive hiring process.