Law Enforcement Resume Examples
Years of Experience
- 0
- 2-3
- 5-10
- 10+
Martine Chung
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
789 Main Road, Twin Falls, ID 45678
Profile
Dedicated criminal justice graduate with experience as a store security specialist preventing and recovering company losses. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and able to work collaboratively with colleagues to create a safe, secure working environment. Strong sense of community and understanding of criminal law. Skilled at evidence gathering using video surveillance footage and able to remain calm under pressure and de-escalate conflicts.
Key Skills
- Strong team player
- Excellent observational skills and attention to detail
- Clear communicator and active listener
- Outstanding physical fitness
- Fast learner
- Thrives in fast-paced and challenging working environments
Education
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO Twin Falls, ID, September 2018- June 2020
Coursework completed:
- Criminal Evidence Law
- Law of Arrest, Search, and Seizure
- Introduction to Policing
- Law and Justice
Professional Experience
Security Specialist, Target, Twin Falls, ID
June 2020 – Present
- Use surveillance and intelligence strategies to detect thefts and recover goods in a 130,000 sq. ft. building
- Assist law enforcement officers with apprehensions, closely following health and safety best practice
- De-escalate heated situations and provide support for the sales team to calmly resolve disputes
- Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a safe and secure store environment
- Greet customers and provide warm, efficient assistance that reflects the brand’s values
Retail Clerk, Albertsons, Twin Falls, ID
January 2017 – June 2020
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of products and communicated this clearly to customers
- Worked as part of a large team to meet demanding sales targets under time pressure
- Remained alert to security and safety concerns and assisted security team as required
Certifications
- First Aid and CPR, 2020
Derrick Johnson
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Main Street, Tampa, FL 12345
Profile
Community-oriented police officer with 2 years of experience on the force. As a patrolman, resolved conflicts on the street 15% more often than the department average. Good relationship-building and conflict-management skills. Physically fit and fluent in both Spanish and English.
Key Skills
- Weapons Skills
- Legal Knowledge
- Conflict Resolution
- Detail Orientated
- Interpersonal Skills
Education
Associate of Arts in Law Enforcement
TAMPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Tampa, FL September 2016 – June 2018
Police Academy Training
TAMPA POLICE ACADEMY Tampa, FL, June 2018 – December 2018
Professional Experience
Police Officer, Tampa South Police Department, Tampa, FL
January 2020 – Present
- Patrolling a large (15 square miles) suburban area on foot and in a patrol vehicle
- Responding to 911 calls involving criminal activity, traffic incidents, domestic violence, robberies, and homicides —approximately 60 per month
- Leverage fluency in Spanish to improve relations between the police and the local Hispanic community
- Named “Rookie of the Year” in 2020, and received multiple commendations for preserving public safety, numerous heroic acts, and preserving loss of life.
Police Cadet, Tampa North Police Department, Tampa, FL
January 2019 – December 2019
- Assisted in responding to reports of violence, criminal activity, and traffic incidents in a large downtown city area.
- Talked regularly with citizens to establish open communication and become a well-known presence in the area.
- Learned from senior police officers while shadowing them on a daily basis.
Certifications
- First Aid
- CPR
Tiffany Morales
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
345 Address Street, Wilmington, DE 09876
Profile
Professional and driven criminal investigator with 8+ years’ experience protecting the safety and security of the United States. Skilled at evidence gathering through physical searches and interviews and adept at evaluating evidence to draw logical conclusions. Experienced in leading teams of investigators during complex investigations and working collaboratively with external agencies.
Professional Experience
Criminal Investigator, US Department of Homeland Security, Wilmington, DE
March 2016 – Present
- Plan and carry out criminal investigations into suspected federal law breaches
- Conduct searches, make seizures, and gather and analyze evidence, ensuring all necessary documentation is complete and accurate
- Interview witnesses and interrogate suspects in accordance with departmental guidelines and policies
- Brief colleagues and external agencies regarding ongoing investigations and perform handovers
Police Officer, Wilmington Police Department, Wilmington, DE
June 2012 – March 2016
- Patrolled designated areas and monitored for potential criminal and traffic law breaches
- Carried out arrests and processed suspects, using sound judgment to determine the degree of force required
- Completed detailed reports, kept accurate notes, and provided court testimony
- Attended road traffic accidents, directing emergency services and providing first aid and CPR to casualties
Education
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY New Castle, DE, September 2006 – June 2010
Master of Science in Administration of Justice
WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY New Castle, DE, September 2010 – June 2012
Key Skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Team player and able to lead and direct colleagues
- Interview and interrogation techniques
- Detailed knowledge of federal law
- Diligent, punctual, and reliable
Certifications
- First Aid and CPR, 2020
Cherie Pemberton
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
543 Fifth Street, Indianapolis, IN 65432
Profile
Seasoned and compassionate patrol officer with 10+ years’ experience preventing and addressing crime in Indianapolis. Extensive knowledge of criminal, civil, and traffic laws and a thorough understanding of collision investigation procedures. Strong verbal and written communicator with a proven track record for promoting positive relationships between the local community and law enforcement.
Professional Experience
Patrol Officer, Indianapolis Airport Authority, Indianapolis, IN
March 2015 – Present
- Respond to emergency incidents, including security breaches, disputes, crimes in progress, and accidents
- Successfully closed over 200 cases during2019
- Conduct evidence-gathering and complete incident paperwork promptly and thoroughly
- De-escalate challenging situations and use force appropriately to ensure the safety of airport staff and visitors and prevent crime
- Patrol the airport buildings and airfield on foot and in a police vehicle to detect potentially hazardous situations and unlawful activities
Patrol Officer, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police, Indianapolis, IN
June 2010 – March 2015
- Acted as the first responder to crimes and incidents, securing the area for safety, preserving evidence, and administering first aid and CPR as necessary
- Liaised with local residents and businesses to build trust with the community and provide advice and assistance
- Arrested suspects and carried out personal and vehicle searches, adhering strictly to departmental protocols
- Used radar and laser equipment to monitor traffic and detect violations
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
SHAHEEN COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS Indianapolis, IN, September 2006 – June 2010
Key Skills
- Strong personal integrity and sound judgment
- Conflict de-escalation
- Team player
- Calm and assertive
- Excellent observational skills
Certifications
- Mental Illness, Addiction, and Disabilities Training, 2020
- Human Trafficking Training, 2019
Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for Law Enforcement Resumes
Hiring managers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to help them identify high-quality job applicants. An ATS scans your resume and evaluates it based on the number of matching key skills and action verbs. It’s important to highlight these on your resume, as the higher an ATS ranks your application, the greater the likelihood your resume will be pulled out of the stack.
| Key Skills & Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Communication | Community relations |
| Computer skills | Conflict resolution |
| Crime prevention | Criminal investigation |
| Decision making | Drug and substance law enforcement |
| Emergency management | Interpersonal skills |
| Leadership | Legal knowledge |
| Problem-solving | Search and seizure |
| Security | Stress management |
| Undercover operations | Weapons and defense skills |
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyze | Assist |
| Communicate | Conduct |
| Consult | Evaluate |
| Interview | Investigate |
| Lead | Maintain |
| Manage | Mediate |
| Organize | Patrol |
| Prepare | Research |
| Resolve | Respond |
| Search | Serve |
| Supervise | Train |
Tips for Writing a Better Law Enforcement Resume
Quantify your law enforcement experience
By describing your experience in quantifiable terms, hiring managers can have a clearer understanding of your skills and abilities. It’s important to mention performance and experience indicators, such as how many officers you may have led, crime rate reduction, or other performance-related statistics.
Example #1
Good
Managed community crime prevention program, resulting in a 15% crime rate reduction over five years.
Bad
Led community crime prevention program.
Example #2
Good
Led and trained a department of 25 police officers, with a decreased turnover over time of 10%
Bad
Led and trained a department of police officers.
Showcase your educational achievements
A career in law enforcement doesn’t usually require more than a high school diploma. Still, the BLS indicates that those with additional education may have better job opportunities and chances for advancement. Include the details of your degree, such as location and graduation year. Emphasize any relevant coursework, and include other experience gained through student opportunities.
Example #1
Good
Bachelor of Science in Criminology
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE, Portland, ME, 2012 – 2016
- Studied and excelled in criminology coursework, including legal and ethical practice, real-world harm reduction, and diversity training
- Participated in volunteer community outreach with the university club
- Rugby varsity athlete, assistant team captain
Bad
Bachelor of Science in Criminology
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE, Portland, ME, 2012 – 2016
- Studied criminology, legal and ethical practice, and applied real-world knowledge.
Example #2
Good
Advanced Recruit Police Training
MAINE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY, VASSALBORO, ME, 2017
- Developed and refined skills including driver training, firearms, arrest and control, and investigation and patrol techniques
- Excelled in fitness and self-defense skills
- Scored top of the class for social sciences training
Bad
Advanced Recruit Police Training
MAINE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY, Vassalboro, ME, 2017
How To Align Your Resume With the Job Description
Hiring managers must look through numerous resumes to find applicants worth interviewing. Your resume needs to include your relevant skills and experience that match the detailed job description for your best chance at getting an interview.
If you’re unsure as to what skills and experience to focus on, check the job description for the requirements that are listed first or mentioned repeatedly throughout. Your resume should be a detailed description of how you fit the criteria that the hiring manager is seeking. Accomplishments, achievements, and other performance indicators are important to mention and be sure to use engaging and original language when describing your key skills and experience.
Example Law Enforcement Job Description
The Portland Police Department is looking to hire a criminal investigator. The successful applicant will be tasked with investigating a range of crimes across the city and must possess the necessary legal knowledge and practice to conduct high-quality investigations. You should be capable of leading and communicating with officers and other professionals and have highly developed interpersonal skills for interviewing suspects and witnesses. You should also have experience with arrest and control strategies.
Responsibilities:
- Lead detailed investigations to collect evidence and facts related to crimes
- Interview suspects and witnesses
- Research, analyze, and preserve evidence and create detailed case reports
- Obtain warrants, and search and arrest suspects when necessary
- Operate firearms and employ self-defense strategies
- Apply local, state, and federal laws to criminal cases to assist with the prosecution and conviction process
- Communicate and collaborate with officers and other personnel at crime scenes
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in criminology or equivalent training with law enforcement training institution
- Prior experience is an asset, at least three years preferred
- Interpersonal, conflict management, and community relations skills
- Computer skills and proficiency in report writing
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Critical thinking and decision-making skills
According to the job description, the ideal job applicant should have the following skills and experience:
- Investigation
- Interpersonal skills
- Legal knowledge
- Arrest and control strategies
- Interviewing
- Communication skills
- Computer skills
- Conflict management
- Decision-making
- Leadership
- Research, analysis, and preservation of evidence
- Creating case reports
Write your resume to include the relevant skills and experience keywords above. The example below shows how to incorporate your qualifications in your resume to match the job description:
Law Enforcement Work Experience Example
Criminal Investigator, Seattle Police Department, Seattle, WA
December 2015 – Present
- Planned, organized, and led criminal investigations of a variety of crimes and severity
- Conducted witness and suspect interviews, with conflict management and community relations in mind
- Performed arrest and control strategies of persons in violation of local, state, or federal laws
- Responded to emergency situations, evaluated circumstances and evidence to determine the best course of action, and coordinated and communicated with other law personnel on the scene
- Researched and analyzed evidence for the purposes of documentation and preservation and created case reports