Police Officer Resume Examples

Updated March 30, 2021

Downloadable Examples

The need for a robust police force is reflected in the 5% growth in demand that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts over the next ten years. This represents an additional 40,600 jobs added between now and 2029. Becoming a police officer also represents tremendous opportunity for career advancement. Once you have completed the training academy and the required on-the-job training, you begin a path that can lead to promotions and related law enforcement career options including detective, air marshal, or federal agent.

Whether you’re looking for your first job or you’ve been on the job for years, you need more than word-of-mouth and your reputation to open doors and get your foot in the door. You need a solid resume that highlights your strengths, experience, and accomplishments. To set you on the right path, we’ve included four downloadable police officer resumes, ranging from rookie to ten years or more of experience. Following the tips provided will prove extremely helpful in winning the job that you want.

Downloadable Resume Examples

No Experience

Example #1 No Experience

2-3 Years

Example #2 2-3 Years

5-10 Years

Example #3 5-10 Years

10+ Years

Example #4 10+ Years

Police Officer Resume Examples

Years of Experience
  • No Experience 0
  • 2-3 Years 2-3
  • 5-10 Years 5-10
  • 10+ Years 10+

Tom Siskind
(449) 832-1128
[email protected]
14 Lincoln Avenue, Newport, RI 02840

Profile

Hardworking, focused individual with knowledge of law and public safety and excellent social and communication skills. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Two years of experience working with troubled youth.

Key Skills

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Empathetic
  • Patient
  • Quick-thinking
  • Analytical
  • Excellent physical condition
  • Knowledge of local police procedures, laws, and local ordinances
  • Certified in CPR and first aid

Education

RHODE ISLAND MUNICIPAL POLICE TRAINING ACADEMY, Lincoln, RI – Graduate, May 2020

WILLIAM S. ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL, Newport, RI
September 2015 – June 2019

Courses completed:

  • Criminal Law
  • Highway Safety
  • Homeland Security
  • Report Writing
  • Firearms Training
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault

Professional Experience

Maintenance Assistant, Police Athletic League, Warwick, RI
August 2018 to Present

  • Assist with maintenance and repairs throughout the facility and playgrounds
  • Ensured that all equipment and facility assets were safe and clean
  • Provide verbal/written notice to center director upon observation of personnel, maintenance, equipment, or facility problems or issues
  • Make suggestions for additions to recreational assets and help with installation
  • Formed positive relationships with attendees and police mentors

Certifications

  • HeartSaver CPR Certification – University of Rhode Island | 2019

Carla Romero
(882) 442-3458
[email protected]
1911 Ridge Avenue, Roxborough, PA 19128

Profile

Disciplined, dedicated officer with experience in resolving conflict and disarming hostile situations. Committed to serving the public and keeping it safe through following protocols, maintaining excellent public relations and interpersonal engagement, as well as collaborating with fellow officers in local, state, and federal law enforcement. Adept at working with community leaders to provide effective solutions and making positive change. Experience in operating patrol vehicles according to department regulations.

Key Skills

  • Conducting investigations
  • Professional interviews with victims, suspects, perpetrators, and criminals
  • Community education
  • Apprehensions
  • Forcible arrests
  • Highway emergency response
  • CPR
  • Bilingual (Spanish)

Education

PHILADELPHIA POLICE ACADEMY, Philadelphia, PA | January 2017 – July 2018

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY, Philadelphia, PA | August 2012 – May 2016

Professional Experience

Philadelphia Police Officer, City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia PA
July 2018 to Present

  • Patrol designated area on foot and in car
  • Enforce traffic and parking regulations
  • Answer calls and complaints
  • Take proper action at scene of crime
  • Administer first aid
  • Gather evidence
  • Locate witnesses
  • Make arrests
  • Appear in court to present evidence and testify against persons accused of crimes
  • Perform necessary clerical procedures
  • Investigate complaints concerning juveniles and work with complainant, juvenile, parents, and others

Server, Osteria, Philadelphia, PA
January 2013 — July 2018

  • Greet guests upon arrival and engage with them in a friendly way throughout their visit
  • Demonstrate knowledge of menu, ingredients, preparation, and wine list to make suggestions and accommodate special dietary needs
  • Take food and drink orders accurately and with a positive, enthusiastic attitude
  • Enter orders accurately into restaurant computer system for kitchen staff
  • Deliver meals and drinks and address any customer requests or complaints
  • Clear table after meal and prepare checks that accurately reflect meal served
  • Collect payments from table, securely handling cash and credit card checks and making change where appropriate

Christian Nichols
(884) 429-8311
[email protected]
57 Nightingale Ct., Parkville, MO 64152

Profile

Dynamic problem solver with ability to connect with community members and collaborate with colleagues at all levels and in all departments. Knowledgeable about state and federal laws, local ordinances, and community police policies; committed to constitutional policing and best practices for neighborhood engagement and conflict resolution.

Professional Experience

Police Sergeant, City of Chicago Police Department, Chicago, IL
November 2017 — Present

  • Supervise and provide assistance to a squad of officers on shift
  • Review officers’ reports
  • Provide performance coaching and evaluation under the supervision of the Lieutenant
  • Train new officers on departmental policies and procedures and assess trainee progress
  • Patrol community in police car, on bicycle, and on foot
  • Respond to calls for assistance, complaints, suspicious activity, domestic disputes, disruptive behavior
  • Investigate traffic accidents and issue traffic citations
  • Direct traffic and participate in emergency operation activities
  • Investigate crimes through observation, interviewing witnesses, and gathering physical evidence
  • Arrest and process criminal suspects
  • Prepare cases and testify in court
  • Lead and model effective performance

University Police Officer, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
March 2013 – August 2017

  • Provided campus safety, security, and law enforcement services to the University community
  • Participated in crime prevention and community-oriented public safety education
  • Enforced campus regulations, local ordinances, and state laws
  • Aced as first responder to incidents, accidents, and emergent situations
  • Conducted initial and follow-up investigations
  • Worked under the direction of a sergeant

Education

Leadership Academy
KANSAS CITY REGIONAL POLICE ACADEMY, Kansas City, MO – 2016

Recruit Training
KANSAS CITY REGIONAL POLICE ACADEMY, Kansas City, MO 2012 – 2013

ARCHBISHOP O’HARA HIGH SCHOOL, Kansas City, MO 2008-2012

Key Skills

  • Proficiency with firearms
  • Community engagement
  • Problem-solving
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Leadership

Certifications

  • Crime Scene Technician
  • Criminal Investigator

John Pickman
(642) 821-3586
[email protected]
478 Seaview Way, Coos Bay, OR 97420

Profile

Dedicated officer of the law with 10 years’ experience in partnering with K-9 officer partners to detect narcotics and explosives, to apprehend suspects, and to enforce state and federal laws. Skilled in investigation, response to criminal activity, participation in community service and education events, and more.

Professional Experience

K-9 Unit Lieutenant, Police Department – City of Coos Bay, Coos Bay, OR
August 2017 to Present

  • Patrol with K-9 officer, maintaining positive police presence and deterring criminal activity
  • Team with trained dogs to enforce laws and regulations
  • Respond to emergency situations in which dogs were needed
  • Utilize dogs’ abilities to locate and apprehend suspects
  • Supervise K-9 unit sergeants and support staff
  • Assign K-9 police officers to shifts, patrol operations, and investigations
  • Review officers’ reports and ensure all policies and procedures are followed

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant 34d Infantry Regiment, Baghdad, Iraq
November 2013 to May 2017

  • Enhance force protection through partnership with K-9 patrol and explosive detector dogs
  • Health and Welfare searches
  • Law and order operations
  • VIP support
  • Customs support

Police Officer, Police Department – City of Coos Bay, Coos Bay, OR
January 2000 — November 2013

  • Patrol in vehicle, on foot or on bike to enforce laws and observe violations of traffic laws
  • Investigate criminal activity
  • Respond to radio dispatches
  • Direct and monitor traffic, investigate and report accidents, and issue traffic violation citations
  • Ensure safety of public
  • Collect evidence
  • Testify in court
  • Provide confidence and security to the general public
  • Maintain files and records
  • Prepare reports

Education

Advanced Individual Training (AIT) on handling and training a Military Working Dog
US ARMY, January 2014

Certified Officer
OREGON PUBLIC SAFETY ACADEMY, Salem, OR 2008

Associate of Applied Science, Criminal Justice
CENTRAL OREGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Bend, OR January 2006 – August 2008

Key Skills

  • Explosive Detection Dog Handler
  • Narcotic Detection Dog Handler
  • Armed Security
  • Defensive tactics training
  • Multiple firearms qualifications
  • Special Response Team

Certifications

  • K-9 Certification

Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for Police Officer Resumes

It is essential that a candidate for a police officer position possesses the skills that a specific department of community needs, but some characteristics and attributes are universally desired. Applicants for these positions need to understand the importance of the words that they incorporate in their resume: Many law enforcement Human Resources departments utilize an automated Applicant Tracking Systems that filters out applicants whose resumes do not contain the keywords that they are looking for. To avoid being left out of consideration, you need to make sure that the words most frequently used to describe police officer skills and actions are included in your resume.

Key Skills & Proficiencies
Critical thinking Dedication
Detail oriented Diligent
Emotional intelligence Ethical
Organized Patience
Public safety Social perceptiveness
Action Verbs
Communicate Defuse
Interview Investigate
Multitask Negotiate
Observe Protect
Question

Tips for Writing a Better Police Officer Resume

Highlight specific certifications that add to your qualifications

All police begin their careers as generalists, responding to calls for help, patrolling neighborhoods, and investigating crimes. But after a few years on the force you may have pursued special disciplines of certifications that add to your value and appeal. These certifications and skills should be highlighted within the text of your resume.

Example #1

Good

After being certified by CyberShield for HiTET (High Technology Environment Training), used knowledge of technology and forms of digital evidence to investigate and identify cybercriminal rings responsible for multiple ransomware attacks.

Bad

Working knowledge of technology and cybercrime.

Example #2

Good

Following passage of Human Remains K-9 Team Test administered by the Eastern States Working Dog Association, assisted in recovery of remains of three missing individuals and returning them to their families.

Bad

Search and rescue experience.

In addition to technical skills, feature soft skills

Police work is increasingly focused on community relations and social justice, so it’s important to highlight any experience or personal attributes that will show your ability to connect with neighborhoods and develop relationships with the people who the force is there to serve.

Example #1

Good

Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to communicate, problem solve, and defuse high-stress situations.

Bad

Good in a crisis.

Example #2

Good

Created best practices procedural manual with emphasis on community engagement, conflict resolution, and constitutional policing and introduced an anonymous hotline allowing civilians to voice concerns.

Bad

Volunteered at Police Athletic League.

How to Align Your Resume with the Job Description

Though there are many aspects of policing that are universal, every department and precinct has a unique character, and each job has its own unique demands. If you’re interested in a particular position, much of its appeal is likely due to the way the job or environment was described. Your goal is to use the very same or similar language in your resume so that the hiring manager will recognize you as their perfect candidate.

Though that may sound like a complex task, it’s really quite simple. Read through the job description, highlighting all of the words that are particular to the position. Whether they are attributes of the department, the job responsibilities or the characteristics or skills of their ideal candidate, once you’ve identified all of them, go back and insert them where appropriate in your resume. They may be looking for a skill that you have but didn’t think to include, or may use an adjective that you can add. This type of echoing can go a long way to opening the door to opportunity.

Example Police Officer Job Description

The Community Services Section of the City Police Department seeks an experienced police officer for community engagement and education in neighborhoods that have high incidents of juvenile crime and school truancy. The officer will act as liaison with school personnel, social services, community leaders, and parents to reduce crime and raise awareness of the benefits of education.

Responsibilities:

  • Partner with school resource officers, community leaders, department of social services to increase community engagement and reduce juvenile violence
  • Build parent awareness of resources available to track student progress
  • Conflict resolution
  • Presentation development and delivery

Qualifications:

  • Training in public speaking
  • Leadership
  • Law enforcement certification
  • 5+ years law enforcement experience
  • Fluency in Spanish preferred
  • High initiative
  • Ability to work collaboratively and independently
  • Flexible hours

The police department recruiting for this position is looking for highly specific abilities, including:

  • Collaboration with community and school stakeholders
  • Ability to relate to juvenile offenders
  • Ability to engage parents
  • Conflict resolution
  • Presentation skills

An applicant whose skills and experience match this department’s needs and who is interested in the position would highlight and echo the terms highlighted above.

Police Officer Work Experience Example

School Police Officer

Wilmington High School – August 2017 — Present

  • Provide for the safety and welfare of students while on school grounds
  • Enforce truancy and disciplinary policies
  • Investigate illegal student, staff, and parent actions
  • Communicate information for the general wellbeing of students, personnel, and or visitors
  • Act as a resource for and instructor to students, focusing on crime prevention, drug awareness and prevention, and importance of education
  • Engage with community leaders to encourage positive relations between students and local retailers
  • Utilize fluency in Spanish to encourage greater engagement between diverse student demographics
  • Introduced weekend athletic program sponsored and coached by local shopkeepers and parents to encourage greater community engagement

Other Resume Examples