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9 Real Police Officer Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

Police Officer

Best for senior and mid-level candidates.

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Police Officer Resume

• Police Officer Resumes by Experience
• Police Officer Resumes by Role

Police Officer Resume FAQs

You’re a defender of the police and a protector of the innocent; you’re a police officer, and keeping people safe is what you do. 

As a police officer, you’re used to discipline and organization, so your resume should also reflect those qualities. But what else does a good resume include?  Making an amazing resume  and writing an effective cover letter may feel more exhausting than chasing a suspect through the night, but it doesn’t have to be mysterious.

For this reason,  we’ve created nine police officer resume samples that will help get you hired in 2024 . These resumes contain everything you need to know about writing a police officer resume, including the essential details you’ll want to include or omit so that you can turn in your current job resignation letter and get hired faster!

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• If you’re in the middle of your career, don’t worry about adding an objective or summary to your police officer resume; they’re completely optional, albeit useful if used well.
• On the flip side, if you do choose to use an objective or summary,  always tailor it to each job for which you apply . Mention the employer and role by name, and include your reasons for wanting that particular position.
• Hiring managers typically spend only six seconds reviewing your resume. Including awards can help you gain recognition and increase your chances of getting an interview.

Experienced Police Officer Resume

• “Supervised and coordinated a team of 12 patrol officers” and “reducing road accidents in school zones by 50%” are potential examples of tangible, eye-catching results.
• We’d recommend listing six to eight highly relevant skills such as “search & seizure” and “teamwork.”

Entry-Level Police Officer Resume

• The key to a good objective is customizing it for each job for which you apply. Include the name of the employer, the role you’re seeking, and the skills you hope to use in your future position to stand out and get noticed by hiring personnel.
• For example, mentioning soft skills like “managed,” “handled,” “analyzed,” or “trained” shows leadership and is a great way to book your spot for an interview!

Retired Police Officer Resume

• For a part-time bailiff position, shape your career objective around your proven ability to follow protocol—a must in courtroom settings.

Auxiliary Police Officer Resume

• Don’t forget to include your criminal justice degree on this resume. It reveals a longstanding dedication to the mission of the police department.

NYPD Police Officer Resume

• For instance, did you achieve the status of sergeant or captain? Include it on your resume, highlighting your most recent and relevant experience first in reverse-chronological order.
• What does this mean? Use strong verbs and active voice to demonstrate your leadership. For example, instead of saying, “Aided other officers in patrols by taking calls,” say “Monitored radio calls during night shift to assist officers during patrols.”

Federal Police Officer Resume

• Start by putting your work experience in reverse-chronological order, then lay out the rest of your information according to importance.
• For example, keep your contact header at the very top of your resume, and put your skills section after your education.
• You’d be surprised to discover the fine details interviewers notice when searching for the perfect candidate, so always  check your resume  for errors before you hit submit!

Public Safety Officer Resume

• For instance, have you moved from completing some tasks to supervising various teams completing many tasks? Ensure your resume shows a progression in your ability to handle more responsibilities.
• The goal with your skills should be to show employers you’ve got more than just head knowledge. A great example would be “administered first aid to 32 injured students” because it shows how you applied your abilities at first aid.

Campus Police Officer Resume

• Make the job description your roadmap for skills and experience to include. Are they looking for someone to train new recruits? Mention how you mentored cadets in the past. Do they want someone who can maintain their own police vehicle? Include any maintenance experience you have. Customizing your resume is the number one way to get noticed!
• Your employer likely expects you to have experience dealing with adolescents or college students, so, try to mention your communication skills. This kind of resume alteration will help employers realize you’re the one.

Related resume guides

• Security Officer
• Investigator
• Security Guard
• Firefighter

What employers don’t want to see is a list of job duties. They already know what a police officer does; instead, use your job description bullet points to speak to accomplishments in your law enforcement career. What situations did you encounter, how did you respond to those situations, and what was the result or impact? Whenever possible, quantify those statements.

Be detailed and specific in your resume, but save the story-telling aspect for your police officer cover letter .

This depends on the job description. If you’re applying to work as a public safety officer, you might consider skills like firearm safety and security equipment maintenance. If you’re planning to serve at a college campus, crowd control is an excellent skill to have. And working for a traditional police department, search and seizure will be important. The point is to understand what the job requires and to tailor your police resume accordingly.

Since law enforcement leaves room for an upward trajectory, it makes the most sense to format your resume in reverse-chronological order. What’s “above the fold” of your resume is what hiring teams will focus their attention on most, which means if you’re currently a sergeant, you shouldn’t start by listing your first job right out of the police academy.

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Police Officer Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

The ultimate guide to writing an effective police officer resume

As a police officer, it is your duty to maintain law and order to keep local citizens safe. When applying for a position in this field, it is essential to create a resume that showcases your wide range of abilities, experience, and accomplishments. By doing so, you can impress employers and land your desired position in the police department of your choosing.

In this guide, we will cover 5 key elements of your resume to focus on and how to optimize them accordingly. Keep reading to learn about:

• Choosing the right resume format as a police officer
• Writing a police officer resume summary that showcases your strengths
• Including both technical and interpersonal police officer skills
• Highlighting key responsibilities and accomplishments in your work experience section
• Describing police officer educational credentials correctly and succinctly

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

1. Choose the right resume format as a police officer

The first step to writing a resume as a police officer is to choose the proper format according to your experience level. Every resume format differs in style and purpose, making certain formats better for different applicants.

Here is a breakdown of the 3 main types of resume formats to choose from:

• Reverse-Chronological: The reverse-chronological resume focuses on work experience, listing the applicant’s most recent job first and working backward from there. In this resume, the work experience section will serve as the focal point and make up the largest section on the document.
• Functional: The functional resume removes the focus from work experience and places it instead on education, skills, and unpaid experience. This format is commonly used by recent graduates who have many years of academic experience but little experience in the formal workforce.
• Hybrid: The hybrid resume combines elements from both of the above formats. It spreads out the focus of the resume more evenly between all sections, allowing for a more diversified resume. This format is commonly used by applicants changing careers or working around large gaps in their work histories.

Generally speaking, the reverse-chronological resume is the standard expected by most employers. However, the other formats can be just as effective when well-written and can be massively helpful to applicants who lack relevant work experience.

Choose your preferred template and make your resume shine.

2. Write a police officer resume summary that showcases your strengths

A resume summary is a brief statement at the beginning of a resume that introduces an applicant to the employer. This summary should contain key information, such as your years of experience and specializations, as well as specific examples of notable achievements.

Here is an example of a weak police officer summary, followed by a corrected example and explanation:

Incorrect police officer resume summary example

Police officer with many years of experience working as a patrol lieutenant. Adept at leading large teams, including higher-ranking officers. Highly skilled in leadership, delegation, and community building amongst both citizens and police department officials. Responsible for the creation of a county-wide kickball team for emergency responders.

Why is this Incorrect?

In this example, the focus is a little too all over the place. The applicant needs to focus in on more specific details, such as their responsibilities as a patrol lieutenant or greater context around the sports team for emergency responders.

Corrected police officer resume summary example

Dedicated Police Officer with 5+ years of experience working as a Patrol Lieutenant, supervising a team of 15 police officers and 2 police sergeants. Diverse skillset with a specialization in community and rapport building. Created a county-wide kickball team for emergency responders to help foster greater internal communication and collaboration – currently, the team has 30+ members.

Why is this Correct?

In this corrected example, the details the applicant provides are far more specific. They give greater context around their role as a patrol lieutenant, then go on to describe their specialization in community and rapport building. They finish off with a specific example of how they apply their community-building skills to improve internal collaboration amongst emergency responders.

Find out your resume score!

3. Include the best technical and interpersonal police officer skills

As you write your police officer resume, it is highly important to consider which skills you will include in your skills and work experience section, as well as your resume summary. When choosing these skills, you should strive to include both technical and interpersonal skills to show you have a wide and diverse range of abilities.

With this in mind, here are 10 examples of both technical and interpersonal skills that look great on a police officer resume:

The best technical skills to put on your police officer resume

• Interrogation techniques
• Patrolling procedures
• Emergency response
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal law
• Crime prevention tactics
• Weapons handling
• Drug identification and confiscation
• Filing legal paperwork (incident reports, activity reports, etc.)
• Evidence booking
• De-escalation tactics

Effective interpersonal skills for your police officer CV

• Active listening
• Community awareness
• Conflict resolution
• Rapport building
• Verbal and non-verbal communication
• Teamwork and team building
• Critical thinking

4. Highlight key responsibilities and accomplishments in your work experience section

In most cases, your work experience section will be a focal point of your resume.

As such, the descriptions you include in this section should highlight your key responsibilities and accomplishments within previous positions. You should always aim to include details that showcase your ability to go above and beyond what is asked of you, emphasizing your dedication to professional development as a police officer.

Here is an example of a work experience entry from a police officer resume

Kissimmee Police Department, Kissimmee, FL Police Officer January 2016 to November 2020

• Patrolled a local community, building rapport with citizens and helping to establish a community watch program.
• Responded immediately to reports of emergency situations, including automobile accidents, assaults, and bomb threats.
• Sourced a new digital case management system that, when implemented, reduced operational costs by 10%.

5. Describe police officer educational credentials correctly and succinctly

When writing a police officer resume, the most important piece of educational information to include is the training program you completed and any relevant certifications you hold.

As for educational pre-requisites, most police departments require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. However, graduating from a police academy or more traditional two-to-four-year college will give you a greater competitive edge as an applicant.

Here is an example of a well-crafted education section on a police officer resume

Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy Criminal Justice Basic Training Certificate Completed: 2018

• Director’s Award for Academic Excellence — 2017 & 2018 Recipient

A documentary photographer and writer. Noel has worked for International publications like Deutsche Welle in Germany to News Deeply in New York. He also co-founded the global multimedia project Women Who Stay and collaborated as a journalist fellow with the University of Southern California . He went from traveling around the world to sitting on a couch thanks to the pandemic, but he gets to help other people actually do things (like find jobs) thanks to Kickresume, so he won't complain.

All military / law enforcement resume examples

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• Private Security
• Security Officer

All police officer resume examples

Related police officer cover letter examples.

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How to write a professional resume summary [+examples], how to put your education on a resume [+examples], how to describe your work experience on a resume [+examples], let your resume do the work..

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Why do you need a police officer resume?

You may not be aware of this, but your resume plays a key role in getting you the police officer job that you want.

Your resume needs to reflect your passion and commitment to a crime-free country. Only then will you stand a chance of getting shortlisted for your ideal police officer job.

This is where our resume guide comes in. In this blog, we will be covering everything that you should know to write the perfect police officer resume.

Before we begin, here's our police officer resume sample illustrating the ideal police resume.

• Supervising a team of 15 patrol officers to improve the department’s performance by 50% in 2 years
• Training 40 new professionals by implementing training programs & holding KTs (Knowledge Transfer) to enhance skills
• Responding to emergency situations in the assigned 5 districts with a total population of ~50k
• Generating 10+ reports daily regarding crimes and department performance with 100% accuracy
• Investigating 10+ incidents in a day including theft, domestic violence, assaults and collisions
• Successfully examined 50+ major cases till date to prevent life-threatening events
• Received ‘ Best Employee Award’ in Jun ’18 for stellar performance & ensuring compliance with law and rules & regulations
• Inspected crimes related to theft and domestic violence with 95% success rate
• Created 15+ reports in a day regarding crimes with 99% accuracy
• Reduced the serious crime rate by 30% in the 2 assigned districts
• Won ‘ Best Employee Award’ in Jun ’12 out of 20 team members
• Top 5% of the class
• Certified Protection Officer | International Foundation for Protection Officers | Jun '13
• CPR & First Aid Certified | American Red Cross | Jun '12
• Languages : English, Spanish & French
• Hobbies: Swimming & Running

Before we begin, here’s a summary of our Police Officer Resume 2020 Blog:

• Use action verbs to begin each point. This makes your resume professional.
• Write all the dates in your police resume using month & year format.
• Compose your resume using crisp one-liner points instead of paragraphs. This makes your resume more readable.
• Write the location in the city/state code format if you're applying for jobs in the country of your residence. If you aren't, write the location in the city/country code format.

That's not all.

By the end of this blog, you will be able to write an impeccable police resume and you will learn:

• What to write in your police resume and how to write it?
• How to effectively endorse your police officer resume skills.
• How to write an ATS-compliant law enforcement resume.
• How to write an entry level police officer resume.
• How to write your police officer resume duties on a resume.

. . . All so you can get the police officer job that you want!

Before we begin, feel free to make use of our Online Resume Builder for a hassle-free resume-writing experience.

It comes with 100+ design templates, 25+ content templates, and a police resume template that you can modify according to your needs and qualifications.

Your only job here is to fill the details and your perfect resume for a police officer is good to go!

Police Officer Resume Job Description

[ Back to Table of Content ]

A police officer, also known as a law enforcement officer, has a wide range of roles & responsibilities that comes with their job title.

They are responsible for protecting people and property, enforcing the law, patroling assigned areas, responding to calls, investigating crimes, making arrests, issuing citations, and occasionally testifying in court cases.

At the heart of it all, a police officer's job involves ensuring that law is enforced.

If you have a love for law and a drive to solve crimes, then a police officer's job is the job for you.

If being a police officer is your dream job, then you're in it for the right reasons.

Take the first step towards this by building an impeccable resume with our Online Resume Builder.

You may not be great at making excellent industry-ready resumes and that's okay. Our Resume Builder has got you covered.

All you have to do is fill in your details in our pre-designed police officer template and your perfect police resume is good to go!

Police Officer Salary

Glassdoor : $35.5k - 82.3k per year. Payscale : $34.3k - 89k per year. Salary.com : $48.6k - 65.3k per year.

What is a Police Officer Resume & why do you need it?

Your police officer resume is a job-specific resume for police officers.

It is the first point of contact between you and the recruiter. As such, it is your first shot at impressing the recruiter even before you meet the recruiter face-to-face.

So when you look at it objectively, your law enforcement resume has the potential to both make and break your job application.

Thus, your job before you get the job is to write an impeccable police resume.

However, your trouble doesn't end here.

In today's world, an impeccable police resume is one that is ATS-compliant.

ATS or the Applicant Tracking System is a hiring tool that most companies today have started using to optimize their recruitment needs.

Based on your resume, you are assigned a rank, and based on this rank, you get shortlisted. This means that the higher your rank, the higher are your chances of getting shortlisted.

Read on to learn all about curating an impeccable resume for a police officer.

While you're at, get your existing police resume professionally reviewed by Hiration’s AI-powered Resume Review Service and get a detailed analysis of your resume within minutes of uploading it on our tool.

Keep an eye out on the bottom left corner of this page for our AI-powered Resume Review Service!

Police Officer Resume Sections

Knowing what to put in your resume is key to writing an impeccable law enforcement resume.

Given below is the quintessential sections that your resume should have if you want to make an ideal police officer resume:

• Personal Information
• Profile Title
• Summary/Objective
• Professional Experience
• Certifications (if any)
• Additional Information (if any)

To learn more about resume sections and how to perfect them, read Hiration's 2020 Guide to sections in a resume .

How to write a Police Officer Resume

Now that you know what sections to put in your resume, the next big thing in your checklist is to approach resume-writing the right way.

Here are 3 stages of resume writing that you should follow to write your police resume using the right approach:

• Stage 1: Master Police Officer Resume
• Stage 2: First Draft of Police Officer Resume
• Stage 3: Final Draft of Police Officer Resume

Master Police Officer Resume

The first stage of resume-writing involves the master stage.

In this stage, all you have to do is collect all your information in one place. This helps in information-accessibility and helps you in the following way:

Resume writing in the present : Writing a resume becomes an effortless endeavor with the master stage because it eliminates the need to explicitly look for information. All you have to do is single out the relevant information and use them in your resume.

Resume update in the future : The second use of a master stage is in resume update. Since you have a library of information, it helps you compose your resume in the future as all you have to do is add on the extra information and source the relevant information from your master resume.

First Draft of Police Officer Resume

The second stage of resume writing involves curating the following sections:

• Work Experience
• Awards & Recognition (if any)

Final Draft of Police Officer Resume

The final stage of resume writing involves concluding the resume. As part of this stage, you have to compose the sections that we have mentioned below:

Summary or objective : Compose this section towards the end after concluding the rest of your resume. Doing this helps you pick the best highlights of your career. Moreover, it is wise to tackle this section in the end as it eliminates the need to unnecessarily go back and edit your summary all over again.

Key skills : Right before you compose your resume summary, compose the key skills section. Having finalized everything else, your task becomes simplified as your only job now is to identify the core skills of your career through a simple evaluation of your resume!

Additionally, you can use Hiration’s Online Resume Builder to stand a high chance of getting shortlisted for the police job of your dreams.

It comes with a huge library of pre-filled police officer resume templates that you can personalize to suit your specific qualifications and work history.

Police Officer Resume: Professional Experience

Now that you know which sections to put in your resume and how to approach resume-writing, we will now discuss the most important sections of your resume i.e. the professional experience section.

This section is the most relevant section of your resume because it carries your work-centric information such as the places you worked, the duration of your work experience, and your seniority level.

As such, the need is to write an impeccable resume, one that is ATS-compliant.

Here's what you should do to accomplish this:

• Frame Points
• Use the STAR Format
• Use Bucketing & Bolding

Framing Points

When it comes to writing resumes, there are two types of people:

Type 1: Uses paragraphs. Type 2: Uses points.

If you fall into category #1, it's high time to switch to using one-liner points instead.

We'll explain why using points is a better alternative, but before we do, take a look at the police officer resume examples that we have mentioned below:

Police Officer Resume Example 1

"As part of my professional stint at New York Central Police Station, I was responsible for solving crimes for approximately 50 cases with a success rate of 96%. My day-to-day activities include an investigation of over 20 incidents - something I did with 100% efficiency. I also recruited, trained, and personally supervised over 15 patrol officers who worked directly under me. This led to an overall improvement in departmental performance. Additionally, I observed and studies criminal behavior to get to the roots of a crime and to understand why it is committed".

Police Officer Resume Example 2

Solved crimes with a success rate of 96% for ~50 cases annually Analyzed criminal behavior to understand why a crime is committed Investigated 20+ incidents with 100% accuracy daily Trained ~20 new professionals by organizing training programs Improved departmental performance by 50% by supervising patrol officers

Framing Points: Analysis

Both the police officer resume examples that we have mentioned above presents us with the following observations:

• Both police officer resume examples illustrated above communicates the same message.
• While example 1 uses a long 8-liner paragraph to talk about the candidate's roles & responsibilities, example 2 does this in 5 simple one-liner points.
• Framing one-liner points is better than example 1 which is unnecessarily long and bulky. Moreover, using one-liner points makes your resume reader-friendly. It is easy to read and easier to comprehend.
• Good readability is a hallmark of a good resume. You cannot write an impeccable police resume if it fails to do the bare minimum of getting read. This is why framing points is a better alternative to using paragraphs.
• To conclude, you should use one-liner points to compose this section of your police resume.

Bucketing & Bolding

We talked about the importance of good readability and its importance in writing an impeccable police resume.

While good readability is important, it isn't enough. Your resume needs to be as effective as it is readable.

You can accomplish this by using bucketing & bolding.

Here are two police officer resume examples for your reference. We want you to observe them and pick the better one.

Prevented life-threatening events for 50+ major cases annually Generated 10+ reports daily regarding crimes and department performance Tackled emergencies in 5 assigned districts with 100% accuracy Received ‘Best Employee Award’ in Jun ’18 due for ensuring law enforcement Investigated ~30+ incidents including theft, domestic violence, assaults, collisions, etc. daily

Crime Investigation & Report Generation Tackled emergency situations in 5 assigned districts with 100% accuracy Generated 10+ reports daily regarding crimes and department performance Investigated ~30+ incidents including theft, domestic violence, assaults, collisions, etc. daily Key Achievements Prevented life-threatening events for 50+ major cases annually Received ‘ Best Employee Award ’ in Jun ’18 due for ensuring law enforcement

Bucketing & Bolding: Analysis

The police officer resume examples demonstrate the following conclusions:

• Example 1 uses one-liner points and example 2 uses bucketing & bolding.
• Bucketing is the practice of grouping similar one-liner points under unique subheadings. Bolding is the practice of highlighting words by marking them in bold.
• Bucketing helps a recruiter identify a candidate's police officer resume skills in one glance. Bolding helps a recruiter identify a candidate's key achievements in each point without explicitly looking for it.
• This is something that using points alone fails to do.
• After evaluating both police officer resume examples, you can easily conclude that example 2 is better than example 1. This is why you should use bucketing & bolding alongside one-liner-points to compose the professional experience section of your police resume.

STAR Format

While the twin combination of bolding & bucketing alongside using points is a fantastic way to make the professional experience hard to ignore, using the STAR format can add the much-needed relevance to your roles & responsibilities.

The STAR Format uses the cause-effect relationship to structure each one-liner point.

It stands for the following:

S stands for situation : The situation/backdrop/context of your contributions T stands for task : The actual task that was assigned to you A stands for action : The strategy you used to execute the assigned task R stands for result : The result/outcome of your action in the form of an achievement figure

By using the STAR format, you can prove your proficiency using actual quantifiable figures.

When you do this, you're not only showing how your efforts benefitted old organizations but you're also making a proficiency statement by demonstrating that you can replicate the same results in your news organizations as well.

To conclude, you should use bolding & bucketing to group each one-liner point and optimize each point using the STAR format. This helps you write an impeccable professional experience section.

Police Officer Resume Sample for Professional Experience

To learn more about this section, read an in-depth guide on Hiration's Blog on how to compose the work experience in your resume .

Here's a police officer resume sample showcasing the ideal professional experience section for your police resume:

Police Officer Resume: Header

Now that we have tacked the professional experience section, the next thing we will now discuss is your resume header.

In simple words, your resume header is your name. It features on the topmost part of your police resume.

Writing your name at the top gives your resume an individual identity of its own. One look at your resume helps a recruiter identify who the resume belongs to.

This is why you should write your resume in the largest font size. Try to write it in 16-20 points and give a single space between your first name and last name.

Hiration Pro Tip : If you have a middle name, write your first name, followed by the first initial of your middle name in capital letters, followed by your last name. Eg: Jeffy Mary Verghese should be written in your resume header as "Jeffy M. Verghese".

To learn more about resume headers and how to perfect them, read Hiration’s 2020 Guide To Writing The Perfect Resume Header .

Given below is a police officer resume sample illustrating the ideal resume header for your police resume.

Police Officer Resume: Personal Information

Writing a perfect police resume demands that each section is perfected. This means that the personal information section needs to be perfected too.

In simple words, the personal information section of your police resume is that section of your resume which illustrates your contact details. Using the details provided in this section, a recruiter gets in touch with you.

Ideally, this section should consist of the following information:

Mobile Number

Hiration Pro Tip : Evaluate the resume requirements around personal information for the country you are targeting. Once you identify them, update your police resume accordingly.

The right way to showcase your mobile number in your police resume is listed below:

• Give only one mobile number in your police resume.
• Make sure that the number you provide is an active number on which you are available 24x7.
• Use your country’s ISD code as a prefix before your phone number.
• Put a plus sign (+) before the ISD code.
• Example: +1 92839 02831.

Professional E-mail Address

Your email ID is a professional communication channel between you and your recruiter. Thus, your email ID should be professionally written.

An ideal email ID is one that is stripped of fancy nicknames.

For example, if your name is Sarah Thomas, you can write your email ID in the manner stated below:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]

The idea is to incorporate your name in your email ID. Doing this tells a recruiter that you are a professional who is to be taken seriously.

Moreover, using fancy email IDs would do more bad than good. For all we know, it will potentially land you in the spam folder!

Stay away from using email IDs such as:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Next up in the personal information section is your location.

Mentioned below is a list of points on how to write your location impeccably in your police resume:

• In the language of resume-writing, locations stands for your current city of residence.
• Follow the 'city/state code format' for structuring your location in your police resume.
• Do not flood your location with details such as your house number, street number, and your locality name.
• If you are looking for a job opportunity in your home country, mention the city and state code in your law enforcement resume.
• If you are looking for opportunities in another country, mention your city and country code in your police resume.

Police Officer Resume Sample for Personal Information

Read Hiration's 2020 Guide to composing your contact information to read an in-depth guide on the personal information section of your police resume.

Use our Online Resume Builder to put together an impeccably composed resume for police officer jobs that you are targeting.

Our pre-designed and ready to use police officer resume template that comes with our Online Resume Builder can be easily modified to suit your needs & requirements.

We have attached below a police officer resume sample showcasing the ideal personal information section for your resume.

Police Officer Resume: Profile Title

Your profile title is an important section of your police resume. It communicates important career-centric information about your work-life such as:

• Your official designation (a.k.a your latest job title).
• Your functional industry and level of seniority in your functional industry.

To perfectly compose your profile title, write it in the font size of 14-16 points in your law enforcement resume.

Hiration Pro Tip : Do not exaggerate your profile title. This might lead to a potential dismissal of your job application as it will be seen as a deliberate attempt to cheat a recruiter to get a job that you're not qualified for.

Would you like to find out blunders like these that you could be potentially making in your resume?

If you do, use our Resume Review Service. Brought to you by the best of AI, our AI-powered Resume Review gives you a detailed account of the flaws that you're making with suitable suggestions to reverse it.

Given below is a law enforcement resume sample that we have composed using our Online Resume Builder. It endorses the perfect profile title for your police resume.

Police Officer Resume: Education

The education section of your resume for police officer communicates the following information:

• Name of the school/university you have attended.
• Name of the courses you have pursued.
• The location of your school/university.
• Enrolment and graduation dates.

While your educational background might not bring momentum changes to your job application, it will enhance your chances of getting shortlisted if you have relevant degrees as opposed to someone who doesn't.

To learn more about this section, read Hiration's 2020 Guide on how to list education on your resume .

In the meanwhile, feel free to use Hiration's Online Resume Builder to write an impeccable police officer skills resume.

It comes with 100+ design templates and 25+ content templates that you can easily modify to suit your professional endeavors.

We have attached a sample police resume below. It illustrates what the perfect education section of your resume for a police officer should ideally look like.

Police Officer Resume: Certifications

This section ideally communicates the following information:

• Certification course name
• Name of the institute of affiliation
• Location of the institute of affiliation
• Enrolment and completion date of the course

Arrange these points in the below format:

{Name of certification} | {Affiliating Institution} | {Location} | {Date} (in month & year format)

The certifications section is really helpful for those professionals who are writing an entry level police officer resume.

In other words, if you are writing an entry level police officer resume, the certifications section can help. Someone who has relevant certifications almost always gets picked over someone who doesn't.

So if you have done relevant certifications that complement your target job, list them down in this section.

If you are just beginning your career, are looking for your first job, don't lose heart.

Do the relevant certifications and list them down in your resume!

Is this too vague? Would you like to learn more?

If the answer is yes, read Hiration's 2020 Guide on listing certifications on a resume .

Mentioned below is a police officer resume sample illustrating the perfect certifications section for your resume for police officer.

Police Officer Resume: Additional Information

Important pieces of information about you such as your hobbies and your multilingual skills should be endorsed in the additional information section of your police resume.

This section is the miscellaneous section of your resume where you can incorporate information about you such as the ones cited above.

Here's a police officer resume sample illustrating the ideal additional information section for your resume for police officer.

In the meanwhile, feel free to get your existing resume professionally reviewed by our AI-powered Resume Review Service.

Get valuable feedback on your resume and learn how to reverse the blunders that you are unintentionally making in your police resume.

Just keep an eye out on the bottom-left corner of this page to avail our Resume Review Service!

Police Officer Resume Key Sections

Police officer resume: key skills.

Your skills are what matters most to a hiring body. Once you have the much-needed skills, you pass the first qualification test and recruiters take the much-needed steps to further evaluate your resume.

Thus, this section is equal in importance with the professional experience section. Perfecting this section is key as it encourages a recruiter to further evaluate your resume in its entirety.

This is why you need to endorse your police officer resume skills impeccably.

It should be a reflection of the skills that you have accumulated over the years.

Here's what you can do to optimize this section:

Compose this section only after you have concluded the professional experience section : Once you have textual documentation of your roles & responsibilities, identifying your skills becomes a walk in the park. All you have to do is evaluate your resume and identify your core skills.

Incorporate keywords to make this section ATS-compliant : Keywords are skill-sets that a hiring body looks for in an ideal candidate. Showcasing these skill-sets will dramatically elevate your chances of getting shortlisted. Your only job here is to identify these keywords and replicate those keywords that you are skilled in. This will show a prospective recruiter that you have the right skills and that you are qualified for the job that you are targeting.

To learn more about perfecting your police officer resume skills in your resume, read Hiration's 2020 Guide on what skills to put on a resume .

Here's a law enforcement resume sample illustrating the ideal key skills section for your resume.

Police Officer Resume Summary

Your police officer resume summary is an overview of your entire resume.

It gives the recruiter a glimpse of what to find in your police resume. Thus, your job here is to concisely write an impactful resume summary.

Here’s a list of what you should do to perfect this section:

• Write your summary at the end. This simplifies the process of perfectly drafting the summary by eliminating the need to revisit your resume summary which happens if you write it in the beginning.
• Your resume summary is a brief pitch of what you can do for the prospective recruiter. Your job here is to make it powerful and make it short.
• Make sure that you pick the best highlights of your career and write them in this section. While you do this, make sure that it does not exceed the 5-line limit.
• Keep your resume summary limited to 3-5 lines. Anything more is not as ideal as the whole point of composing resume summaries is to give a brief account of your professional proficiency.
• Write a resume summary only if you have worked for over 3 years. If you have less than 3 years of work experience, write a police officer resume objective instead.

Read Hiration's 2020 Resume Summary Guide to learn how to write an impactful summary for your law enforcement resume.

If you're running short of time, feel free to use Hiration's Online Resume Builder for a hassle-free resume writing experience.

Learn from the law enforcement resume examples that come with our resume builder to learn what your ideal resume should look like.

Here's a law enforcement resume sample showcasing the ideal resume summary. Your law enforcement resume should replicate the summary example that we have attached below:

Police Officer Resume Objective

A police officer resume objective is only written by those professionals who are writing an entry level police officer resume.

In other words, you should only write a police officer resume objective if:

• You are an entry-level worker with no work experience.
• You have very limited work experience of fewer than three years.
• You are a fresh graduate writing an entry level police officer resume.

Instead of highlighting a shopping list of the things that you're looking for, your police officer resume objective should emphasize on the value that you can deliver in your next organization.

In this capacity, your police officer resume objective is a sales pitch and you are the salesman selling your skills.

To learn how you can optimize this section, head right over to Hiration's 2020 Guide on Resume Objectives .

Resume Review Service

Your resume is no good if it makes blunders that can easily be avoided.

Learn the mistakes you're making in your police resume and learn how to reverse it by getting your resume professionally reviewed with Hiration's AI-powered Resume Review Service.

With us, your police resume will be reviewed in compliance with the parameters that we have listed below:

• Compliance with industry norms
• Content Relevance
• Recruiter Friendliness
• Design Compatibility
• Conversion Scope
• ATS Compliance
• Global Compatibility
• Performance Assessment
• Resume Formatting (font, margins, the order of sections, etc.)

Online Resume Builder for Police Officer Resume

If you don't have the time to compose your resume, use our Online Resume Builder.

Our Resume Builder comes with a pre-designed police officer resume template that you can easily modify alongside the resources that we have mentioned below:

• Option to save unlimited resumes
• 25+ resume designs
• Full rich-text editor
• Unlimited PDF downloads
• 100+ resume templates
• 1-click design change
• A sharable link
• Live resume editor

It doesn't get any better.

So if you aren't already, make use of Hiration's Online Resume Builder now!

Key Takeaways

• Write all dates in the month & year format across all sections in your police officer resume.
• Write your summary at the end: Doing this saves you the unnecessary trouble of writing a resume summary in the beginning just to edit it again at the end.
• Your key skills section should be crisp and to the point. Do not use phrases like 'experienced in' or 'expertise in' to endorse your police officer resume skills.
• Use one-liner points instead of using paragraphs in your police resume.
• Begin each one-liner point with a power verb. Eg: Adept, Proficient, Kickstarted, Spearheaded, Managed, etc.
• Use power verbs in the past tense for past profiles and present continuous tense for present profiles.
• Group similar one-liner points under unique subheadings using bucketing and highlight your key achievement under each point using bolding.
• Use achievement figures to quantify your achievements. Doing this helps you prove your skills and helps you show how you benefitted the organizations you worked with.
• Make a 'Key Achievements' bucket at the end of your respective work profile to talk about an outstanding achievement in that specific organization.
• Write a police officer resume objective if you have less than 3 years of work experience. If you don't, write a summary.

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Police Officer Resume Examples

Writing a resume as a police officer is a very important step in the job application process. Having a well thought-out, professional resume can make all the difference when trying to secure a position in a police department. This guide will provide you with useful information on how to create an effective police officer resume, as well as provide some examples of successful resumes from police officers. With the right approach, you can easily craft a resume that will make you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting the job.

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of resume examples .

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Police Officer

123 Main Street | Anytown, USA 99999 | Phone: (123) 456-7890 | Email: [email protected]

A highly experienced police officer with an accomplished career spanning more than 8 years in law enforcement. Possessing advanced knowledge and experience in core policing activities such as crime investigation, community relations, and patrol operations. A dedicated professional with a strong commitment to public safety, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and exceptional problem- solving abilities.

Core Skills :

• Crime Investigation
• Community Relations
• Patrol Operations
• Crisis Management
• Report Writing
• Conflict Resolution
• Enforcement of Laws
• Public Safety

Professional Experience : Police Officer, Houston Police Department – Houston, TX January 2012 – Present

• Monitor and patrol assigned areas to recognize and prevent any unlawful activity
• Arrest suspects, search for evidence, write reports, and take part in court proceedings
• Respond to emergency calls, provide assistance and ensure safety of citizens
• Address community concerns and proactively address any public safety issues
• Investigate crimes and accidents, collect evidence, and provide testimony in court
• Conduct interviews, interrogate suspects, and provide accurate statements

Police Officer, Austin Police Department – Austin, TX February 2010 – December 2011

• Responded to emergency calls, assisted in apprehending suspects, issuing citations
• Investigated criminal activity, collected evidence, and provided testimony in court
• Performed in- depth investigation of crime scenes, interviewing witnesses and suspects
• Implemented crowd control strategies, maintained order, and enforced laws
• Wrote and filed comprehensive reports and consulted with superiors regarding investigations

Education : Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, University of Texas – Austin, TX 2006 – 2010

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Police Officer Resume with No Experience

• A highly motivated and eager to learn individual with a strong desire to serve the community as a Police Officer.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized and efficient in managing time
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Excellent observational and analytical skills

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain positive community relationships
• Provide assistance to other officers
• Enforce laws and regulations
• Conduct investigations and provide detailed reports
• Identify suspicious activities and intervene when necessary
• Serve and protect the community by responding to calls for service
• Conduct traffic stops, searches and safety checks
• Enforce laws and regulations in order to maintain public safety

Experience 0 Years

Level Junior

Education Bachelor’s

Police Officer Resume with 2 Years of Experience

I am an experienced police officer with 2 years of experience. I have excellent tactical and communication skills that have helped me excel in the field and develop positive relationships with the public. I have a strong sense of responsibility and am able to respond quickly to any situation. I am also highly organized and have a strong knowledge of the laws and regulations associated with law enforcement. I am a team player and have a proven track record of success in my career.

• Excellent strike tactical skills
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent problem- solving skills
• Ability to respond quickly to any situation
• Highly organized
• Strong knowledge of law enforcement regulations
• Team player

Responsibilities :

• Conducted patrols of assigned areas to identify and apprehend suspects
• Responded to call- outs for assistance in emergency situations
• Assisted with investigations by gathering evidence and questioning suspects
• Served warrants and subpoenas and maintained crime scene safety
• Dispersed large crowds and kept order during public events
• Provided training to new officers on department protocols
• Assisted with community policing initiatives and programs

Experience 2+ Years

Police Officer Resume with 5 Years of Experience

Dynamic and organized Police Officer with five years of experience in law enforcement, crime prevention, and community outreach. Skilled in conducting investigations, collecting evidence, and making arrests. Experienced in responding to emergency situations and providing medical assistance to injured individuals. Adept in the use of firearms, handcuffs, and other law enforcement equipment. Excellent problem- solving, communication, and rapport- building skills.

• Crime Prevention
• Investigation
• Police Equipment
• Emergency Response
• Crowd Control
• Communication
• Patrolled assigned areas to enforce laws and detect suspicious activity
• Investigated suspected criminal activity and collected evidence
• Responded to emergency situations and provided medical assistance to injured individuals
• Arrested and detained suspects
• Handled crowd control and resolved disputes
• Provided guidance and advice pertaining to law enforcement
• Prepared reports of all activities, arrests, and investigations

Experience 5+ Years

Level Senior

Police Officer Resume with 7 Years of Experience

I am an experienced police officer with 7 years of experience in law enforcement. I am highly motivated, organized and reliable, with a strong attention to detail and a commitment to the safety of my community. I have extensive experience working in patrol and responding to emergency calls, as well as experience conducting investigations, providing community policing and giving presentations. I also possess strong leadership and communication skills, enabling me to collaborate effectively with other law enforcement agencies.

• Patrol duties
• Emergency response
• Community policing
• Public presentations
• Criminal investigations
• Collaboration
• Patrolling assigned areas in order to prevent, detect and investigate crime.
• Responding to emergency calls for service and conducting investigations.
• Working with other law enforcement agencies in order to investigate crimes.
• Providing community policing services, such as attending public events and giving public presentations.
• Leading and supervising other officers in patrol activities.
• Conducting criminal investigations, including interviewing suspects and witnesses.
• Preparing and presenting reports on investigations and activities.
• Maintaining and developing strong communication skills in order to collaborate effectively with other law enforcement personnel.

Experience 7+ Years

Police Officer Resume with 10 Years of Experience

Highly motivated, experienced and dedicated Police Officer with 10+ years of experience in managing complex criminal investigations, enforcing laws, and protecting citizens. Able to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and other incidents. Adept at using modern policing tools and methods to solve criminal activities. Possess excellent physical condition, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge and experience of policing laws and regulations
• Proficient in the use of firearms, defensive tactics and other police related equipment
• Excellent problem- solving and decision- making abilities
• Adaptable and willing to work in high- pressure situations
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Outstanding physical fitness and agility
• Maintaining order and security in public areas and neighborhoods
• Conducting criminal investigations into homicides, robberies, thefts, and other crimes
• Interviewing suspects, witnesses and victims
• Enforcing laws, statutes and regulations
• Providing guidance and assistance to citizens in need
• Writing reports, collecting evidence and testifying in court
• Working with other law enforcement agencies to support investigations
• Patrolling assigned areas to detect criminal activity and apprehend suspects

Experience 10+ Years

Level Senior Manager

Education Master’s

Police Officer Resume with 15 Years of Experience

An experienced police officer with 15 years of experience in law enforcement. Proven ability to effectively address a range of public safety issues, providing quality service to the community. Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills to diffuse tense situations, maintain public order and enforce laws.

• Experience in crisis management, de- escalation and conflict resolution
• Strong problem- solving, judgment and decision- making skills
• Familiarity with criminal laws and procedures
• Highly proficient in the use of firearms and other weapons
• Extensive knowledge of safety regulations and protocols
• Capable of working individually and as part of a team
• Patrol assigned areas to observe potential criminal activity
• Respond to emergency calls for service
• Enforce laws and ordinances, investigate crimes and make arrests
• Issue citations and warnings for violations
• Search for and apprehend suspects
• Write reports of investigations and arrests
• Administer first aid and provide assistance to citizens in need
• Testify in court and provide evidence to support prosecution

Experience 15+ Years

Level Director

In addition to this, be sure to check out our resume templates , resume formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

What should be included in a Police Officer resume?

When writing a resume to apply for a position as a police officer, it is important to include relevant information that will showcase your skills and experience. Here are some key points to consider when creating your resume:

• Professional Summary: This section should highlight your qualifications and experience related to law enforcement. Include any specialized training, certifications, or awards you have received.
• Education: Include your highest level of education, any certifications related to your career, and any other courses related to your profession.
• Work Experience: List any past positions held in the police force, as well as any other related positions held outside law enforcement.
• Skills: Include any skills related to the job, such as problem solving, communication, and public speaking.
• References: Include the names and contact information of three professional references who can vouch for your abilities and qualifications.

Your resume should be tailored to the specific requirements of the position you are applying for. Make sure to highlight any achievements or experience that you feel make you the best candidate for the job.

What is a good summary for a Police Officer resume?

A police officer resume should provide a clear and concise overview of an individual’s qualifications, experience, and skills. It should also showcase the individual’s dedication to public service and the law. Additionally, a police officer resume should provide a summary of any relevant training, certifications, and awards. The resume should also highlight any qualifications or experience related to the position the individual is applying to, such as specialized training or experience in community policing. Finally, the resume should clearly demonstrate the individual’s ability to work well with others and uphold the law. When crafting a summary for a police officer resume, it’s important to emphasize the individual’s commitment to justice and public service, as well as their qualifications, skills, and experience.

What is a good objective for a Police Officer resume?

Writing a resume for a police officer position should focus on the skills and experience that make you a qualified candidate. It is important to include an objective statement that outlines your career goals and objectives. A good objective for a police officer resume should be tailored to the specific position you are applying for, and should help employers quickly determine your suitability for the job.

When writing an objective for a police officer resume, there are several points to consider:

• Highlight your training, education, and certifications that make you an ideal candidate for the position
• Express your commitment to upholding the law and protecting citizens
• Demonstrate your dedication to public service
• Showcase the relevant experience you have working with law enforcement
• Emphasize your experience working with diverse populations
• Describe your ability to work effectively in stressful situations

By including a strong and clear objective statement that outlines your qualifications and goals, you can ensure that your police officer resume stands out from the competition.

How do you list Police Officer skills on a resume?

When a potential employer reads your resume, they want to know what skills you possess that make you the ideal candidate for the position. As a police officer, you possess many unique skills that should be highlighted on your resume. Here are some suggestions on how to list police officer skills on your resume:

• Defensive tactics: demonstrate your ability to de-escalate tense situations and assess risks. Include any special training you have had in defensive tactics, such as defensive driving, self-defense, and weapons handling.
• Interpersonal communication: highlight your ability to communicate effectively with the public and other officers. Showcase your experience in public speaking and explain how you de-escalate conflicts.
• Law enforcement: demonstrate your knowledge of applicable laws, statutes, and regulations. Showcase your ability to enforce the law and protect the public.
• Investigative and intelligence gathering: show your ability to investigate crimes and collect evidence. Include any experience in research and data analysis.
• Crisis management: highlight your ability to respond calmly and decisively to dangerous situations. Explain your ability to handle high-pressure situations.
• Patrol: showcase your experience in patrolling assigned areas. Demonstrate your skill in identifying suspicious activity and responding appropriately.
• Physical fitness: explain your commitment to staying in peak physical condition. Include any special training you have in physical fitness and wellness.

By listing these skills on your resume, you can show potential employers that you have the expertise and qualifications to be an effective police officer.

What skills should I put on my resume for Police Officer?

When it comes to applying for a job as a police officer, a well-crafted resume is essential for standing out from the competition. While there are many skills that are important for a successful police officer, there are certain skills that should be highlighted on your resume to help you get noticed. Here are the top skills to include on your resume for a police officer:

• Knowledge of state and federal laws: As a police officer, you need to be familiar with both state and federal laws and regulations, as well as how they apply in a given situation.
• Excellent communication skills: In order to be successful as a police officer, you must be able to effectively communicate with a wide variety of people, from crime victims to criminals.
• Physical fitness: Police officers must maintain a high level of physical fitness in order to pass the physical requirements of the job. Be sure to include any physical fitness training or certifications on your resume.
• Problem-solving: Police officers must be able to think on their feet and come up with solutions to a variety of problems quickly and effectively.
• Interpersonal skills: Police officers must be able to de-escalate difficult situations and have the ability to build relationships with diverse populations.
• Conflict resolution: In order to maintain peace and order, police officers must have the ability to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.
• Computer skills: In today’s world, having a basic level of computer expertise is essential for police officers. Include any relevant computer skills you have on your resume.

By including these skills on your resume, you will be able to demonstrate to potential employers that you are a well-rounded and qualified applicant for the job. Good luck!

Key takeaways for an Police Officer resume

When writing a resume for a job as a police officer, you want it to stand out and make sure that you are the best candidate for the position. There are several key takeaways that will help you create an effective and professional resume that will get you noticed. Here are some key takeaways to consider when writing your resume:

• Know the Position. Before you start writing your resume, make sure that you know the exact qualifications that the position requires. Understanding the job description and the duties of the role will help you highlight your relevant experience and skills.
• Tailor to the Position. Once you understand the position, you can tailor your resume to that specific position. Highlight the skills, experience and certifications that you have that make you the best person for the job.
• Be Clear and Concise. Make sure that your resume is clear and concise. Include your contact information, career profile and job duties in a straightforward and organized manner. The goal is to make your resume easy to read and understand.
• Include Relevant Information. Be sure to include relevant information such as any professional development or training you have taken, your certifications, and any awards or special recognitions you have received.
• Highlight Your Achievements. Make sure to highlight your achievements in the field. Include any job-related accomplishments as well as any awards or recognitions you have received.

By following these key takeaways, you can create an effective and professional resume that will help you stand out and get noticed. By highlighting your experience and qualifications, you will be sure to get the interview and land the job. Good luck!

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Police Officer Resume: Real Examples & Free Sample

Making sure that every citizen follows the law and keeping your community safe is tiring work, so it’s understandable that you haven’t had time to update your resume. Let us be your backup and help you with our expertly-written resume templates.

Police Officer Resume Example MSWord® Download our free Police Officer Resume template and put any poorly-written job application behind bars for good.

The search for a competent police officer demands a resume that emphasizes these abilities.

Just as you will be pushed to make rapid judgments as an officer, job recruiters will be compelled to make quick judgments about you based on what you detail in your application.

For this reason, it’s vital that you have a police officer resume that stands out from the rest of the crowd.

In this ResumeGiants guide, we’ll show you how to draft the ideal police officer resume , using templates, examples, and the following tips:

• Drafting a police officer resume that meets the required criteria
• Using the given job description to optimize your document
• Understanding the soft and hard skills you’ll need to demonstrate
• Comparing strong resume section examples to weaker ones

Let’s begin!

Police Officer Resume Sample

Below you’ll find our police officer resume example , made to show you the content, structure, and organization of a strong police officer resume:

[Jake Raymond]

[A-04, Peralta Palm Heights, NJ |   827-673-8369   |   [email protected]]

Experienced veteran with over 11 years experience at the Central City Police Department. Worked as a safety-oriented and observant patrol officer and in the drug task force for four years. Reacts swiftly to crises, constantly monitors suspicious activities, and carefully investigates crime scenes.

Central City Police Department, NJ

2014 – 2022

• Commanded and led a squad of 20 patrol officers on night patrol duty.
• Introduced training programmes for new recruits and upgraded squad competencies.
• Recognized need for disciplined attitude and leadership within lower ranks of the department
• Collaborated with the DEA to combat underground drug business in the Glades.

Police Officer

Star City Police Department, NJ

• Patrolled and guarded Central City’s most dangerous areas.
• Initiated a public outreach program for formerly-incarcerated individuals to minimize juvenile gang involvement.
• Introduced drug prevention schemes and activities in collaboration with city colleges.
• Increased the number of arrests by 32% in the Glades.

B.Sc. Criminal Justice & Police Science

Starling Special Police Academy | Starling City, NJ

2010 – 2013

• Graduated magna cum laude with a 3.8 GPA.
• Excelled in criminal psychology, drug identification, and sociology.
• Head of Karate Club
• Relevant Coursework: Drug Identification Course, Criminology, Cybersecurity, Psychology, Sociology, Forensic Science, Self Defense, Judo
• Soft skills: Communication, Leadership, Adaptability, Decision Making, Conflict Resolution
• Hard skills: First Aid, Arrest, Drug Identification, Interrogation Skills, Legal Knowledge

Certifications

• CPR/AED Certification (American Red Cross, 2012)
• Crisis Management Courses (Starling City Academy Workshop, 2011)
• Black Belt in Judo (Starling Self Defense Academy, 2010)

It’s hard enough to find free resume templates on the internet as it is. Feel free to use our police officer sample to guide you when making your own resume!

What’s the Best Police Officer Resume Format?

When it comes to writing the best police officer resume , you should start by selecting a resume format that is appropriate for your level of experience and goals.

The format of your resume is just as important as the content. The way the words are laid out on a page can make a big difference to the reader, and separates a good resume from a great one.

Generally speaking, a resume should usually be no more than a page long , unless you have lots of relevant experience that you really cannot miss out.

Take a look at some crucial information you should have on your resume:

• Contact/personal information
• Resume objective or summary
• Work experience
• Qualifications and achievements
• Soft and hard skills
• Other information relevant to the position

A reverse-chronological format is a gold standard for resumes in this industry and it should be the structure you use for your resume. This means the most recent experience is listed first, followed by the next most recent one, and so on.

This method immediately brings attention to your most relevant experience and qualifications.

Tips To Have the Perfect Format for Your Police Office Resume

Here are a few more pointers that you should keep in mind when drafting your police officer resume:

• Fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are familiar to most people. They look professional, clean, and most importantly, readable.
• A legible font is important , but it should never be the star of your resume. The content itself is more important.
• Single line spacing works best. This ensures that the writing is not cramped, and leaves enough breathing space for the reader’s eyes.
• If you’re struggling to fill up the resume with content, 1.15 spacing works too.
• You don’t want too much white space on your resume; this will make it look empty.
• A single-inch margin is ideal.
• Make sure your headings are bold and in a slightly bigger font compared to the body text. This will help the reader navigate through your resume and makes for easier reading.
• Using pictures and images on a resume is generally not advised in the USA.
• You’d be much better off using this space to list your qualifications, experience, and achievements. 
• PDFs are the universally accepted gold standard when it comes to police officer resumes.
• A resume saved as a PDF can be more easily scanned by ATS if that software is being used by the recruiter.

Tweaking your resume to get the perfect format and structure can be difficult. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry!

Use our professional resume templates , and you’ll have the best police officer resume around with just a few clicks.

How to Write a Police Officer Resume Summary or Resume Objective

The first thing a job recruiter reads is the resume summary or resume objective. These are the headlines right at the top of your resume.

• A resume summary is a few lines that outlines your work experience , and your skill set. It gives a job recruiter an idea of what’s to come in the rest of the resume.
• A resume objective is ideal for less experienced candidates . It usually contains the skill set of a police officer and shows how their skills could be useful to a task force despite their lack of experience.

Think of a resume summary or a resume objective as the elevator pitch of your police officer resume. You only have a couple of minutes to impress a recruiter; this is your way to do it!

Police Officer Resume Summary Example

A strong police officer resume summary can give a recruiter a lot of information about you and help you make a good first impression.

Here are two examples of a police officer resume summary:

Sergeant with 7 years of experience in the police force, performing functions, including scheduling, mentoring, conducting training sessions, and arranging the departmental operations.

Experienced police sergeant with more than 7 years on the NYPD task force. In four years, led a demanding unit of 18 officers, leading to a 21% decrease in recorded offenses in the area. Initiated improved training regime, resulting in a 20% improvement in reflexes and reaction times.

The first example simply gives a short summary of the individual. However, the second one gives us more information and personality while still being concise.

How to Write an Entry-Level Police Officer Resume Objective

If you’re short on work experience as a police officer, a resume objective is probably the better alternative for you.

This is because resume objectives do not rely just on achievements and work experience to represent your value as a candidate. Instead, they can help you emphasize the specific skill set that you have and show how you can be a valuable asset to any task force.

Pay close attention to what is mentioned in the description of a job listing , since this is what you should tailor your resume around.

For example, if the job description specifies that the force is looking for individuals who have excellent communication skills for when on patrol, you may underline that you have these traits, making you one of the recommended candidates, even if you don’t have work experience.

🌟 Featured content: Study job descriptions for keywords . Include these keywords in your resume summary or resume objective. This tells a recruiter that you have the talents that the company is searching for in that specific role.

Entry-Level Police Officer Resume Objective

Take a look at the example below:

Enthusiastic entry-level police officer looking for employment within the task force. Lacking in prior experience but eager to put in the time and effort for law enforcement.

As you can see, this example does not give specific information, achievements, or skills that make the candidate look attractive to the recruiter. 

You want to persuade a recruiter by letting them know that you have the exact skills and traits they are looking for in this position, and this is why you are a great fit.

Here’s a better way to do it:

Former youth police cadet experienced in combat training, and public interaction. Recognized as President of the No-Ragging Committee. Experienced in resolving conflicts.  Self-defense capabilities were praised by judo teachers in high school.

How to Describe Your Police Officer Experience

This is the section of your resume where you may emphasize your credentials and achievements over the years.

To portray these talents in a way that will maximize your chances of getting an interview, you should concentrate on the exact qualities that an employer would value.

Your experience section is an excellent place to customize your resume to each job you’re interested in.

Make use of a thesaurus to avoid using the same words over and again. It’s important that you use strong words and powerful action verbs in your resume . For example, instead of saying “worked with others” say “collaborated with.”

Police Officer Resume Examples: Experience

Many of the tips and techniques we’ve discussed thus far apply to the experience section. Here are a few ways you can truly highlight your policing experience:

Police Sergeant

• Led a 56-strong team in Star City.
• Introduced a new “reaction time” training program.
• Oversaw drop in major crime offenses.
• Initiated extra training to reduce criminal response times.
• Led a bustling metropolitan city police department staffed by 56 police officers.
• Introduced a new training program, which increased reaction times by 23%.
• Oversaw a 12% drop in the number of major offenses recorded within a 200-mile radius.
• Additional police force training resulted in a 20% reduction in criminal response times.

Entry-Level Police Officer Resume: Experience Section

Don’t be concerned if you have little to no experience as a police officer, and you’re looking for a job on the task force.  You’ll be relieved to hear that creating a solid resume for a police officer with no experience is quite achievable.

Use the talents and abilities you’ve acquired along the road, even if they come from prior internships, volunteer programs , etc., to demonstrate your complete skill set.

Here’s an example of an entry-level experience section:

2015 – 2017

• Praised by sergeant for resolving conflicts.
• Identified and reported tear gas violence outside a stadium.

US Marine Corps

2013 – 2015

• Head of 12-man squad for a year.
• Handled $100,000 worth of equipment without any damage.
• Praised by sergeant for ability to resolve conflicts.
• Identified and reported tear gas violence outside a football game; perpetrators were successfully apprehended.
• In charge of a squad of 12 Marines. Achieved 18% increase through rigorous fitness programs.
• Incurred no losses in two years of handling $100,000 in equipment.

Don’t Shoot Blanks With Your Education Section

This section lists all of your academic qualifications. Many police departments demand only a high school diploma .

However, according to a study by California State University, Fullerton, over a third of police officers have a bachelor’s degree, 50% have two-year degrees, and over 5% of the police population have master’s degrees.

If you have passed the police academy and are searching for your first job, this would be useful and necessary information to provide, too.

You do not need to include your GPA score in your police officer resume if you have more than a year or two of genuine professional experience. If you don’t have any relevant experience, you can provide your GPA, preferably if it’s greater than 3.5.

Police Officer Resume Education Section

Take a look at some examples on how you can keep your police officer resume’s education section interesting:

BA in Criminal Justice

Starling City Community College | Starling City, NJ

2014 – 2017

• Graduated with 3.5 GPA
• Relevant Coursework: Criminology, Cybersecurity, Psychology, Sociology, Forensic Science, Self Defense
• Graduated magna cum laude with a 3.5 GPA.
• Excelled in criminology, forensics, and criminal psychology.

The Best Police Officer Skills for a Resume

This portion of your resume may seem simple, but it’s actually quite important. Your skill set has the ability to open up a whole new horizon of opportunities for both you and prospective employers.

Here, your soft and hard skills will be covered – soft skills are general skills that may be applied to most different professions, whereas hard skills are field-specific abilities that are developed on the job.

Below are some examples of each type of skill that you might consider using on a resume for policing jobs:

Soft Skills

• Organizational skills
• Physical fitness
• Adaptability
• Critical thinking
• Decision making
• Conflict resolution

Hard Skills

• Self defense
• CPR and First Aid
• Driving skills
• Weapons skills
• Legal knowledge
• Computer skills

How to Add Other Sections for an Effective Resume

The “Other” sections of your resume can help you differentiate yourself from the other candidates.  Finding ways to distinguish your application can go a long way, whether you’re writing a police sergeant resume or an entry-level cadet resume.

It’s an excellent addition to your resume because it highlights any other talents, accomplishments, and credentials you may have and demonstrates your readiness for the tasks and obligations of a police officer.

Any official certifications that can be added to your resume , such as CPR, AED, or BLS are great; these are incredibly useful abilities to include on a police resume and will undoubtedly appeal to most recruiters.

Police Officer Resume Sample “Other” Sections

Here are some examples of what an “Other” section would look like on a police officer’s resume:

Certificates

• Crisis Management
• CPR/AED Certification (American Red Cross, 2014)
• Crisis Management (SCPD Cadet Course, 2017)

As a police officer, there’s nothing wrong in adding parts of your own for the “Other” sections , as long as you follow the right format and organization and keep it clean, polished, and easy to read.

If the skills, qualifications, or internships and work placements are relevant to your role and the job description, you can make any experience work on a police officer resume.

Key Takeaways

In this ResumeGiants guide, we covered:

• When writing a resume to become a police officer, be sure to include either a resume summary or a resume objective, depending on your experience level. Resume summaries are preferable for more experienced officers like captains and sergeants, whereas resume objectives are preferable for entry-level cops.
• Be direct and straightforward when putting forth examples of activities and experiences as a police officer. Be concise , but don’t leave out any crucial information.
• The skills section is very important; it’s imperative that you highlight any soft and hard skills you have that could add value to your resume and any task force.
• Make sure you include any other certifications or qualifications you may have that are relevant to the job description. These set you apart from other candidates and give you an upper hand in the selection process.
• Being a police officer can be a stressful profession, but it also allows you to serve the people, so be responsible and diligent with your resume as well!

We hope this guide helps you craft the perfect police officer resume.

If you need further help, head over to our free resume builder , where you’ll find hundreds of ready-made templates that can help you create a brand-new police officer resume!

It’s easy to use, interactive, and just takes a few minutes to whip up a complete, professional resume.

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• • Developed a new call handling procedure which reduced emergency response time by 15%.
• • Handled average 300+ calls per shift accurately assessing urgency and need of dispatch.
• • Received the 'Excellence in Service' award for maintaining a 97% accuracy rate in dispatching police units.
• • Managed emergency situations effectively resulting in 30% reduction in incidents.
• • Implemented a new security training program for staff that improved efficiency by 20%.
• • Initiated a proactive patrolling system, greatly increasing the detection of potential security threats.
• • Led a task force resolving a high-profile case by analyzing and cross-referencing data.
• • Improved criminal data analysis accuracy by 25%, enabling more effective law enforcement.
• • Created a comprehensive criminals database improving police investigations efficiency by 15%.

5 Entry-level Police Officer Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your entry-level police officer resume should showcase your educational background and any relevant coursework. Highlight criminal justice classes or internships that have prepared you for law enforcement duties. Additionally, emphasize any physical fitness activities or certifications that prove you can meet the rigorous demands of the job. Include team sports, fitness achievements, or self-defense training that demonstrate your readiness to serve and protect.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Simple guide to your entry-level police officer resume format, optimizing your entry-level police officer resume experience section, creating your entry-level police officer resume skills section: balancing hard skills and soft skills, highlighting certifications and education on your entry-level police officer resume, summary or objective: making your entry-level police officer resume shine, additional sections to elevate your entry-level police officer resume, key takeaways.

An entry-level police officer often struggles to effectively translate their relevant skills and experiences, such as physical fitness or problem-solving abilities, into a compelling narrative on a resume. Our guide can assist by providing targeted examples and language to help these candidates showcase their unique strengths and value in a manner that appeals to law enforcement hiring panels.

Dive into our entry-level police officer resume guide to:

• Explore top-tier resume examples, offering insights into the industry's best practices.
• Enhance sections like experience, education, and achievements with expert advice.
• Articulate your technical prowess and personal attributes, setting you apart from other candidates.
• Sharpen your focus on the distinct skills that make your entry-level police officer resume resonate with recruiters.

Recommended reads:

• Retired Police Officer resume
• Public Safety Officer resume
• Volunteer Firefighter resume
• 911 Dispatcher resume
• Emergency Dispatcher resume

Successful entry-level police officer resumes all have something in common - candidates invest in a simple resume layout . One that is easy to read, makes a good first impression, and is adapted to their professional experience.

There are three distinct resume formats , which help you focus on different aspects of your resume. Those are:

• A reverse-chronological resume format - puts your most recent experience in the spotlight
• A functional skill-based resume format that makes your transferrable skills the center of attention
• A hybrid resume format - it combines skills and experiences.

What's more, keep in mind that your resume usually goes through an ATS (Applicant Tracker System) (i.e. the software used by companies in the hiring process).

The entry-level police officer resumes that suit the ATS:

• incorporate exact match keywords and skills from the job description;
• should be no longer than two pages;
• should be submitted in a PDF format, unless specified otherwise.

Upload your resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Make sure your resume is ATS compliant and catches the recruiters' attention by tailoring your experience to the specific job requirements. Quantify and highlight why you're the best candidate for the role on the first page of your resume.

Essential components for your entry-level police officer resume:

• Header: Feature your name prominently. If you have a notable degree or certification, append it next to your name. Include contact details, a link to your portfolio, and a concise headline.
• Summary or Objective: Align your professional trajectory and standout achievements with the desired role.
• Experience: Craft concise bullet points, highlighting tangible successes and contributions.
• Skills: Showcase them throughout your resume and consider a dedicated sidebar for emphasis.
• Education & Certifications: Reinforce your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to the industry.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Education and Training: A degree in criminal justice or related field and completion of a police academy training program.
• Physical Fitness: Ability to pass physical fitness tests, including strength, endurance, and agility demonstrations.
• Crisis Management Skills: Experience or training in handling high-stress situations, conflict resolution, and crisis de-escalation.
• Knowledge of Laws and Regulations: Demonstrated understanding of local, state, and federal laws, as well as departmental procedures and protocols.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication skills necessary for interacting with the community, victims, suspects, and inter-departmental personnel.
• Resume Font
• Color on Resume

Your resume's experience section should resonate with your accomplishments while aligning with the job's demands. Here's how:

• Highlight significant career moments, and back them up with relevant skills.
• Analyze the job description to address both basic and advanced requirements.
• If you have unrelated roles, consider a separate section, but emphasize transferable skills.
• Avoid listing roles from over a decade ago unless they showcase your trajectory, especially for senior roles.
• Illustrate how your contributions enhanced the team or company, linking challenges to solutions.

Review how seasoned entry-level police officer professionals have crafted their experience sections, emphasizing their contributions.

• Performed regular patrols and responded to emergency calls, ensuring public safety and crime prevention.
• Conducted thorough investigations into reported crimes, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
• Collaborated with local community organizations to develop and implement crime prevention programs.
• Assisted in traffic control and accident investigations, promoting safe road conditions.
• Received commendation for successfully resolving a high-profile robbery case, resulting in the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.
• Led a specialized task force targeting organized crime groups involved in drug trafficking and illegal firearms distribution.
• Coordinated joint operations with federal law enforcement agencies, resulting in the seizure of over 500 kilograms of illicit drugs.
• Developed and implemented proactive strategies to combat gang-related activities, reducing violent crime rates by 15% in the assigned district.
• Received multiple letters of appreciation for exceptional teamwork and professionalism during critical incidents.
• Provided training and mentorship to new recruits, ensuring their successful integration into the department.
• Served as a school resource officer, establishing positive relationships with students, staff, and parents.
• Implemented a comprehensive anti-bullying campaign, resulting in a 30% decrease in reported incidents within the first year.
• Conducted educational presentations on personal safety, drug awareness, and cybercrime prevention to students of all ages.
• Collaborated with the school administration to develop emergency response plans and conduct regular drills.
• Received the 'Officer of the Year' award for outstanding dedication to the safety and well-being of the school community.
• Led a community policing initiative aimed at building trust and cooperation between law enforcement and local residents.
• Organized neighborhood watch programs and facilitated community meetings to address concerns and develop solutions.
• Implemented data-driven strategies to target high-crime areas, resulting in a 25% reduction in overall crime rates.
• Conducted specialized training on de-escalation techniques for fellow officers, enhancing their conflict resolution skills.
• Established partnerships with social service agencies to connect vulnerable populations with necessary resources.
• Investigated and apprehended suspects involved in white-collar crimes, including fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft.
• Collaborated with financial institutions and regulatory agencies to gather evidence and build strong cases against perpetrators.
• Analyzed complex financial transactions and conducted forensic accounting investigations to uncover illicit activities.
• Provided expert testimony in court proceedings, explaining intricate financial concepts to jurors and judges.
• Developed fraud prevention training programs for businesses, resulting in a 30% decrease in reported fraudulent incidents.
• Supervised a team of patrol officers, ensuring the enforcement of laws and departmental policies.
• Developed and implemented a performance evaluation system to assess officers' productivity and adherence to protocols.
• Collaborated with community leaders and stakeholders to address public safety concerns and improve police-community relations.
• Managed the department's budget, allocating resources effectively to optimize operational efficiency.
• Implemented a new records management system, streamlining data entry and retrieval processes.
• Responded to emergency calls and provided immediate medical assistance to injured individuals at accident scenes.
• Coordinated with paramedics and fire department personnel to stabilize patients before their transport to hospitals.
• Trained fellow officers in basic first aid and CPR techniques, enhancing the department's emergency response capabilities.
• Provided support to detectives during major crime investigations, assisting in evidence collection and witness interviews.
• Received a departmental commendation for exemplary performance under high-pressure situations.
• Using advanced data analysis tools, identified crime patterns and hotspot areas to guide proactive policing strategies.
• Collaborated with IT specialists to develop a mobile application for citizens to report non-emergency incidents, enhancing community engagement.
• Conducted digital forensics and online investigations to track and apprehend cybercriminals involved in fraud and identity theft.
• Provided expert testimony on digital evidence in court, explaining complex technical concepts to judges and juries.
• Developed and delivered cybersecurity workshops for small businesses, equipping them with tools to protect against cyber threats.
• Led a specialized narcotics unit tasked with investigating drug trafficking networks and conducting undercover operations.
• Coordinated surveillance activities and executed search warrants resulting in the seizure of large quantities of illicit drugs.
• Developed confidential informants and cultivated intelligence sources to gather actionable information.
• Provided training to patrol officers on recognizing drug-related behaviors and conducting field interviews.
• Received a commendation for exemplary leadership skills and dedication to combating drug-related crimes.
• Investigated and solved complex homicide cases, collaborating closely with forensic experts and crime scene technicians.
• Conducted extensive interviews with witnesses and suspects, gathering crucial evidence to build strong prosecutable cases.
• Utilized advanced surveillance techniques and technology to identify and track potential suspects.
• Testified as an expert witness in court proceedings, providing detailed analysis of crime scene evidence.
• Supervised a team of detectives, ensuring efficient case management and effective allocation of investigative resources.

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Include the number of cases you've successfully handled, showcasing your ability to manage and resolve incidents effectively.
• Highlight the size of the team you were a part of or led in police training exercises, demonstrating your teamwork or leadership skills.
• List any quantifiable improvements in crime rates in areas where you have patrolled, indicating your effectiveness in maintaining law and order.
• Indicate the number of community outreach events you participated in, which demonstrates your community involvement and commitment to public safety.
• Mention the number of times you've been commended or recognized for your work, showing your dedication and exceptional performance in duty.
• Specify the hours of professional development or advanced training programs completed, displaying your commitment to continuous learning and skill enhancement.
• Add the number of emergency situations you have responded to, reflecting your ability to perform under pressure.
• Report the percentage reduction in complaints (if applicable) during your service period, suggesting your professionalism and positive interaction with the public.

No experience, no problem: writing your entry-level police officer resume

You're set on the entry-level police officer role of your dreams. Yet, you have little to no work experience . Here's how you can curate your resume to substitute your lack of experience:

• Don't list every single role you've had so far, but focus on the ones that align with the job you're applying for
• Include any valid experience in the field - whether it's a university research project, or a summer internship
• Highlight the soft skills you're bringing along - those that will have an added value to your application.
• Focus on your education and certifications, especially if they make sense for the role.
• Targeted Resume
• How to Write Your First Job Resume Guide

Ensure your entry-level police officer experience descriptions resonate with both tech-savvy and non-tech audiences. Adopting a consistent format, such as task-action-result, can lend clarity and coherence to your experience section.

Recruiters hiring for entry-level police officer roles are always keen on hiring candidates with relevant technical and people talents.

Hard skills or technical ones are quite beneficial for the industry - as they refer to your competency with particular software and technologies.

Meanwhile, your soft (or people) skills are quite crucial to yours and the company's professional growth as they detail how you'd cooperate and interact in your potential environment.

Here's how to describe your hard and soft skill set in your entry-level police officer resume:

• Consider what the key job requirements are and list those towards the top of your skills section.
• Think of individual, specific skills that help you stand out amongst competitors, and detail how they've helped you succeed in the past.
• Look to the future of the industry and list all software/ technologies which are forward-facing.
• Create a separate, technical skills section to supplement your experience and further align with the entry-level police officer job advert.

Find the perfect balance between your resume hard and soft skills with our two lists.

Top skills for your entry-level police officer resume

Knowledge of law enforcement principles and procedures

Ability to operate police equipment and technology

Physical fitness

First-aid/CPR certification

Firearm handling skills

Defensive driving techniques

Crisis management skills

Surveillance and observation techniques

Knowledge in crime scene preservation

Basic computer and software skills

Interpersonal communication

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Ethical judgment

Stress management

Physical courage

Empathy and compassion

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Double-check the spelling of all skills and tools on your resume. Remember, software like the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) scans for these details.

Your academic achievements, including certifications and degrees, bolster your application. They showcase your skills and commitment to the field.

To effectively present these on your resume:

• Highlight significant academic achievements or recognitions relevant to the role.
• Be selective; prioritize the most relevant and impressive certifications.
• Include essential details: certificate/degree name, institution, graduation dates, and license numbers (if applicable).
• Present your academic background in reverse chronological order, emphasizing the most recent and relevant qualifications.

For further guidance, explore popular industry certifications.

Best certifications to list on your resume

The reputation of the institution or organization granting your certification or degree can bolster your credibility. Prioritize recognized and respected credentials.

• High School on Resume
• GPA on Resume

Start your resume with a strong summary or objective to grab the recruiter's attention.

• Use a resume objective if you're newer to the field. Share your career dreams and strengths.
• Opt for a resume summary if you have more experience. Highlight up to five of your top achievements.

Tailor your summary or objective for each job. Think about what the recruiter wants to see.

Resume summary and objective examples for a entry-level police officer resume

• Entry-Level Police Officer with a year of experience in maintaining peace, reducing fear, and promoting the rule of law. Proficient in patrol strategies, investigative procedures, and crime scene management, with a notable achievement of significantly improving community-police relationships in previous precinct.
• Armed with two years of experience as a police officer, adept at emergency response, conducting patrols, and enforcing local laws and ordinances. Showcased exceptional leadership skills in coordinating team efforts during high-pressure situations, resulting in increased case resolution rates.
• Dynamic shift leader from a retail background seeking to leverage excellent communication skills, conflict resolution abilities, and crisis management acumen into a career as an Entry-Level Police Officer. Armed with CPR and First Aid certification, ready to apply transferable skills to serve and protect the community.
• High-energy teacher ready to transition into a career as a Police Officer. Possessing impeccable record-keeping skills, commendable interpersonal communication acumen, and resilience under stress. Experienced in managing challenging situations calmly and effectively; ready to bring these skills to support law enforcement duties.
• Eager to launch a career in law enforcement, bringing exceptional physical fitness and a keen interest in criminal justice. Aim to utilize a remarkable understanding of conflict resolution techniques and problem-solving skills to maintain order and safety within the community.
• Aspiring to serve my community as a Police Officer, utilizing a strong academic background in criminology, superior interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm under stressful scenarios. Committed to contributing to a safer community by enforcing laws, reducing fear, and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and citizens.

To further differentiate your entry-level police officer application, consider adding sections like:

• Publications
• Hobbies (only if they align with the job or showcase relevant skills).

These sections can further demonstrate your technical acumen and interpersonal skills.

• Your resume should be a curated narrative, highlighting your alignment with the role's requirements.
• Strategically position your skills, balancing both technical and interpersonal strengths.
• Be selective in detailing experiences, focusing on relevance and impact.
• Utilize the summary or objective to offer a snapshot of your professional essence.
• Across all sections, prioritize authenticity and clarity, ensuring your resume resonates with the entry-level police officer role you're eyeing.

Looking to build your own Entry-Level Police Officer resume?

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Police Chief resume example

Are you ready to run your own police department and make important changes to protect and support the local community?

If you’ve got what it takes to lead a team, meet departmental goals, and deliver public safety services, then you need to serve up an impressive resume that will secure you an interview.

But if you’re in need of a little inspiration to get you started, make the most of our police chief resume example and detailed writing guide below.

Resume templates 

Police Chief Resume Example

From the Police Chief resume example  above, you can see the kind of information your resume will need to include, and the layout you will need to create for an easy-reading experience.

The rest of this guide will show you how to apply this format to your own unique situation, and create a resume that will attract the best employers in your industry.

Police Chief resume layout and format

When it comes to holding the attention of recruiting managers, the format and layout of your resume play a key role.

Your resume needs to strike a perfect balance between looking awesome, and being easy for recruiters to read (which is not always easy to achieve)

Use the following formatting tips to get started.

Formatting your resume

• Length: To ensure that recruiters will read all of your resume, limit its length to 2 pages – as they someteimes read hundreds of resumes daily.
• Font & readability : The key to an effective resume is its readability, so it’s best to use a clear and simple font and format it with bullet points and short paragraphs to make it easy for recruiters to read through quickly.
• Layout & Structure: Your resume’s design must strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Using bold headings and borders to organize the page into clear sections is an effective way to achieve both.
• Photos: While a photo is not usually necessary on your resume in the United States, it may be beneficial to include one in regions and industries where it is customary.

Quick tip: Achieving a professional look for your resume can be difficult and time-consuming. If you want to create an attractive resume quickly, try our quick-and-easy Resume Builder and use one of their eye-catching resume templates.

Resume layout

Include the following sections when you write your resume .

• Name and contact details – Make it easy for employers to contact you, by putting these at the top.
• Resume summary – An intro paragraph sitting at the top of your resume, summarizing the reasons why you should be hired.
• Skills section – A short snappy list of your most important skills, that can be quickly digested
• Work experience – Reverse chronological list of your previous jobs – voluntary work and college placements can be included if you have no paid experience.
• Education – List your qualifications and professional training.
• Additional info – An optional section for things like hobbies and interests.

Here’s what to include in each part of your resume.

Contact Details

Add your name and contact details to the very top of your resume, making it easy for recruiters to get in touch

• Name and profession title
• Cell phone number – or another number you can answer quickly
• Location – Add your local area such as San Diego or New York – not your full address as that will take up too much space.
• Email address – Use your name or close variation – no nicknames from high school.

You can add a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one – you do not need to include personal details like date of birth or marital status.

Police Chief Resume Summary

Now it’s time to get into the real content of your resume, starting with the summary.

Your resume summary is a short paragraph at the top of the document, and its jobs is to catch the eye of hiring managers by summarizing all your skills and knowledge that are most important to the roles you are applying for.

How to create a resume summary that will excite recruiters:

• Keep it short: To effectively capture a recruiter’s attention, it’s crucial to keep your resume summary brief and to the point, limiting it to 4-7 lines as this provides enough detail without overwhelming them at this early stage.
• Tailor to target jobs: By carefully reviewing the job description and incorporating as many relevant skills as possible, you can customize your resume to better match your target jobs.
• Avoid using cliches: You may be a “ team player who always give 110%” but generic phrases don’t tell employers much about you in reality – stick to factual information.

Police Chief resume summary example

What to include in your police chief resume summary.

• Summary of your experience: What type of organizations have you worked at? What types of roles have you done and what have you contributed to previous employers?
• Relevant skills: Highlight your skills which are most relevant to Police Chief jobs, to ensure that recruiters see your most in-demand skills as soon as they open your resume.
• Qualifications: Showcase your level of education with a quick mention of any qualifications that are essential for the Police Chief roles you are applying to.

Quick tip: Choose from hundreds of pre-written summaries across all industries, and add one to your resume with one-click in our quick-and-easy Resume Builder . All written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset and style.

Core skills section

Sitting just underneath your resume summary, your core skills section gives recruiters 4-10 of your most in-demand skills in just a glance.

As Police Chief jobs may get hundreds of applications, this is a great way to stand out and quickly grab hiring managers’ attention.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points and highlight attributes that are hyper-relevant to the jobs you are aiming for.

Best skills for your Police Chief resume

Law Enforcement Leadership – Leading and managing a police department, setting strategic direction, and ensuring effective execution of law enforcement activities.

Public Safety Management – Managing public safety initiatives, implementing policies, and coordinating resources to ensure the safety and security of the community.

Emergency Response and Crisis Management – Managing emergency situations, coordinating response efforts, and effectively handling crisis incidents.

Policy Development and Implementation – Developing and implementing policies and procedures that align with legal requirements, community needs, and law enforcement best practices.

Budgeting and Resource Management – Managing department budgets, allocating resources effectively, and making strategic financial decisions to support department objectives.

Community Engagement – Building strong relationships with the community, fostering trust, and implementing community-oriented policing strategies to enhance public safety.

Staff Development and Training – Developing and implementing training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of police personnel, ensuring continuous professional development.

Criminal Investigation – Utilizing knowledge of investigative techniques, evidence collection, and criminal case management to effectively lead and support complex investigations.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation – Assessing potential risks and implementing proactive measures to prevent crime, enhance officer safety, and protect community members.

Collaborative Partnerships – Building and maintaining partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders to address public safety challenges and implement joint initiatives.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy Resume Builder contains thousands of in-demand skills for every profession that can be added to your resume in seconds – saving you time and greatly improving your chances of landing job interviews and getting hired.

Work experience

So, you’ve got the recruiter interested with your catchy summary… Great work.

Now it’s time to show them the impact you make in the workplace by listing out your previous jobs and what you achieved in each one.

If you have tons of experience, you can condense this part down to the last few years – if you are junior, then you should include as much possible (even volunteering and school work placements)

Structuring your jobs

It’s easy to overwhelm readers when writing about a job you have been doing for years or even months.

Break the information up like this to keep it simple for recruiters to understand.

Job outline

Start with a 1-2 sentence outline of the role, summarizing what the goal of your position was, who you reported to (or managed) and the type of organization you worked for.

Key responsibilities

Next, write up a punchy list of your daily duties and responsibilities, using short bullet points.

Describe how you apply your skills and contribute to the running of the employer’s business – highlighting skills which are applicable to your target jobs.

Key achievements

Round off each job by adding some impressive achievements you made in the role.

Anything you’ve done that has made a big impact on your employer will make a good impression, think; generating revenue, saving costs, or improving a product.

Quantify your achievements with number where possible e.g. “reduced call wait time by 10%”

Example job for Police Chief resume

Lead and manage a progressive law enforcement team in serving a diverse population of over 400,000 residents in Orange County, ensuring the safety and security of residents through community-focused policing strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans to enhance public safety and build community trust
• Oversee the development and implementation of proactive crime prevention initiatives, including neighborhood watch programs and community outreach events
• Foster collaborative partnerships with community organizations and local government
• Direct and coordinate law enforcement operations, ensuring efficient resource allocation, effective deployment of personnel, and adherence to legal and ethical standards

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy Resume Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education section

Nearing the end of your resume, your education/qualifications section should be added.

In a well-structured list, add all of your qualifications and certifications that qualify you to perform a typical Police Chief role.

If you have plenty of work experience, keep this section brief – if not, add lots of detail to make up for your lack of experience.

Additional information

The additional info section is optional but can be useful if you have anything else to add that could benefit your application.

For example, you may have some hobbies and interests that are relevant to your job – or you might have awards or publications to shout about.

Writing your own winning Police Chief resume

Crafting a strong Police Chief resume can be a daunting task, but implementing the steps outlined above will significantly increase your chances of securing multiple interview opportunities.

Good luck with your job search!

More From Forbes

The ultimate guide to writing a career change resume.

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Changing careers doesn’t have to be difficult. It all starts with a resume crafted to highlight your ... [+] transferrable skills.

Your resume is one of the most critical tools during a career transition. Crafted thoughtfully, a career change resume can effectively highlight transferable skills and experiences from your old career to the new one, showcasing you as a prime candidate for your dream job .

Career change resumes offer a different narrative of a person’s experience versus someone looking to advance in their current industry. Transferrable skills are the most important to highlight.

What Success Looks Like In A Career Change

A successful career change doesn’t necessarily mean starting over. It can involve leveraging existing skills in a new context or applying knowledge from one industry to another. Success is about finding a role where you can make a meaningful contribution, and it often requires a blend of determination and strategic planning. The story you tell so far in your career that paints you as the right person for the job is vital to your resume being seen by the hiring manager.

Step-By-Step Guide To Writing Your Career Change Resume

It’s a fine line between highlighting what makes you unique and ensuring your document aligns with industry expectations. Here’s how to do it right.

Identify Your Transferrable Skills

Before opening a Word document or choosing a resume template, the first step is to take stock of your skills. Begin by closely examining your previous roles and jotting down the skills they entailed. Try categorizing them into hard skills—like technical skills and software proficiencies—and soft skills—such as communication and leadership abilities.

The Missing Factor In Explanations Of China’s Economic Distress: Covid (Part 1: The Cover-Up)

Your best look yet at the new iphone 16, arrowhead tells helldivers 2 players to change reviews to negative over psn linking, brainstorm your narrative.

What is your career change story? Who’s the audience that will be listening to it? These are the overarching questions that will guide your resume writing process. You’ll want to combine your reasons for changing careers with your past experiences and future aspirations.

When crafting your career change narrative, consider these critical questions to create a cohesive and compelling story:

• What motivated your career change? Reflect on the reasons behind your decision to shift careers. Was it a pursuit of passion, a need for a new challenge or an inevitable industry change affecting your previous role?
• How do your past experiences contribute to your new direction? Evaluate how your previous roles have equipped you with unique skills and perspectives that will benefit your target industry or role.
• What accomplishments in your career thus far can illustrate your suitability for this new path? Identify specific achievements that demonstrate your capability and readiness for the change.
• How have you prepared for the transition? Consider any additional training, courses or self-led learning you’ve undertaken to bridge any skill gaps.
• What are your long-term goals in this new career? Define what success looks like for you in this new field and how you plan to achieve it.

Choosing The Right Resume Format

The format of your resume is dependent on your career trajectory. A functional resume may be the best way to draw attention to your skills if you’re making a big career leap. A hybrid resume, which combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats, can also work well for career changers, as it allows you to detail your skills while still providing a job history.

Elements Of A Stand-Out Career Change Resume

The typical resume sections are still relevant: Skills, competencies, accolades, experience, volunteer work, education and training. For career changers, add a snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table. Think of a snapshot as your elevator pitch. Instead of explaining what you are looking for, you highlight your top accolades, position and projects you’re currently working on; it shouldn’t be any longer than three sentences.

For example, “I’m Jane Doe, a marketing professional who brought the newest Target campaign to 100 million Instagram accounts. I’ve excelled in connecting influencers with top brands and have hosted over 150 brand activations.”

Make sure to include all the important elements on your resume to make you stand out. Having a short ... [+] story or narrative of who you are also helps.

Words and Phrases To Include In Resume

When it comes to the actual writing, it’s essential to use language that speaks to both your old and your new career. Choose words and phrases relevant to the job you’re applying for, but also aim to include industry-specific terms from your previous career to highlight the breadth of your experience.

• Cross-functional expertise: Demonstrates the ability to work across various departments, enhancing team synergy and project outcomes.
• Quick Learner: Indicates your capacity to rapidly acquire new knowledge and skills, reducing the learning curve in a new role.
• Innovative Thinker: Shows your capability to think creatively and bring new ideas to the table, driving progress.
• Versatile Professional: Indicates a broad skillset and flexibility, positioning you as a candidate capable of handling various responsibilities

Do’s And Don’ts Of Resume Etiquette

• Do focus on your achievements and how they demonstrate your capabilities, not just the tasks you’ve performed.
• Do quantify your accomplishments with numbers or percentages whenever possible to add weight to your claims.
• Don’t include unrelated job experiences that don’t align with the position you’re targeting.
• Don’t gloss over any employment gaps resulting from your career change. Instead, use these gaps to explain how you spent that time productively, such as through continuing education or volunteer work.

Your career change resume aims to get your foot in the door for an interview. Invest time in perfecting your career change resume, and you’ll find that employers will be more than willing to listen to the rest of your story.

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Mom of 3 sent ‘chilling’ text to best friend before boyfriend killed her, police say

BAMBERG COUNTY, S.C. ( WIS /Gray News) - A mother of three in South Carolina sent a chilling text to her best friend before her boyfriend allegedly shot and killed her, according to authorities.

Deputies said 25-year-old Megan Bodiford was last heard from on April 25, when she texted a friend that she feared 28-year-old Jarrett Davis was going to kill her.

A few days later, she was reported missing.

It was then that deputies executed a search warrant at the couple’s home and took Davis into custody on an active domestic violence arrest warrant, WIS reported.

When deputies arrived, Bodiford was nowhere to be found, but her 4-month-old baby was there.

Five days later, human remains were found in a burnt car along a dirt road. The grisly discovery is less than two miles from Bodiford’s last known location, WIS reported.

Davis was arrested and charged with murder, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, unlawful possession of a firearm, arson, and desecration of human remains.

“It’s gut-wrenching because he did not have to do all of that at all,” said Stephanie Nickens, one of Bodiford’s cousins. “I keep having this thought in my mind of how fearful she was in that moment.”

Nickens said she hopes Bodiford will be remembered for how she lived, and not for her tragic death.

“I want everyone to focus on what a beautiful soul she had, just a wonderful mother that she was,” she said. “She loved being around people.”

Officials have not yet released an identification for the remains that were found. DNA and dental records need to be studied first.

Davis is currently being held at the Bamberg County Detention Center.

A GoFundMe has been created to help assist Bodiford’s children in the aftermath of her death.

Copyright 2024 WIS via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Police officer hiring in US increases in 2023 after years of decline, survey shows

FILE - Police tape cordons off the scene of a crime in Levittown, Pa., Saturday, March 16, 2024. Police departments reported a year-over-year increase in sworn officers in 2023 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began and since the 2020 police killing of George Floyd spurred nationwide protests and increased scrutiny of police, according to a survey released by the Police Executive Research Forum. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

FILE - Shown is a Philadelphia police car with flashing lights in Philadelphia, Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. Police departments reported a year-over-year increase in sworn officers in 2023 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began and since the 2020 police killing of George Floyd spurred nationwide protests and increased scrutiny of police, according to a survey released by the Police Executive Research Forum. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Police departments across the United States are reporting an increase in their ranks for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 killing of George Floyd, which led to a historic exodus of officers, a survey shows.

More sworn officers were hired in 2023 than in any one of the previous four years, and fewer officers overall resigned or retired, according to the 214 law enforcement agencies that responded to a survey by the Police Executive Research Forum, or PERF.

Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police officers spurred nationwide protests against police brutality and heightened scrutiny of law enforcement.

As more and more officers left, many of the departments had to redeploy stretched resources by shifting officers away from investigative work or quality of life issues such as abandoned vehicles or noise violations to handle increases in crime and, in some cases, the shortages meant slower response times or limiting responses to emergencies only, police officials say.

“I just think that the past four years have been particularly challenging for American policing,” said Chuck Wexler, executive director of PERF, a nonprofit policing think tank based in Washington, D.C. “And our survey shows we’re finally starting to turn a corner.”

Individual departments are turning that corner at different rates, however, according to Wexler, who noted many are still struggling to attract and keep officers.

As a whole, the profession “isn’t out of the woods yet,” he said.

The Associated Press left phone and email messages with several unions and police departments to ask about increased hiring.

The survey shows that while small and medium departments had more sworn officers than they did in January 2020, large departments are still more than 5% below their staffing levels from that time, even with a year-over-year increase from 2022 to 2023.

The survey also showed smaller departments with fewer than 50 officers are still struggling with a higher rate of resignations and retirements.

The survey asked only for numbers, Wexler said, so it’s hard to say whether those officers are leaving for larger departments or leaving the profession altogether. He also said smaller departments, which account for 80% of agencies nationwide, were underrepresented in the responses PERF received.

Many larger departments have increased officer pay or started offering incentives such as signing bonuses for experienced officers who are willing to transfer, something smaller departments can’t really compete with. At least a dozen smaller departments have disbanded , leaving the municipalities they once served to rely on state or county help for policing.

But even some of the highest-paying large departments are still struggling to get new hires in the door.

“I don’t think it’s all about money. I think it’s about the way people perceive their job and feel they are going to be supported,” Wexler said. “You have West Coast departments that are paying six figures, but still seeing major challenges in hiring.”

In addition to pay and bonuses, many agencies are reexamining their application requirements and hiring processes.

Wexler believes some of those changes make sense, including allowing visible tattoos, reweighing the importance of past financial issues and processing applicants’ background checks faster. But he cautioned that PERF does not support lowering standards for training or for applicants.

Maria “Maki” Haberfeld, chair of the Department of Law, Police Science and Criminal Justice Administration at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, says departments have been too focused on officer numbers. She worries some are lowering education requirements and other standards to bolster numbers instead of trying to find the best people to police their communities.

“Policing is a real profession that requires more skills and more education than people can understand,” she said. “It’s not about tattoos or running a mile in 15 minutes. It’s really more about emotional intelligence, maturity and making those split-second decisions that don’t use deadly force.”

Haberfeld also cautioned that any staffing gains made through incentives could easily be erased, especially as officers, including some in riot gear, have been seen breaking up protests against the Israel-Hamas war at universities across the country.

“In policing, it takes decades to move forward and a split second for the public attitude to deteriorate,” she said.

PERF’s survey showed a more than a 20% drop in resignations overall, from a high of almost 6,500 in 2022 to fewer than 5,100 in 2023. They are still up over early pandemic levels in 2020, however, when a few more than 4,000 officers resigned across all responding departments.

As with the hiring increases, the rate of decrease in retirements tended to depend on the size of the departments. There were fewer retirements in 2023 than in 2019 at large departments, slightly more retirements at medium departments and elevated retirements at small departments. The survey found a steep drop in resignations at large agencies with 250 or more officers and medium-size agencies with between 50 and 249 officers.

In addition to pay and benefit increases, the improved retention can be partly attributed to a shift in how some public officials view their public safety departments, Wexler says.

“We went from having public discourse about defunding the police just a few years ago to public officials waking up to the fact their workforce is leaving,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any question that there has been a sea change among political leaders.”

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By Dalia Faheid, Liz Enochs, Catherine Nicholls, Antoinette Radford, Maureen Chowdhury, Jack Forrest, Zoe Sottile and Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN

Our live updates on campus protests across the US have moved here .

UCLA to resume regular operations Monday

From CNN's Cindy Von Quednow and Paradise Afshar

The University of California, Los Angeles, will return to regular operations Monday and “plans to remain this way through the rest of the week,” campus officials said in a  post online .

“Faculty are encouraged to resume in-person instruction as soon as possible, but may continue to conduct courses remotely at their discretion through next Friday, May 10, without the need for departmental authorization. Students will hear from instructors directly,” the post detailed. 

Exams for the law school will continue as scheduled, and the university’s extension program will also resume in person.

UCLA canceled classes last week following a night marred by violence after pro-Palestinian protesters were attacked by masked men for hours without police intervention.

Officials said students, faculty and staff are advised to avoid the area of Royce Quad, between Royce Hall and the Powell Library, while repairs in the vicinity continue.

“A law enforcement presence continues to be stationed around campus to help promote safety,” the post read. 

Campus protests and commencement: Here's what happened at US universities this weekend

From CNN staff

Commencement ceremonies began at colleges and universities across the US this weekend, while administrators continue to grapple with major protests on campus.

Demands vary, but most of the demonstrators are calling for their schools to divest from companies and other entities that they say support or benefit from Israel's war in Gaza .

Here are some of the scenes that played out across the country Saturday and Sunday:

• University of Southern California: Police cleared a pro-Palestinian protest encampment at USC without making any arrests Sunday, the school said in a statement. It was the second time the school dismantled an encampment at the Los Angeles university. School President Carol Folt said in a statement that the protesters had chosen to "break the law" and that encampments won't be tolerated on campus.
• DePaul University: Chicago police were called on campus at DePaul University to  help manage a large demonstration Sunday, the school said. CNN video showed large crowds of police, protesters and counter-protesters, but no obvious signs of violence or vandalism as of early evening at the school.
• University of California, Los Angeles: UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block said Sunday that "urgent changes" were needed with the school's safety operations after violence during recent protests on campus. The university also said it would resume regular operations Monday, and plans to hold some in-person instruction through the rest of the week.
• Art Institute of Chicago: Police said they arrested 68 people, including students from the affiliated School of the Art Institute of Chicago, during a demonstration at the museum Saturday. An institute spokesperson said protesters had “shoved a security officer and stole their keys to the museum, blocked emergency exits, and barricaded gates,” and that demonstrators had refused an offer to move to a new location.
• The University of Michigan:  Pro-Palestinian protesters  were removed  from the university's main commencement ceremony in Ann Arbor on Saturday after briefly interrupting the proceedings. No one was arrested, according to the university's deputy police chief. A protest also disrupted a smaller ceremony on the campus Friday.
• The University of Virginia:  Police cleared out pro-Palestinian protesters and  took down tents  near the center of the Charlottesville campus on Saturday. A line of officers in riot gear approached the group of protesters Saturday afternoon, grabbing away umbrellas and tossing them aside, before pushing forward to a line of tents and canopies, video from CNN affiliate WVIR showed. UVA said  25 people were arrested  for trespassing.

UCLA creates new safety office and vows "urgent changes" after recent violence on campus

From CNN’s Cindy Von Quednow 

The University of California, Los Angeles, says it will change the school’s security operations in light of the violence at recent campus protests over the war in Gaza.

Chancellor Gene D. Block announced the move Sunday, saying it is clear that "urgent changes are needed in how we administer safety operations" in order to best protect the school community. He also committed to a "thorough investigation of our security processes."

Block said oversight and management of the UCLA Police Department and the Office of Emergency Management is moving to a newly created Office of Campus Safety. The office's leader will report directly to Block, the chancellor  explained in a statement . 

“It is clear that UCLA needs a unit and leader whose sole responsibility is campus safety to guide us through tense times,” Block said.

Block also announced that Rick Braziel, the former chief of the Sacramento Police Department, will lead the office as its associate vice chancellor. Braziel has more than 30 years of experience in public safety, served as an instructor in community policing, and has led reviews of law enforcement departments and police responses, the chancellor said. 

Some context: The change comes after protesters calling for an end to the war in Gaza and the university's divestment from Israel set up an encampment on UCLA's campus.

School officials called in the police, who appeared to fire rubber bullets while clearing out the demonstrators. Masked men were also seen attacking the pro-Palestinian encampment for hours without police intervention, punching, hitting and kicking the protesters, according to video from the scene and witness accounts.

Block acknowledged in his statement that recent events had "strained trust within our community," but did not reference a specific incident.

USC protesters chose to "break the law," university president says after police clear encampment

Demonstrators who rebuilt an encampment on the University of Southern California campus in Los Angeles “repeatedly chose to ignore university policies designed to benefit everyone, and to break the law,” the school's President Carol Folt said in a  statement Sunday .

The encampment was dismantled by the Los Angeles Police Department and USC’s Department of Public Safety for a second time  early Sunday morning local time.

Folt echoed the university's earlier statement that Sunday's operation was “peaceful.” The school did not report any arrests, and students interviewed by CNN affiliate KABC said there was a less chaotic atmosphere than the last time police cracked down on campus.

Folt said students are returning to campus to prepare for finals, and that setup for the school's modified commencement plans is in “full swing.” 

“Despite our efforts to de-escalate, the occupation was spiraling in a dangerous direction over the last several days,” Folt said. “This had to stop.” 

People were harassed, campus property was stolen and defaced, commencement structures were dismantled, and campus police officers were assaulted by people from outside the university who “jumped the perimeter fencing,” Folt alleged. 

“We will not tolerate illegal encampments of any kind at USC,” she said.

More background: Folt has previously said she had at least two  meetings with encampment protesters  and brought "specific proposals that would address concerns they had" about the school's endowment, but the two sides did not come to an agreement.

While demands vary, student protesters have generally called on universities to divest from companies and other entities that they say support or benefit from Israel's war in Gaza .

A USC professor who has  criticized the school's response  to protests told CNN last week that the university's decision to  cancel its Muslim valedictorian's commencement speech , citing safety concerns, served as a catalyst for demonstrations there.

Video shows LAPD clearing encampments at USC:

Chicago police are on DePaul’s campus to help manage large protest, university says

From CNN’s Chris Boyette, Sarah Dewberry and Brad Parks

Chicago police are on campus at DePaul University Sunday after the school said pro-Palestinian protests had “escalated” beyond the campus safety office's control.

Video shot by CNN at the scene shows large crowds of police, protesters and counter-protesters, but no obvious signs of violence or vandalism.

"​Today’s protest escalated requiring intervention beyond DePaul’s Office of Public Safety,” the university  said in a statement .

“The Chicago Police Department is on the scene to ensure the safety and wellbeing of DePaul’s students, faculty, staff and community. We have alerted the campus community to avoid the area."

The university  posted online  about a heavy police presence on the Lincoln Park Quad, advising anyone on campus to remain indoors.

CNN has reached out to the Chicago Police Department for more information.

Watch video of the protest:

Number of arrests at the Art Institute of Chicago on Saturday updated to nearly 70

From CNN’s Chris Boyette

The Chicago Police Department said Sunday that it arrested 68 people during a demonstration at the Art Institute of Chicago on Saturday.

Authorities had previously said they arrested around 50 people , including students from the affiliated School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Police provided a timeline on the lead-up to the arrests, saying they first issued a warning to disperse at 4:11 p.m. local time, then issued a second warning to disperse at 4:20 p.m.

“The third and final warning was issued at 4:30 p.m. The demonstrators were given another opportunity to leave without arrest, which several did,”  police said .

“Following these warnings, ​dozens of demonstrators were arrested for criminal trespass to property. Within 20 minutes of the final warning, the area was cleared.”

The police statement did not specify what other charges those arrested might face.

CNN has reached out to school administrators for information about how many of those taken into custody were students.

USC's main campus has reopened

University of Southern California’s main campus has reopened to students, faculty and staff after a protest encampment was cleared by the Los Angeles Police Department and school law enforcement early Sunday, university officials  announced on X . 

Valid school identification is required to enter the University Park campus, USC officials said.

“Tents and related equipment remain prohibited on campus and will be subject to immediate confiscation,” the post reads.

Some background: USC has seen weeks of anti-war protests at its Los Angeles campus, and the pro-Palestinian encampment cleared Sunday was not the first to form at the school in recent days.

A USC professor who has  criticized the school's response  to protests told CNN last week that the university's decision to  cancel its Muslim valedictorian's commencement speech , citing safety concerns, served as a catalyst for demonstrations there. The school later canceled its main commencement ceremony altogether.

USC's President Carol Folt has had at least two meetings with encampment protesters and says she brought "specific proposals that would address concerns they had" about the school's endowment, but the two sides did not come to an agreement.

Here's where university protesters have been arrested across the US so far

From CNN's Alex Leeds Matthews, Krystina Shveda, Amy O'Kruk and Renée Rigdon

The number of campus protesters arrested at demonstrations across the US has continued to rise since the first demonstrators were  detained at Columbia University  two weeks ago.

More than 250 protesters were arrested on May 2, after April 30 saw the largest number of arrests in a day since protests began with nearly 400, according to a CNN review of university and law enforcement statements.

More than 2,200 people have been arrested on college and university campuses since April 18, according to CNN's ongoing review .

This map shows where people have been taken into custody so far:

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2024 NHL Playoffs bracket: Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule, start times, TV channels for Round 2

The stars punched their ticket to the second round with a game 7 win over the golden knights.

The Boston Bruins are advancing to the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs after once again defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in a Game 7. On Saturday night, David Pastrnak scored in overtime to send Boston through to the next round and send Toronto packing.

The Maple Leafs and Bruins played to a 1-1 tie through three periods, and Toronto was one shot away from getting a playoff gorilla off its back. However, it was an all too familiar story for the Maple Leafs as Pastrnak zoomed into the zone, picked up a loose puck and beat Ilya Samsonov for the game-winner. Now, the Bruins will take on the Panthers in the second round.

While the conference semifinals began on Sunday with the New York Rangers taking on the Carolina Hurricanes, the final matchup of the opening round was decided. The Dallas Stars came away with a hard-fought 2-1 win against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 7. Now the Stars will take on the Colorado Avalanche.

The structure of the playoffs is as follows:

• The division winner with the most points in each conference will face the second Wild Card team in the first round. The division winner with fewer points in each conference will match up with the top Wild Card team in the first round.
• Each series will be a best-of-seven format.
• Home-ice advantage goes to the team with the top seed in the first two rounds of the playoffs. The team with the most points in the regular season has home-ice advantage in the conference finals and Stanley Cup Final.

Below is how you can follow each series in the first round along with updating results and scores from each game. Bookmark this page for the duration of the playoff run to stay up to date with everything on the ice.

Stanley Cup Playoffs viewing information

TV:  ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, TNT, SN, SNE, SNW Stream:  fuboTV ( try for free ) Follow:  CBS Sports App

All times Eastern (* if necessary)

Second round

Eastern conference.

(1) New York Rangers vs. (2) Carolina Hurricanes

Game 1: | Rangers 4, Hurricanes 3  | Recap Game 2: | Tuesday, May 7, 7 p.m. | at NY | TV: ESPN Game 3: | Thursday, May 9 7 p.m. | at CAR | TV: TNT Game 4: | Saturday, May 11, TBD | at CAR | TV: TNT Game 5*: | Monday, May 13, TBD | at NY | TV: TBD Game 6*: | Thursday, May 16, TBD | at CAR | TV: TBD Game 7*: | Saturday, May 18, TBD | at NY | TV: TBD

(1) Florida Panthers vs. (2) Boston Bruins

Game 1: | Monday, May 6, 8 p.m. | at FLA | TV: ESPN Game 2: | Wednesday, May 8, 7:30 p.m. | at FLA | TV: ESPN Game 3: | Friday, May 10 7 p.m. | at BOS | TV: TNT Game 4: | Sunday, May 12, TBD | at BOS | TV: TBS Game 5*: | Tuesday, May 14, TBD | at FLA | TV: TBD Game 6*: | Friday, May 17, TBD | at BOS | TV: TBD Game 7*: | Sunday, May 19, TBD | at FLA | TV: TBD

Western Conference

(1) Dallas Stars vs. (3) Colorado Avalanche

Game 1: | Tuesday, May 7, 9:30 p.m. | at DAL | TV: ESPN Game 2: | Thursday, May 9, 9:30 p.m. | at DAL | TV: TNT Game 3: | Saturday, May 11 7 p.m. | at COL | TV: TNT Game 4: | Monday, May 13, TBD | at COL | TV: ESPN Game 5*: | Wednesday, May 15, TBD | at DAL | TV: TBD Game 6*: | Friday, May 17, TBD | at COL | TV: TBD Game 7*: | Sunday, May 19, TBD | at DAL | TV: TBD

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (2) Edmonton Oilers

Game 1: | Wednesday, May 8, 10 p.m. | at VAN | TV: ESPN Game 2: | Friday, May 10, 10 p.m. | at VAN | TV: TNT Game 3: | Sunday, May 12 7 p.m. | at EDM | TV: TBS Game 4: | Tuesday, May 14, TBD | at EDM | TV: ESPN Game 5*: | Thursday, May 16, TBD | at VAN | TV: TBD Game 6*: | Saturday, May 18, TBD | at EDM | TV: TBD Game 7*: | Monday, May 20, TBD | at VAN | TV: TBD

First Round

(1) New York Rangers vs. (WC2) Washington Capitals

Game 1: | Rangers 4, Capitals 1  | Recap Game 2: | Rangers 4, Capitals 3  | Recap Game 3: | Rangers 3, Capitals 1  | Recap Game 4: | Rangers 4, Capitals 2  | Recap

(2) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (3) New York Islanders

Game 1: |  Hurricanes 3, Islanders 1  |  Recap Game 2: | Hurricanes 5, Islanders 3  | Recap Game 3: | Hurricanes 3, Islanders 2  | Recap Game 4: | Islanders 3, Hurricanes 2 (2OT)  | Recap Game 5: | Hurricanes 6, Islanders 3  | Recap

(1) Florida Panthers vs. (WC1) Tampa Bay Lightning

Game 1: | Panthers 3, Lightning 2  | Recap Game 2: | Panthers 3, Lightning 2 (OT)  | Recap Game 3: | Panthers 5, Lightning 3  | Recap Game 4: | Lightning 6, Panthers 3  | Recap Game 5: | Panthers 6, Lightning 1  | Recap

(2) Boston Bruins vs. (3) Toronto Maple Leafs

Game 1: | Bruins 5, Maple Leafs 1  | Recap Game 2: | Maple Leafs 3, Bruins 2  | Recap Game 3: | Bruins 4, Maple Leafs 2  | Recap Game 4: | Bruins 3, Maple Leafs 1  | Recap Game 5: | Maple Leafs 2, Bruins 1 (OT)  | Recap Game 6: |  Maple Leafs 2, Bruins 1  |  Recap Game 7: |  Bruins 2, Maple Leafs 1 (OT)  | Recap

(1) Dallas Stars vs. (WC2) Vegas Golden Knights

Game 1: | Golden Knights 4, Stars 3  | Recap Game 2: | Golden Knights 2, Stars 1  | Recap Game 3: |  Stars 3, Golden Knights 2 (OT)  | Recap Game 4: |  Stars 4, Golden Knights 2  | Recap Game 5: | Stars 3, Golden Knights 2 | Recap Game 6: | Golden Knights 2, Stars 0  | Recap Game 7: | Stars 2, Golden Knights 1  | Recap

(2) Winnipeg Jets vs. (3) Colorado Avalanche

Game 1: | Jets 7, Avalanche 6  | Recap Game 2: | Avalanche 5, Jets 2  | Recap Game 3: | Avalanche 6, Jets 2 | Recap Game 4: | Avalanche 5, Jets 1  | Recap Game 5: | Avalanche 6, Jets 3  | Recap

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs. (WC1) Nashville Predators

Game 1: | Canucks 4, Predators 2  | Recap Game 2: | Predators 4, Canucks 1  | Recap Game 3: |  Canucks 2, Predators 1 | Recap Game 4: | Canucks 4, Predators 3 (OT)  | Recap Game 5: | Predators 2, Canucks 1  | Recap Game 6: | Canucks 1, Predators 0  | Recap

(2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (3) Los Angeles Kings

Game 1: | Oilers 7, Kings 4  | Recap Game 2: | Kings 5, Oilers 4 (OT)  | Recap Game 3: | Oilers 6, Kings 1  | Recap Game 4: | Oilers 1, Kings 0  | Recap Game 5: | Oilers 4, Kings 3 | Recap

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