How To Answer “Why Do You Want To Be A Police Officer?”

If you’re applying for your first job in law enforcement, you should expect to hear the question, “why do you want to be a police officer?” in a job interview.

There are plenty of good ways to approach this question, from sharing a story of how police positively impacted your life to discussing how you want to be a part of making your community safer. In this article, we’ll cover how to approach your answer, provide example answers, and touch on other elements of a police officer interview.

Key Takeaways:

• Ask yourself about your motivation for becoming a police officer before the interview.

• Use your answer to discuss your skills in the context of why you would make a great fit for the department you hope to join.

• Be specific when you bring up stories and achievements that led you to a career in law enforcement.

How to answer “why do you want to work as a police officer?”

When answering the question “Why do you want to work as a police officer?” you should research the role and department, consider good reasons for joining law enforcement, and discuss your relevant skills and experiences. Here are more details on answering this interview question effectively:

1. Ask yourself the question before the interview. You should ask yourself this specific question and understand what drew you to the profession in the first place. Take an honest assessment of why you’re drawn to the law enforcement profession.

   There could be a number of different reasons why you’re interested in becoming a police officer, including family history or a general drive to make your community a better place to live.

2. Discuss your background. The tidbit that you lead the conversation with should be followed with meaningful information. You may decide to dive into your past history, such as growing up in a poor neighborhood where the police were feared, and your drive to change that perception.

   You may also consider discussing your family or military background to surface already learned skills you might bring to the table.

3. Show that you have the skills and attitude to be a good fit. Remember that the interviewer is interviewing you for a job and team fit as well. The interview will likely focus on your attitude, abilities, skills, achievements, and anything else that shows you’re a good fit as a law enforcement officer.

“Why do you want to work as a police officer?” example answers

1. Example answer: To help people in need

   “I have a strong desire to work as a police officer because I believe in making a positive impact on people’s lives. Being in a position to help those in need, provide support during critical moments, and ensure the safety of individuals and families is truly rewarding for me. It’s about being a source of comfort during challenging times and making a real difference in the lives of the community members I’ll serve.”

2. Example answer: Serve the community and build relationships

   “The reason I am drawn to a career as a police officer is the opportunity to serve my community in a meaningful and impactful way. I believe that building genuine relationships and trust with the people I’ll protect and serve is essential for effective law enforcement. Establishing connections within the community will not only enhance public safety but also create a sense of unity and cooperation that can lead to lasting positive change.”

3. Example answer: Lower crime rates and take pride in my work

   “Working as a police officer appeals to me because I want to actively contribute to reducing crime rates in our community. I take pride in the idea that my efforts could contribute to a safer environment for everyone. Every positive change, every life made more secure, would contribute to my sense of purpose. It’s about making our streets safer, and each day presents a chance to make a tangible impact on the well-being of the people I serve.”

4. Example answer: Embrace new challenges and diversity

   “The dynamic nature of police work and the opportunity to face a wide range of challenges on a daily basis is what attracts me to this profession. I’m excited by the prospect of encountering diverse situations that require quick thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. No two days will look the same, and I am motivated by the idea of constantly learning and growing to effectively address the ever-changing needs and concerns of our community.”

Tips to answering “why do you want to work as a police officer?”

Answering questions about your motivation to become a police officer takes preparation. You should be serious about researching the department, practicing your answer ahead of time, and thinking about experiences and stories you can share that will make it easy for the interviewer to see what a great fit you are for the role. Here are more tips on how to answer this interview question:

• Write your answers ahead of time. A good way to approach this common question for an interview is to sit down and think about your reasons for applying. Write them down and ask yourself what the police force means and represents for you personally.

• Do your research. Look up the specific department and organization, as well as the community. Ensure you understand what their important missions are and their priorities for the people they serve.

• Consider your best traits. Focus on two to three things that you can remember when you enter the interviewing room. If you have specific traits you’d like to focus on, remember that your interviewer will be interested in discussing specific scenarios, so you should come prepared.

• Be specific and have hard facts to back up your statements. For police interviews, the interviewer will likely not accept a vague response, so be ready to provide proof and specific statements for all of the questions asked.

• Be professional about past work experience. Be careful not to speak negatively about your former police chiefs or colleagues during the police officer interview. Ensure you stay positive when you discuss past situations or interactions, even if you were frustrated or upset at the moment.

Good reasons to work as a police officer

There are a wide variety of benefits and good reasons to become a police officer, like positively impacting your community, earning competitive pay, and having a career that always offers new challenges. Think about what reasons from below apply to your motivation to join a law enforcement team:

• Making an impact. Because police officers play such a heavy role in protecting and serving their communities, it’s no surprise that this profession can make a lasting impact on a community.

  This career also breaks you out of the typical 9-5 cubicle desk job and can allow for greater job satisfaction and purpose. For many individuals, working as a police officer is motivating, as they are serving something greater than themselves and can be sure they’re making an impact.

• Competitive pay. Police officers are an essential part of any healthy society, and their pay definitely reflects that. Law enforcement officer pay typically increases based on the amount of time they’ve been in service and with any given police force. You’ll also be eligible for overtime in most precincts.

  The biggest draw to this kind of career lies in the benefits. Police officers and their families have access to significant retirement packages, comprehensive insurance options, and other benefits.

  This line of work also offers a variety of promotional opportunities to advance your career. Depending on your police force, you may be eligible for many different tracks in this line of work.

• Having pride in your career. Being a police officer brings a certain amount of pride for both police officers and their families and friends. Police officers often form stronger bonds with their colleagues in a unique way that doesn’t usually touch other career paths.

  This allows for achievements to be adequately celebrated as well as deep mourning in the aftermath of tragedies. Forming a kinship bond with your fellow officers makes you proud not only of the work you do but the work your entire team participates in.

  Police officers are respected and appreciated across communities. They may sometimes be met with resentfulness, but most respect the dedication and sacrifice it takes to participate in this line of work.

• No two days look the same. If you recoil at the thought of working a traditional desk job Monday through Friday, then law enforcement could be the right fit for you. No two days will ever look the same for a police officer as this profession constantly challenges your skills, mindset, and abilities.

  Officers can deal with things from arrests, citations, emergency calls, patrols, or court testimonies when necessary. You can also consider different career paths such as detective, air marshal, or work in a special jurisdiction.

• Early retirement. Because of the stellar benefits offered to police officers, retirement packages are often available for early retirement. Although It’s never a guarantee and typically depends on how long you’ve been with the police force.

  Most agencies give their officers full retirement packages after about 20-25 years on the job. This can allow individuals to pursue further education or an entirely new career path if they so choose.

Challenges of being a police officer

While there are many benefits to becoming a police officer, we should also consider why this might not be the career for you. Consider the following before you apply for a job in law enforcement:

• Long and thorough hiring process. The hiring process for any given officer can be long and exhausting, no matter what precinct you are applying to. Different departments and branches of government will have different standards to maintain, but the process can take anywhere from four to 12 months.

  Not just this, but you’ll be subjected to a very thorough background check, including criminal history, credit check, and previous employment. You may also be required to complete a polygraph exam, a medical, physical, as well as a fitness test.

• Tough training. Training to become a police officer is no walk in the park. You’ll be required to attend police academy training, which is difficult both academically and physically. You’ll be required to qualify with a firearm as well as be proficient in various defensive tactics, first aid, and more.

  Additionally, you’ll need to participate in field training, which is even harder than academy training. This process would weed out individuals who may not have what it takes to be an officer. This area of applicability is heavily scrutinized to ensure all officers are ready for the job at hand.

• Burnout. The law enforcement career path has a lot of benefits, but the long and irregular hours are not one of them. As an office of the law, you’ll be on call almost constantly, and even if you have rotating or permanent shifts, the work can be difficult on your social and family life.

  You’ll likely be asked to work late nights or early mornings, as well as holidays, weekends, and more. Fatigue for police officers is common and can also be brought on by overtime, poor sleep habits, poor diet, and of course, stress.

• Bad habits. There have been various studies completed that link poor health and police work tightly together. Due to the strange hours, the need to be flexible, and stress, it’s no wonder police officers aren’t thinking of their health, diet, or mental health on a daily basis. The job can impact all areas of life, and poor health is one of them.

• Heartache. Police officers see the things that the general public is privileged to keep behind closed doors. This career is certainly not for everyone and can be hard and full of heartache. Be sure that you understand what you’re getting yourself into when you apply for a job in law enforcement. This job is certainly not for the faint of heart.

“Why do you want to be a police officer?” interview question FAQ

1. What are common police officer interview questions?

   Common police interview questions include:

   • What motivates you as a police officer?

   • Why do you want to work for this department?

   • Why do you think you’re the best candidate for the job?

   • How would you handle an officer committing a crime?

   • Tell me about your former police chief.

   • What have you learned from your past mistakes?

   • What was your greatest failure on the job?

2. Is it easy to become a police officer?

   It can be fairly easy to become a police officer, but the process will be different for everyone. Becoming a police officer takes dedication and stamina. To become a police officer you must be a U.S. citizen and be between the ages of 21 and 37.

   You must also have a high school diploma or GED. To be eligible to be a police officer, applicants must have a clean record of any felonies. Once you meet all requirements, the next step is to pass the entrance exam and interview for a spot in a police academy.

3. What are the top skills for a police officer?

   The top skills that a police officer must have include excellent communication and the ability to solve problems. Communication is an important part of being a police officer when it comes to interrogating suspects, talking to victims, and even talking with other officers. Police officers also need to be able to solve problems when it comes to an open case. Other skills police officers need include:

   • Mental agility

   • Integrity

   • Adaptability

4. How do I sell myself in a police interview?

   To sell yourself in a police interview, focus on highlighting your relevant experience, skills (communication, problem-solving, ethics), motivation, adaptability, conflict resolution abilities, physical/mental fitness, and enthusiasm for the role. Do your best to maintain confidence, provide concrete, relevant examples to questions that call for them, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to serving and protecting the community.

5. How do I prepare for a police interview?

   To prepare for a police interview, follow these steps:

   • Research the department. Understand the department’s mission, values, and recent news. Familiarize yourself with their organizational structure, community programs, and any initiatives they’re involved in.

   • Review common questions. Study common interview questions for law enforcement positions. Be ready to discuss your background, skills, motivations, teamwork abilities, and scenarios that demonstrate your suitability for the role.

   • Practice situational responses. Prepare for situational and behavioral questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and provide specific examples of past experiences.

   • Emphasize relevant skills. Highlight skills crucial to law enforcement, such as communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, critical thinking, and decision-making. Back up your claims with stories from previous experiences.

   • Showcase community commitment. Emphasize your dedication to serving and protecting the community. Share instances where you’ve actively engaged with or contributed positively to your community.

   • Understand ethics and policies. Familiarize yourself with ethical standards and relevant policies for law enforcement. Be prepared to discuss how you uphold these principles in your actions.

   • Physical and mental preparedness. Discuss your physical fitness, mental resilience, and ability to handle the demands of the job. Mention any relevant training, certifications, or experiences that demonstrate your readiness.

   • Prepare questions. Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers. Ask about the department’s approach to community policing, training opportunities, challenges they face, and their expectations for new officers.

References

1. Casper Police Department – Interview Resources

2. Police Test Guide – Common Police Interview Questions

Author

Caitlin Mazur

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.