There are a lot of Hollywood-inspired stereotypes around them. In films, American police officers are shown as practically warriors with a constant stream of unsolved cases and crimes. In this article, we decided to sort out where the truth is and where the lie is and tell how things really are. Read today in USA.ONE magazine:
How American police officers live and how much they earn How do they become? 
First, getting into the ranks of the US police is not the same as in Russia. In order to take even the position of lieutenant in America, you need to unlearn at the university and get at least a bachelor's degree. In Russia, secondary education is enough. As you understand, it will be even more difficult for a foreigner to get into the American police: you will need to prove the need to join their ranks and loyalty to the state for a long time.
Cop training in the USA takes place in police academies, where students receive the necessary knowledge and skills for police work. This includes:
- Classic Lessons: Students are taught in a classroom setting where they are introduced to the basics of law, police procedures, ethics, rules of engagement, the psychology of criminals, and other policing-related topics. They study the laws, the rights of citizens and the basic principles governing the work of the police.
- Physical training: Education at the academy includes intensive physical training. Students do exercises to develop strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination. They train in running, swimming, pull-ups, push-ups and other physical exercises to be ready for the physical challenges of their service.
- Tactical training: Students learn the tactics of police operations, including arrests, searches, detentions, crowd control etc. They gain knowledge about job security and develop the skills to make quick and informed decisions in stressful situations.
- Practical training: Students undergo practical training to apply the acquired knowledge and skills in practice. They conduct training exercises, police simulations, role-playing and other forms of practical training to learn how to respond effectively to various situations they may encounter while on duty.
- Shooting and Weapon Training: Students receive training in shooting and safe handling of weapons. They learn aiming techniques, gun control, safety rules and laws regarding the use of firearms. The training includes practical shooting at the shooting range, where students learn to control the weapon and shoot accurately and safely.
- Simulations and Practical Exercises: Students participate in simulations and practical exercises to simulate real police situations. They can train in handling calls from the dispatcher, interacting with intruders, or in live role-playing games to develop their communication skills, the ability to make decisions and respond to changing circumstances.
- Communication and interpersonal skills training: Police officers must be good prepared in the field of communication, interaction with society and conflict resolution. Training at the academy includes training in effective communication, stress management, listening skills and emotional intelligence.
- Final exams and assessments: Upon graduation from the academy, students take final exams that test their knowledge and skills acquired during their studies. These exams may include written tests, practical tests, and physical fitness assessments.
After successfully completing their training at the police academy, students receive an academy certificate and may be invited to serve in the police. Then they usually go through a probationary period during which they work under the supervision of experienced police officers in order to put their knowledge and skills into practice.
Benefits of being a police officer in the US 
Before getting such a job, candidates undergo lengthy tests, including a polygraph, psychological tests, physical tests and other tests. There is a fairly large demand for one vacant place in the police. The thing is that they have quite a lot of bonuses: for example, medical insurance for the whole family, retirement with half the salary after 22 years of service. Plus, many states even offer housing discounts. It is important to note that police officers may receive additional bonuses and compensation for working at night, weekends, shifts, overtime and in dangerous situations.
Secondly, the police really get pretty good. Of course, it all depends on the state where he works. But, on average, his salary will be around $50.000-$70.000, but can be higher — $65.000 — $80.ooo per year. The lowest paid police states were Mississippi ($36,290), Arkansas ($40,570) and Louisiana ($42,470). Although, for example, in California, they receive about $105,000 a year, which is pretty good.
Among other advantages of working as a police officer in the United States, which attract many people, we can note:
- Service to the community: Police officers play an important role in society by upholding the law and ensuring the safety of citizens. Being a police officer provides an opportunity to help people, protect rights, and prevent crime.
- Variety of Tasks: A police officer receives a variety of tasks in his job. They may be involved in investigating crimes, maintaining public order, providing assistance to victims, patrolling the streets, responding to incidents and other situations requiring police intervention.
- Career Opportunities: The job of a police officer offers a variety of opportunities for professional growth and development. Police officers can specialize in various areas such as detective work, narcotics, forensics, special operations, and others.
- Professional training: Police officers are provided with continuing professional training and the opportunity to develop their skills. This helps them keep abreast of new technologies, legislative changes and best practices in policing.
- Sense of Satisfaction and Belonging: Being a police officer can bring a sense of satisfaction from helping others, protecting the community, and preventing crime. Consciousness of one's contribution to public safety and involvement in the well-being of the community are important aspects of the work of a police officer.
Cons of being a police officer in the United States 
Working as a police officer in the US, like any profession, has its own disadvantages and challenges. Here are some of them:
- Risk and danger: Police officers face an increased level of risk and danger in their work. They may experience violence, armed criminals, conflict situations, and traumatic events. This can have a negative impact on the physical and mental health of police officers.
- Emotional stress: The work of a police officer often involves dealing with victims of crime, violence and tragic events. Police officers can be emotionally stressed, stressed, and traumatized by such situations, which can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological problems.
- Work Schedules and Flexibility: Police officers often work irregular hours, including nights shifts, weekends and holidays. This can affect personal life, family relationships and health. Flexibility and adaptability are required to work in variable conditions and non-standard schedules.
- High Expectations and Public Pressure: Police officers are often subject to high public expectations. They need to be professional, ethical and provide a high quality service despite the complexity of the job. Criticism and public pressure can put additional psychological stress on police officers.
- Racism and Conflict: In some cases, police officers may face racist challenges and conflict over issues of police brutality and mistrust of law enforcement. This can create difficult situations and additional difficulties in the work of the police.
Interesting facts about US police 
Police officers wear different types of uniforms in different states and cities. For example, in some states, police officers wear blue uniforms, in others green, gray or even brown. This is due to different traditions and preferences of local law enforcement agencies.
Another interesting fact is that in the US police you cannot get a position for long service, unlike the Russian Federation. In order to improve your skills, you must complete additional training at the academy (often lengthy).
Unlike many other countries, the United States does not have a single national police force. The police service is organized at the local and state levels. This means that the US police force is divided into many independent law enforcement agencies, each responsible for a specific area.
So Hollywood was right. Police officers leaving their state cannot carry out their activities in another. That is, if the offender crossed the state border, other police officers take over the case. By the way, the US police can really requisition your car during the chase. If for some reason it is damaged, the state police will pay you compensation.
K-9 (canoforce) units are widespread in the USA, in which specially trained dogs assist the police in a number of tasks, such as searching for drugs, catching criminals and ensuring security at public events. Dogs become real partners of police officers.
It is interesting that in America there is a practice of “Partner for a Day”, when anyone can write a statement to the department and become a companion for a police officer. Of course, he will not be taken to the hottest spots, but the impressions will definitely remain.
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