In the past, it was fairly unusual to find a member of the Jewish community working in law enforcement, particularly as a police officer, but things are beginning to change. We all too often hear about the problems of recruiting and retaining police officers around the world. Many police departments struggle to find, hire and retain professionals, and this problem is only increasing.
The number of police officers needed on our streets has increased for a number of reasons, including:
- The increase in population
- The number of police officers leaving the force or retiring
- The increase in crime rates
- The role police officers play within a community
This increase in demand has pushed police departments around the world to find new recruits. They have realized that an effective police force needs to employ people from all different:
- Communities
- Ages
- Backgrounds
- Genders
- Ethnicities
It seems strange when you consider how popular the Israel police force is, that policing is viewed as a negative career choice amongst Jews around the world. But, for many years now, a career as a police officer has been discounted by members of the Jewish community. Over the last few years, opinions have started to change. This has led to us seeing an increase in the number of Jewish police officers in the world. Keep reading below as we delve into the topic further.
Why We Are Likely to See an Increase in the Number of Jewish Police Officers
Due to the increase in demand for police officers around the world, we are likely to see a rise in the number of recruits from minority communities. The criteria for training as a police officer has changed a great deal and there is a wider entry point range, meaning that people can train later in life. Many members of the Jewish community are choosing to re-train as police officers as a second career choice.
A career in law enforcement can be extremely rewarding for the Jewish community (or in fact any community). While some Jewish officers still hide their identity from their colleagues, this is becoming less common. Most Jewish police officers now feel proud talking to others about their religion and they like the idea that they can have a positive impact on the local community.
Jewish Police Officers Can Make a Difference
Police officers play a huge role in the community. They:
- Keep people safe
- Help to fight crime
- Provide assistance when we need it.
Many Jewish police officers choose to spend time in schools or at job fairs where they can discuss the impact they’re having on their local community.
Why Become a Police Officer?
So, why are so many Jewish people choosing to become police officers? Most people have heard that being a police officer is rewarding, but is it really as good as they make out?
The simple answer is YES! For all the dangers that come with the role, there are a lot of advantages to becoming a police officer. The pay and benefits are often good, and there’s a huge amount of personal gratification involved too. These are some of the reasons why you should consider a career in law enforcement:
- You can save lives on a daily basis – police officers often find themselves in the position of saving someone else’s life. It might be providing first aid to a shooting victim or it might be pulling a victim out of a crashed vehicle; whatever it is, you’ll feel great knowing you’ve done your bit to help someone else.
- You can help others make better choices – police officers often meet other people when they’re at their worst, including gang members, drug addicts, spousal abusers, thieves and people who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Police officers work with these individuals to show them how to behave in a better way.
- It’s never boring – no two days are ever the same. If you hate the idea of working in a monotonous job, then this could be a good choice of career for you. Routine can change quickly in this job role.
- The bond you have with others – police officers (and law enforcement officials) have a close bond with one another. You’ll struggle to find this in any other career. No matter what your age, background or religion, you’ll know that your colleagues have got your back.
- You get to solve problems – you’ll occasionally have to outsmart bad guys, but the main role of a police officer is all about problem-solving. You’ll work with others to come up with solutions to problems.
- Play a part in the local community – it can be incredibly satisfying knowing that you’re having an impact on the greater community.
- Benefits and compensations are good – this career is not only emotionally rewarding; it also comes with a good pay package that not many other careers can match. The more experience you gain, the higher your salary will become.
Further Training and Development
Once you’ve gained one year of professional experience as a police officer, you can choose to complete a BA in Policing. This will allow you to take on leadership roles in law-enforcement or a leadership role in another related field. Click here to find out more.
Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in the number of Jewish police officers patrolling our streets and working in the local community and we can only expect this to continue. Many of these officers choose to continue their training and take on leadership roles in law enforcement or other related areas. Why not think about working in law enforcement yourself?
