Posts Tagged ‘civilian police jobs’

Apr 1329

Q&A with A Law Enforcement Volunteer Program Manager, Part One

According to the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program Directory, there are more than 2,270 volunteer programs at law enforcement agencies around the country. Supervisory and management structures vary by program, but each program has a volunteer coordinator or volunteer program manager who oversees the volunteers. This volunteer program manager position may be sworn or civilian depending on the agency. Volunteer management is a full time position in some agencies, while in others the role may be taken on combined with other duties. In Part One of this two-part series, we asked a civilian law enforcement volunteer manager to tell us about this unique law enforcement job.

Marjorie Trachtman, Volunteer Program Coordinator, Bellevue, Washington, Police Department

Marjorie (fifth from the left) is the Washington representative for the VIPS State Advocate Network.

Marjorie (fifth from the left) is the Washington representative for the VIPS State Advocate Network.

How would you define the role of a law enforcement volunteer manager?

My primary mission is to sustain and manage (as opposed to build, since my program is in its mature phase at this point) a cadre of citizen volunteers who perform assignments that free up paid staff to focus on their primary law enforcement responsibilities, and who allow us to offer additional or enhanced services to our citizens. My duties encompass everything from developing new assignments, through recruiting, screening, placement, training development, performance monitoring, recognition and retention, staff/volunteer relations, recordkeeping, and PR/marketing.

What are some of the things that make the job of a volunteer coordinator unique from other jobs in law enforcement?

The nature of what I do requires a broad, birds-eye view of what’s going on in the Department, so I can look for new opportunities to involve volunteers where appropriate anywhere in the Department. Most other jobs focus on just one aspect of operations. This job also is almost 100% relationship-based: I need to sustain good relationships not only with my volunteers but with staff as well, so that they continue to support and welcome volunteers into the work environment. I have to reconcile and mesh, if you will, the hierarchical, paramilitary, regimented nature of a police department with a civilian volunteer program that, by its own nature, has to operate with a less directive and more supportive philosophy. I’m the go-between that makes that balance work. There is no other position in the Department that walks that tightrope.

What is a typical day on the job like for you?

There is no such thing as a typical day! I may be working on a background investigation for a prospective volunteer candidate; working on a recognition event; helping solve a problem related to someone’s computer access issues; arranging/coordinating training requirements; preparing program statistics for my manager; meeting with staff to discuss a possible new assignment; responding to a request for assistance from another agency; reviewing and revising part of our policy and procedure manual; heading out to have some face time with volunteers who work off-site at one of our Community Stations; doing a ride-along to help maintain good relations with the officers… There’s a lot of variety about the job and that’s one thing that I love.

Any other tips for a prospective law enforcement volunteer manager?

The most effective people I’ve met in this job have strong leadership skills, as opposed to being just good managers or coordinators: the phrase I use when I teach my leadership workshop is that as leaders they set a vision, set a course, and set an example. They understand that the volunteers look to them to be an advocate and for guidance, and that staff look to them to make sure that the organization’s mission is not compromised by any aspect of the program. In my opinion the most important qualities for someone to be happy and successful in this job include a sense of humor (huge!), creativity in problem solving, persistence, the ability to set your own ego aside in service to the Department and your volunteers, skills as a negotiator/mediator, and the ability to adapt your personal communication style to relate to others in whatever way is most effective for them rather than for you.

Jan 1330

Business Mind in a Law Enforcement Agency: Q&A with Katie Marston

The IACP is fortunate to have actual law enforcement personnel among its staff. Many of these individuals come to us “on loan” for a year through our Visiting Research Fellows Program.

Today’s interview is with Katie Marston, Special Advisor with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

What does it mean to be an FBI Special Advisor?

The FBI Special Advisor program is an internal consulting program for MBA (Masters in Business Administration) graduates. Special Advisors are spread out across the organization working for the executive management in different divisions. These Advisors bring a business mindset, analytical skills, and work toward efficient solutions to drive change.

The FBI is not a typical job choice for an MBA graduate. What made you choose the FBI?

My dad is a retired FBI Special Agent, so I was interested, but knew I didn’t necessarily want to be a law enforcement officer. This was a way to be involved without becoming an agent. The FBI Special Advisor program is really a unique opportunity for an MBA to make a great impact right out of school. The level of exposure is amazing and we’re able to make some major changes. The FBI is an incredibly interesting organization and the work being done is really rewarding.

What are your career goals?

The Special Advisors program is typically for 2-4 years, and I’ve been in the program for 3. Eventually, I’d like to get into a leadership position which would allow me to have some ownership over a piece of the agency. I’m still pretty open to which division or department of the FBI I’d like to go to.

What is your role at IACP?

When I came to IACP the staff went to work finding out where my skill set could be best utilized. Right now, I’m working with staff in building the Center for Officer Safety and Wellness. I’m helping them use business processes to develop an effective structure and messaging strategy.

What advice do you have for someone interested in following your career path?

You need to have an entrepreneurial mindset. You really need to be ready to challenge the status quo and drive change in an industry that isn’t always receptive to change. You’ve got to be able to motivate people working at all levels of the agency and be able to get buy in for the changes you’re seeking to implement. You also need to remember that this is a law enforcement organization and be aware of the hierarchy and formal rules that may be in place. Be respectful and humble.

Learn more about the FBI at http://www.fbi.gov/.

Jun 1107

Being a cop is not for everyone: Other Cool Jobs in Law Enforcement

Suppose you are interested in law enforcement but really don’t see yourself as a police officer.  That’s ok. For a number of reasons, serving as a sworn officer isn’t for everyone, (and it’s great you realize this BEFORE you go through the academy.) 

But fear not!  There are plenty of civilian (non-sworn, non-gun toting) career opportunities out there.  Sure you’re familiar with call takers and dispatchers, but here are some lesser known but really cool civilian careers in policing.

Crime Analyst.  In a nutshell, these folks turn the volumes of data collected by police agencies into actionable information by command and patrol officers.  Crime analysts don’t analyze crime scenes – a common misconception – but rather crime data and statistics, looking for patterns and trends.  They also used computerized maps to track the locations of crimes, suspects, and watch for emerging “hot spots.”  IACA is a good source of info on the profession and jobs in the field.

 IT Professionals. Law enforcement is a field that is becoming more and more tech savvy.  While at its core, policing is about connecting with people and obtaining information, modern technology has made storing, accessing, and searching that information much easier – or complex, depending on your perspective.  Many agencies, especially larger ones, have information technology professionals as full time employees responsible for managing the array of databases and computing equipment.

 Planner.  Law enforcement planners can fill a variety of roles in a police department.  Commonly you’ll find planners attached to the chief’s office with responsibilities like research, grant writing and monitoring, budgeting, and accreditation.  

Investigator. Oh yes, you read that right.  Some agencies hire civilians for routine investigations, from minor traffic accidents to car burglaries. Civilian investigators may also assist sworn detectives by conducting follow-up investigations, interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects, and processing paperwork.   Here’s a sample job description from Los Angeles County.

 Victims’ Services.  Unfortunately, for every crime, there’s a victim.  For violent crimes, there are often “secondary victims,” or relatives of victims who need emotional support and procedural guidance as their case is investigated and prosecuted.  That’s where victims’ services folks come in.  Not an easy job but surely a rewarding one.

I’ve only named a handful here.  For more information on civilian jobs in law enforcement, visit our site.