- Police Officer Resume Templates and Examples (Downloadable)
- How To Write a Police Officer Resume
- How To Pick the Best Police Officer Resume Template
- Police Officer Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
- Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Resume Examples and Advice
- Check Out Related Examples
Police Officer Resume Templates and Examples (Downloadable)
- Police Officer
- Entry-Level Police Officer
- Auxiliary Police Officer
Federal Police Officer Resume Example
Military Police Officer Resume Example
A good police officer resume showcases your skills, experience, and dedication to public safety. Whether you’re a new or experienced officer, your resume should highlight your law enforcement expertise, community engagement, and certifications. This guide provides tips and templates to help you create a standout resume that aligns with the job requirements.
Key Takeaways:
- Highlight quantifiable achievements – Use numbers to demonstrate your impact, such as crime reduction or case resolution rates.
- Showcase relevant skills and certifications – List key skills and certifications like Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) or Certified Law Enforcement Analyst (CLEA).
- Tailor your resume – Customize your resume for each job by aligning it with details in the job posting.
How To Write a Police Officer Resume
1. Share your contact information
Ensure your contact details are clear and professional. Include your name, phone number, email address, and location. You can also add a link to your LinkedIn profile.
Example
John Doe
[email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Los Angeles, CA | LinkedIn URL
2. Write a compelling profile summarizing your police officer qualifications
Your professional summary should briefly highlight your experience and career achievements. Focus on your dedication to public safety, community engagement, and law enforcement expertise.
Example
Experienced police officer committed to community safety
Police officer with over six years of law enforcement experience, specializing in crime prevention, patrol procedures, and community outreach. Adept at conducting investigations, responding to emergencies, and fostering positive public relations.
3. Add an accomplishment-driven police officer experience section
View the experience section as a chance to give examples of your work and success as a police officer or in other law enforcement roles. For each position in your recent work history, brainstorm and jot down your duties and achievements on a separate document or sheet of paper. Then, choose the most relevant details to display as bullet points in this section of your resume.
Example
Police Sergeant, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles, CA | January 2018 to present
- Supervised a team of 15 officers, maintaining high performance and adherence to policies
- Developed a community policing program that reduced crime by 20% in the first year
- Trained junior officers on investigative procedures, enhancing department efficiency
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
When possible, back up your accomplishments with relevant numbers. For example, specify how much crime rates decreased during your tenure or how many emergency calls you responded to.
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application
For each job posting you respond to, note any details given about the hiring department or organization. How do these areas compare to your own recent experience? By citing these similarities in your profile, you can make a stronger first impression on the hiring manager.
What if you don’t have experience?
If you’re just starting your career in law enforcement, focus on your relevant skills, training, or internships. Highlight any community service, military background, or volunteer work that displays leadership, teamwork, or a commitment to public safety.
Example
Criminal Justice Intern, Miami Police Department, Miami, FL | June 2017 to August 2017
- Shadowed police officers during patrols, observing law enforcement procedures
- Helped gather and document evidence for ongoing investigations
- Engaged in community outreach initiatives, supporting crime prevention programs
4. Include relevant police officer education and certifications
List your education and any certifications that strengthen your qualifications for the role. Focus on degrees related to law enforcement or criminal justice and certifications such as POST or CLEA.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name], [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
[Relevant coursework or honors]
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Associate of Science in Law Enforcement
Miami Dade College, Miami, FL
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Year]
Example:
- Certified Law Enforcement Analyst (CLEA) – International Association of Crime Analysts
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP) – ASIS International
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) – Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
5. List chef-related skills and proficiencies
Include a mix of hard and soft skills you possess that are critical for a police officer.
Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
---|---|
Community engagement | Conflict resolution |
Criminal investigation | Crisis management |
Emergency response | Firearms safety |
First aid and CPR | Law enforcement procedures |
Physical fitness and self-defense | Report writing |
Resume writer’s tip: use strong action verbs
Use action-oriented verbs to describe your duties and achievements in previous roles. Words like “Enforced,” “Investigated,” “Responded,” and “Supervised” demonstrate a proactive approach to your work.
How To Pick the Best Police Officer Resume Template
Choose a clean, professional template that emphasizes readability. Ensure that your resume is well-organized, with clear headings and consistent formatting to make a strong impression.
Police Officer Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Resume Examples and Advice
Carefully read the job description and tailor your resume to include the specific skills and experiences the employer is seeking. Use keywords from the job posting and highlight relevant accomplishments that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
The combination or hybrid format merges a functional resume's profile section with a chronological resume's experience section. Most modern resumes (including the three on this page) follow this format because it gives hiring managers the clearest view of an applicant's strengths and work history.
Include a cover letter with your resume
A well-crafted cover letter allows you to elaborate on your qualifications and express your passion for the role. Use it to provide context to your resume and explain why you’re the ideal candidate for the position.
Check Out Related Examples
Resume Templates offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.