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Resumes for law enforcement and criminal justice careers
Showcase your skills and abilities
Opportunities in law enforcement can be found at local, county, state and federal levels, as well as at many private businesses. Employers are requiring more education and technical skills. Minnesota requires at least two years of college for police jobs, while some agencies require more. Academies teach “how” while universities teach “why.”
Include job experience on your resume, pointing out relevant skills and duties. For example, a retail worker could point out they were trusted with managing the store when the owner is gone, handling bank deposits, handling stock and supply issues, opening and closing. Bartenders have to handle unruly customers and respond well under pressure, vital traits for police officers, correctional officers and security professionals.
Helpful experience includes: past general employment, education, volunteer experience, communication skills, work-related experience, computer skills, military service and internships.
Top essential characteristics of police officers include honesty, truthfulness, emotional stability, good character and reliability. Other important attributes include communication skills, common sense, broad life experience, good self-esteem and anger control.
Source: Seeking Employment in Criminal Justice and Related Fields, Harr, J.S. & Hess, K.A., 2003, Thomson Wadsworth
Metropolitan State University Career Services 651.793.1528 www.metrostate.edu/career 2
JOSEPH JOHNSON 1234 Portland Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55444 (612) 872-2233 [email protected]
PROFILE Loss prevention specialist with several years of experience in retail settings, as well as promoting educational initiatives for loss prevention staff and other retail employees. Background also includes a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Seeking opportunity in development, management and oversight of broad and multi-location safety and loss control programs.
QUALIFICATIONS Retail security: Developed knowledge and skills through employment as a loss prevention specialist at several retail stores. Undercover and uniformed experience as a store detective. Improved apprehension statistics. Training skills: Mentored several new employees in loss prevention and conducted loss prevention training events for store employees. Organizational skills: Compiled detailed activity reports to analyze loss prevention initiatives using Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Provided frequent oral reports to supervisors.
EDUCATION Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul, MN Bachelor of Arts: Criminal Justice May 2012
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE SECURITY & LOSS PREVENTION ASSOCIATION, Richmond, VA (Telecommute) 2011–Present Marketing Intern Collaborate with the marketing department to ensure materials accurately depicted the loss prevention process for employees of retailer members of the association Represent the organization at Minnesota Marketing’s summer conferences
MARSHALL FIELDS, Minneapolis, MN 2010–Present WALMART, Apple Valley, MN 2008–2010 CUB FOODS, Apple Valley, MN 2006–2008 Loss Prevention Associate Recognize, evaluate, intervene and work toward resolution of loss due to theft or damage Collaborate with store managers to pinpoint areas of inventory losses needing attention Maintain an environment of welcoming customer service to shoppers
COMPUTER SKILLS
Metropolitan State University Career Services 651.793.1528 www.metrostate.edu/career 3
Microsoft: Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel, Access; Adobe InDesign ANDREW McGRAW 2400 West 7th Street 651-630-2222 Saint Paul, MN 55105 [email protected]
Profile Motivated law enforcement professional seeking opportunity as a police officer. Expertise includes: Certified Law Enforcement Officer Enforcement of property rules and statutes Witness in court cases representing employer Registered emergency medical technician
Education Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul, MN Bachelor of Arts: Criminal Justice Anticipated May 2013
Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN Associate of Arts: Law Enforcement, and Law Enforcement Certificate December 2011
Experience MALL OF AMERICA, Bloomington, Minnesota 2010–Present Uniformed Security Officer Enforce management rules and state criminal statutes focusing on theft and youth curfews Respond to medical emergencies, promptly alerting authorities and management Represent the company in court and cooperate with law enforcement officer investigations Assist patrons with finding lost children and other security-related concerns Maintain detailed reports of activity and share concerns with other security officers
WALMART, Eagan, MN 2009–2010 Loss Prevention Specialist Plainclothes observation of retail sales floor to observe and report shoplifters Assisted management with loss prevention seminars and trained employees Compiled statistics for management to track theft trends
CEDAR INN, Minneapolis, MN 2008–2009 Waiter Hired as dishwasher and promoted to waiter after three months Gained communication skills in a busy environment and provided excellent customer service
Certifications Emergency Medical Technician, North Hennepin Community College, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 2011
Technical Skills Compiling loss reports and charts using Microsoft Excel and Word; Internet and library research
Metropolitan State University Career Services 651.793.1528 www.metrostate.edu/career 4
JANET M. SMITH 4243 31st Avenue South (612) 729-1999 Minneapolis, MN 55417 [email protected]
Profile Law enforcement professional seeking a police officer position with a goal of preventing and discovering crimes, preserving law and order, and enforcing traffic regulations to increase public safety. Able to perform well under pressure and stay calm during emergencies. A skilled writer with the ability to write comprehensive reports. Strong ability to lead as well as manage budgets and other resources.
Education Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, MN Bachelor of Arts: Criminal Justice May 2012
Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN Associate of Arts: Law Enforcement, and Law Enforcement Certificate December 2007
Professional Experience City of Hugo, MN Police Officer 2007-Present Improve public safety by enforcing parking and traffic regulations Assess and take action for calls for medical assistance Investigate and report incidents, following department protocol Actively participate in departmentally sponsored crime prevention and community programs
Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN Campus Security Officer 2003-2007 Provided general security protection for employees and students Protected campus grounds and buildings, ensuring safe and secure facilities Cooperated with general law enforcement in investigating and reporting incidents Maintained written reports and statistics for the public safety director Assisted with writing security alerts that were sent to all students and staff members
Certifications Peace Officer, State of Minnesota CPR/First Aid, current
Technical Skills Microsoft: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher; Skilled in multiple law enforcement software systems as well as radar and tracking devices.
Metropolitan State University Career Services 651.793.1528 www.metrostate.edu/career 5
ANDREW McGRAW 2400 West 7th Street 651-630-2222 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105 [email protected]
May 15, 2012
Lt. Joanne Jones Maple Plain Police Department 801 Main Street Maple Plain, MN 55430
Dear Lt. Jones:
I am responding to your ad in the Minneapolis Star Tribune for the position of police officer. With a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, as well as law enforcement certification and an associate’s degree in law enforcement, I am ready to enter the law enforcement profession and hope it will be with your department.
In my work as a uniformed security officer and loss prevention specialist, I enforced state statutes as well as company rules, served as a witness representing my employer in court cases, created loss reports and responded to medical emergencies. I am also a certified emergency medical technician.
I am a natural fit for this position and would be an asset to the Maple Plain Police Department. I will call soon to introduce myself, and I look forward to discussing the opportunity with you.
Sincerely,
Andrew McGraw work 952-630-5555
Metropolitan State University Career Services 651.793.1528 www.metrostate.edu/career