COS internship: Montrose Police Department
The Colorado Department of Education defines "Professional" using the following descriptors:
time & work management
career literacy
grit and resilience
work ethic; dependable and reliable
My Professional Definition:
Professionalism refers to the conduct, behavior, and attitude expected in a particular job, industry, or setting. It involves displaying competence, integrity, respect, and adherence to ethical standards while fulfilling responsibilities. It's about maintaining a high standard of performance and behavior to achieve success and build trust with others in a professional environment.
My future plan & Career Statement
Following my high school graduation in May, my immediate goal is to enroll at Denver University to pursue a multidisciplinary education in criminal justice, public administration, and psychology. During my time there, I aim to secure internships at local police departments to gain practical experience and insight into the field. Ultimately, I aspire to leverage my education and internships to secure a fulfilling career at a police department, contributing positively to public safety and community well-being.
Career Q&A
Question 1: Where do you work, What do you do there?
I work for the Montrose Police Department as the victims serveice coordinator
Question 2: How did you choose the career you're in?
I was working at a transmission repair shop I went in to do an interview for Colorado Legal Services for a secretarial position, I didn't get the job but my interviewee called me a and told be about a job at the center for prevention of domestic violence. until i was 21 i worked there as apart of a devert unit. until the MPD had a victim services position available and ive been there ever since.
Question 3: What do you like most about your job?
I like the people that i work with, so after about 21 years the officers and the staff that i work with have become a big family, they're the reason I keep coming back. I also love providing services to crime victims because the justice system doesn't always work.
Question 4: What is a typical day like for you?
In victims services our purpose is to make sure that our department remains in compliance with our victims rights act, and this is through any interaction with crime victims who fall under the victims rights act.When we come in in the morning we pull the cases from the previous night. we go through each case and pull the ones that go with out victims rights act, make sure we have the appropriate information. depending on the case there are different things we have to do.
Question 5:If you could go back to the beginning of your career would you do anything differently?
No, I think that this is where I was supposed to be, i think that throughout this process i have established a pretty strong faith and it's mainly through the accidental deaths and stuff like that, and so my faith has really solidified, and I really believe that this is where I am really needed and where I am supposed to be.
Presentation:
Soft-Skills I worked on:
Communication
critical thinking
conflict resolution
Adaptability
compassion
Goals I set for myself:
Professional Development: Seek opportunities to shadow different departments within the police force, from patrol officers to detectives, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various roles and responsibilities. Additionally, aim to develop specific skills, like effective communication or conflict resolution, that are essential in law enforcement.
Creating relationships within the police department during an internship is crucial for understanding the team dynamics, establishing professional connections that may aid future career opportunities, and fostering a supportive network for learning and growth within the law enforcement community. It can also provide valuable insights into the department's culture, enhancing the overall internship experience and potential for future collaboration.
Promo Video: