Police officers are sworn to serve and protect the communities in which they work. Interpersonal skills make such a difference in their job, and a police cover letter should outline just how their behaviors impact their outcomes.
But how should a police officer cover letter be written and formatted? Are there any tips and tricks for writing this application letter?
This guide is designed to walk you through every step needed to craft the most convincing cover letter.
Police officer full text-only cover letter example
Dear Mr. Blankwith,
Coming from a family of law enforcement officers, my six-year career in the police service has given me a chance to understand the reality behind all the stories.
As an ultra-marathon runner, I have found my calling on patrol; with emergency response, arrest proceedings, search and seizure, domestic disputes and crime scene investigation taking up my time. Physical and mental fitness is essential to allow me to be in the best condition to aid my community and forty commendations speak of my ability to give my all.
I am a student of police procedures and believe that the law should form the bedrock of any policing decision. Common sense obviously plays an important role, but in my experience of 500+ individual incidents a year, it has to be applied alongside the regulations.
After studying Criminal Justice at Hapson Community College and subsequently graduating from the Miami State Police Academy, I have continually sought opportunities to gain knowledge. My first aid certification has come in useful on a number of occasions, including a rural industrial accident last year where I managed to treat 12 victims as emergency medical services were running late.
I was an active member of the Kitford community, partnering with schools for youth education campaigns and helping to run a drug rehabilitation drop-in clinic. These relationships often helped me solve problems and be seen as someone to talk to rather than avoid. Active policing is preventative policing and youth crime rates dropped 37% as a result of my engagement efforts.
I would welcome the opportunity to understand your policing challenges and hope that I can make your community feel even more safe and protected.
Sincerely,
Brian Mendez
Sections of a police officer cover letter
Much of policing involves responding to routine calls, traffic stops and accidents, then filing reports and attending court hearings. That is plenty of structure in the role, so following a set format for the cover letter should be second nature:
- Cover letter header. The purpose is to display your name and contact details should a hiring manager want to get in touch.
- Greeting. Whenever possible, aim to use the hiring manager or letter recipient’s name in the greeting. It’ll make a personal connection.
- Introduction. Provide just a glimpse of your strongest qualifications in a relatable manner so hiring officers can envision your contributions as a member of their police force.
- Body. Relate short, single-sentence anecdotes that describe the situation and your task, action taken, and the positive result.
- Conclusion. One of the most effective ways to conclude is through a call to action. This sentence directly states your enthusiasm and interest in the position.
- Signature. End the cover letter with a professional sign off.
Every section of your cover letter works together to tell the tale of your career.
A one-page cover letter is more than enough for you to convey your personality and behavioral value-add. It is your opportunity to express why you are applying for this specific position and the reasons you are a great fit.
Need more inspiration? View our other related cover letter examples from this sector:
For more cover letter advice, read our guide on how to write a cover letter.
After designing the header and addressing the hiring manager, it is time to think about what exactly makes you such a fantastic law enforcement professional.
Introduction of a police officer cover letter
It is worth spending a little time to think about how to start a cover letter. That first paragraph needs to grab the attention and get to the heart of what you do. How do you keep your local community safe?
Use energetic language to convey you are an ideal job match, well-equipped to become a police department asset. Convey that you are excited about the opportunity to serve the community with fellow police officers.
Dear Commissioner Bracewell,
With over five years of experience in law enforcement, advanced training in crisis management, and strong community engagement skills, I am eager to contribute to the safety and well-being of Yorktown residents. Having successfully resolved over 200 critical incidents, my dedication to upholding the law and promoting community trust aligns perfectly with the department's mission.
Hi, I have been a policeman for a few years now and I still love the thrill of a good car chase. Catching the bad guys is a bonus when you get to drive so fast. I don’t enjoy the boring desk work though; that is not where my skills lie. I think that I would be a great police officer for your team.
Offer examples of instances when you’ve carried out duties like those listed in the job description. Lay out your strengths and potential contributions to the hiring manager.
Dear Mr. Blankwith,
Coming from a family of law enforcement officers, my six-year career in the police service has given me a chance to understand the reality behind all the stories.
Police officer cover letter body
In the body of your cover letter, consider the following structure:
- Focus on your behaviors at work. How do you protect your community?
- Mention your organizational skills. You will always have conflicting priorities.
- Tell stories about tough policing decisions you have had to make.
- Mention your appetite for training and professional development.
First body paragraph: Your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
There is no set format for the body of a police officer cover letter. Here are some personal traits that you might consider including:
- Integrity. Honesty, character and respectability are more important now than ever considering the additional scrutiny police officers are facing around the world. Use your cover letter to highlight moments when you did the right thing and achieved positive results.
- Willingness to serve. Community policing may sound like a buzzword, but it’s shaping the hiring decisions of more and more agencies. Make sure your love for the community and desire to see it thrive are at the forefront of your motivations on a police officer cover letter.
- The right temperament. The tone of your cover letter can say just as much about you as what you write. A positive attitude, calm demeanor and ability to work in a team are key qualities that will make you a welcome asset to any police force.
- Tenacity. Policing is a tough job. The hours are long and the days can be unpredictable. At the worst times, the job can be downright dangerous. Your cover letter is the right place to convey your understanding of the sacrifices police officers make to do their jobs effectively.
Check out the local police website. They will likely have statistics and information that relate to the type of work that they do most. Follow them on social media too—what is their public persona like? Imagine yourself as one of them.
Second body paragraph(s): Alignment with the organization
Understanding the nuances of the specific police department where you plan to apply is essential to writing an effective cover letter. Although you may start with a more general police officer cover letter, you should always customize it with your most relevant skills and experience related to the job description created by your potential employer. While customization may take a little extra time, you’ll reap the rewards when the hiring manager notices your diligence.
In this example of the Miami Police Department, key points can be taken from the mission statement:
- Highest standards of professional ethics and integrity
- Respect for the rules of law and the dignity of all human beings
- Empathy and compassion for others
Policing jobs can be competitive since many officers stay in their positions for years after being hired, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The same data source projects that police officer employment will grow by 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, a bit slower than the average for all occupations. Since new openings may be hard to come by, you’ll need to show an agency that you’re the perfect fit for their coveted opening. A great cover letter is your key to success.
As an ultra-marathon runner, I have found my calling on patrol; with emergency response, arrest proceedings, search and seizure, domestic disputes and crime scene investigation taking up my time. Physical and mental fitness is essential to allow me to be in the best condition to aid my community and forty commendations speak of my ability to give my all.
I am a student of police procedures and believe that the law should form the bedrock of any policing decision. Common sense obviously plays an important role, but in my experience of 500+ individual incidents a year, it has to be applied alongside the regulations.
After studying Criminal Justice at Hapson Community College and subsequently graduating from the Miami State Police Academy, I have continually sought opportunities to gain knowledge. My first aid certification has come in useful on a number of occasions, including a rural industrial accident last year where I managed to treat 12 victims as emergency medical services were running late.
I was an active member of the Kitford community, partnering with schools for youth education campaigns and helping to run a drug rehabilitation drop-in clinic. These relationships often helped me solve problems and be seen as someone to talk to rather than avoid. Active policing is preventative policing and youth crime rates dropped 37% as a result of my engagement efforts.
Call to action & conclusion: Finish off strong
Sum up your cover letter in the final few lines. One of the most effective ways to conclude is through a call to action. This sentence directly states your enthusiasm or interest in the position and encourages a hiring manager to contact you. If you have space, you may even leave your phone number or email again here.
Finish your letter with a signature that is both polite and formal. “Sincerely” or “Best regards” are great choices for a closing salutation.
I would welcome the opportunity to understand your policing challenges and hope that I can make your community feel even more safe and protected.
Sincerely,
Brian Mendez
Conclude by signing off with your name. First name and surname to keep things formal; you can be on first name terms after you sign that offer letter.
How to write a police officer cover letter with no experience
Believe it or not, you can become a police officer with no previous experience in this specific job, but perhaps some experience in adjacent fields. In this section, we’ll offer a sample of what to include on your cover letter when applying for your first police officer job.
Policing is a rewarding job that can provide you with plenty of room for career advancement. And the best part? You may only need a high school diploma and clean background check to get started. Many of a police officer’s tasks are learned on the job. Some of them include:
- Responding to a wide variety of calls
- De-escalating emergency situations
- Collecting evidence from a crime scene
- Tracking and arresting suspects
- Filing reports and logs
- Patrolling communities
- Making traffic stops and issuing citations
Although the process varies by state, generally, police officers with no experience take part in police academy training after they are hired. When their training is complete, they receive certification and are sworn into the police force.
Key takeaways
A police officer cover letter highlights your relevant skills, experiences, and role fit.
Try our cover letter builder to play with the stories that you wish to tell. Read the cover letter back to yourself and imagine that you are the hiring manager—is this the sort of thing that would make you want to find out more?
