What is a Lateral Police Officer?
When it comes to law enforcement, terms like "lateral officers" and "entry-level officers" are often heard, but what does being a lateral police officer actually mean? In this article, we will explore what a lateral police officer is, the benefits, the process, and more.
What is a Lateral Police Officer?**
A lateral police officer is a law enforcement officer who has already been in the profession for some years, typically with experience with another police department, jurisdiction, or agency. A lateral officer is different from an entry-level officer, who is a new recruit fresh out of the academy without prior law enforcement experience. **Lateral officers come with a wealth of experience, skills, and expertise**, making them highly desirable candidates for many law enforcement agencies.
Lateral Officer Benefits**
Employing lateral officers offers significant benefits to law enforcement agencies. Some of these advantages include:
• **Swifter Training**: Since lateral officers have already undergone some form of training, typically a police academy or lateral training program, they need less time and resources to integrate into the new department, allowing them to **quickly become productive** officers.
• **Prior Knowledge and Experience**: Lateral officers bring with them essential knowledge and experience in certain areas, such as patrols, investigations, and criminal procedures, which **ease the transition** for agencies.
• **Talented and Skilled Staff**: Lateral officers can fill critical gaps in skilled positions, such as supervision, training, and investigation, allowing agencies to concentrate on other areas.
**Table: Benefits of Hiring Lateral Police Officers**
| Benefit | Detail |
| — | — |
| Swifter Training | Less time and resources needed for training |
| Prior Knowledge and Experience | Essential knowledge and experience in essential areas |
| Talented and Skilled Staff | Fill critical gaps in skill positions |
Lateral officers typically undergo an evaluation process, which often includes:
• **Testing**: Lateral officers often take a written examination covering various law enforcement topics.
• **Background Check**: A thorough background check verifies the officer’s integrity and character.
• **Experience Verification**: The agency verifys the officer’s prior experience, skills, and training.
• **Interviews**: Final steps may include interviews with training officers, supervisors, and other personnel.
**Box: Lateral Officer Employment Process**
1. Research and Application
2. Testing and Evaluation
* Written Examination
* Background Check
3. Experience Verification
* Verification of prior service and training
4. Interviews
* Departmental interviews
5. Conditional Offer
6. Final Processing
* Medical and psychological evaluation (if required)
7. Department Orientation and Training
• **Lateral Officers need to meet specific requirements set by the hiring agency, such as minimum time and experience requirements, background information, and education**, usually a high school diploma and a police academy or police training program.
Conclusion**
Lateral police officers are an indispensable asset to law enforcement agencies, offering a range of benefits, including reduced training time, prior knowledge, and skilled staff. Despite the process being lengthy and thorough, the results yield highly qualified and efficient personnel. **For aspiring and experienced officers alike, staying informed about the requirements, benefits, and processes helps navigate the path to law enforcement success**. Remember, being a lateral officer is not just a privilege but a valuable career upgrade, allowing individuals to continuously grow and contribute to serving and protecting their communities effectively.
