What is a Police Officer Lateral?
Being a law enforcement professional comes with immense respect, accountability, and the duty to serve and protect the public. For individuals who already possess the necessary skills and experience, the concept of a police officer lateral transition can be an attractive alternative to starting a career in law enforcement from scratch.
What is a Lateral Police Officer?
A lateral police officer, also known as a sworn lateral or certified lateral officer, is a police professional who has prior law enforcement experience and decides to relocate to a different police agency or department. This allows them to utilize their existing skills, knowledge, and training to benefit the new agency, while also obtaining a new badge and challenging themselves with new opportunities and experiences.
Why Becoming a Lateral Officer?
Individuals often choose to become lateral police officers for several reasons, including:
- Work-Life Balance: A chance to find a better fit for their lifestyle, commuting distance, and schedule
- Professional Development: An opportunity to advance in their career, gain new skills, and work alongside experienced professionals
- New Challenges: The opportunity to work in a different environment, adapt to new policies and procedures, and tackle new and complex criminal cases
- More Competitive Salary and Benefits: Lateral officers may earn higher salaries and benefits by transferring to agencies that prioritize experience and certification
Benefits of Lateral Employment
Lateral officers receive numerous benefits, including:
- Reciprocity: Many departments offer immediate reciprocity for lateral candidates, allowing them to assume their new duties without delays
- Advanced Classification: Lateral officers may be eligible for advanced ranking or classification within their new department
- Easier Promotion Track: Since they already have law enforcement experience, lateral officers typically have a more direct pathway to promotion within their new agency
- Expanded Career Opportunities: Lateral officers can seek employment across different agencies, jurisdictions, and even levels of government
Process for Lateral Transitions
If you’re interested in transitioning to a new agency, follow these general steps:
- Research:
- Identify prospective agencies and review their employment requirements, pay scales, and benefits
- Research the hiring process and any specific qualifications or procedures
- Requirements:
- Determine the necessary education, certification, and experience for each agency
- Obtain any required training or recertification (e.g., firearms qualification)
- Application:
- Complete and submit the application packet, if required
- Tailor your application and personal statement to highlight relevant skills and experience
- Assessment and Review:
- Passing a background check and assessment (e.g., personality test, oral board) may be part of the hiring process
- Agency representatives review applications, conduct interviews, and finalize hiring decisions
Things to Consider When Choosing an Agency
Before making your lateral transition, consider the following factors:
- Agency Culture:
- Review department values and mission statements
- Research the working environment, morale, and work-life balance
- Support and Resources:
- Evaluate the availability and quality of training, mental health support, and resource allocation
- Equipment and Tech:
- Familiarize yourself with the agency’s technology and equipment
- Identify any necessary certifications or updates
- Complaints and Public Perception:
- Research complaints and public perception of the agency
- Familiarize yourself with policy and procedures addressing complaints
Conclusion
Becoming a police officer lateral can be an excellent decision for those already in the law enforcement field, as it offers opportunities for advancement, professional development, and a fresh start. Before making the transition, take the time to research potential agencies, their requirements and processes, and weigh your options carefully.
