Career Profile: Law Enforcement

Do you always find yourself idolizing the good guys? Are you looking for a job with a thrill factor? Or maybe you’re the type of person who wants to know you’re helping make the world a better place. If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then a career in law enforcement may be just what you’re looking for!

Meet Terri-Lynn Clyde, a member of the Vancouver Police Department. Detective Constable Clyde, a psychology/sociology graduate from Dalhousie University in Halifax, started her career at the VPD in Patrol and now works in the Vice Unit as well as assisting in Homicide.

Clyde was accepted into the Police Academy in 2001 and has been upholding the law ever since. Youthink had the opportunity to find out more about her exciting job and how dynamic a career in law enforcement can be.

YT: Tell us what you do in the Vice Unit.
TLC: As a Vice Detective, I investigate criminal offenses contrary to the current prostitution laws in Canada.

YT: What is your work environment like?
TLC: In the Vice Unit, there are eight investigators and a sergeant. We are a closely-knit group and we are all very passionate when it comes to protecting the vulnerable.

YT: Where would one find reputable training for a career in law enforcement?
TLC: Once you are accepted into the VPD (see vpd.ca for application requirements), you attend the Justice Institute of British Columbia.

(Editor’s note: If you are interested in joining the Calgary Police Service, visit www.calgarypolice.ca and for Edmonton, visit www.edmontonpolice.ca. If you would like to become an RCMP officer, visit www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca.)

YT: What opportunities are offered to branch out within the police department?
TLC: This is what makes policing in our time so amazing! Once you work in Patrol and get an idea of the variety of files and investigations that your response to a 9-1-1 complaint can lead to, you develop interests in certain areas. From there, your supervisors support professional development, and allow you to explore your interests. There’s a multitude of courses offered that are most often paid for by the department. From my academy class alone, some officers moved into Strike Force, ERT, Community Policing, Financial Crime and some are even acting Sergeants. Whatever your interest, there’s a position that can fulfill it.

YT: What sort of person best suits a policing career?
TLC: You have to be a team player. When you are in Patrol, you work in squads of about 10 people, and you work with different partners. You have to adapt to people’s personalities and styles. You also have to have great people skills. Most of the confrontations we encounter can be de-escalated through talking. You also have to stay positive, and have a sense of humour to see you through the tough days.

YT: What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
TLC: Believe it or not, simply “getting the bad guy” can raise the hair on the back of my neck. When we are able to make an arrest of a person who is preying on the vulnerable, then it’s a great day. I have had so many heartwarming and exciting moments. I have met some very appreciative people who I have been able to assist, and I guess when a person has a positive experience with a police officer and they share that with you, it can make you feel pretty good. Let’s face it, when people call the police, it’s usually because something bad has happened, and that association can sometimes be hard to distinguish. There have been times when people are so thankful for whatever help you can provide that it can bring a connection that is a wonderful human experience.

YT: What are the risks and challenges of your job?
TLC: Well, the risks are ever-present. When you face dangerous situations, you rely on the intensive training that you undergo in the Police Academy. Some people are often critical of police when they see situations get physical, but what people can sometimes forget is that we have families at home whom we love. We are trained to recognize when things can escalate, and bringing a situation under control sometimes requires physical force.

YT: Besides schooling, what can a high-school student do to prepare for a career in law enforcement?
TLC: The best advice I can give is to stay out of trouble, stay fit and maintain a good driving record. When I applied to the VPD, I had to provide 30 character references. When it came down to it, I had plenty of people to choose from, since I maintained good relationships with my former employees, colleagues and I had nothing to hide. I would also recommend volunteer work. A Police School Liaison can also provide great advice, and maybe offer school programs to steer you in the right direction.