Informational Interview

    I would like to begin a career in Law Enforcement, specifically for a federal agency, so while conducting my informational interview, I chose my brother Nelson Rosa. He was a perfect candidate for this interview because he is a retired Sergeant for the New York City Police Department and only retired after 23 years of service because a federal position was made available to him.

    He says that being a Police officer carries a great deal of responsibility on and off duty. Just carrying a firearm almost all the time is a responsibility in itself. We live in a time where the majority of the people in this society do not like anyone who holds a position of authority and the police are at the top of that list. Being that an officer has great dealings with the public, an officer would really have to maintain their composure and stay level headed, and be fair according to the law, especially when dealing with a person who is behaving in an irate manner or when assisting during a horrific event such as an accident, especially when it involves families and children.

    The stress can take its course on a person after many years. This is why a person would have to know that this is really what they want to do as a career. It is also highly recommended to be a part of some organization, volunteer group, or even begin a hobby to get away from what officers are constantly exposed to everyday. I'm sure that during the 23 years that my brother served, there were some difficult times and hard choices that had to be made; after all, Police officers have a great deal of discretion while working out in the field. Any profession anyone chooses will have its challenging times because that is just life. However, it is entrusted in the officer to make the right choice according to the law to properly serve the public and its needs.

    What I've learned about this career is that although it is a job that contributes in many different ways to the public, it can also be dangerous and very stressful. A person would have to know themselves and their limits because serving the public especially when the majority of the people don't like you but cry out to you and expect you to serve them especially during their moments of despair, would take a person who is mature, strong minded, and with good character to do that kind of a job on a daily basis. This line of work also has its rewarding moments that sometimes cannot even be put into words but can last a lifetime of gratitude and appreciation.

"Leadership cannot just go along. Leadership must meet the moral challenge of the day." - Jesse Jackson

Thank you!

Jason Duran