Police Officer Cover Letter – Real-Life Example and Guide

Writing a Police Officer cover letter can be tough, whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced officer. 

To make sure you nail the process, it helps to see an example. Even better, an example that ended up landing the applicant both the job interview and the job itself. 

That’s what I’m going to show you here. In this article, we’ll take a look at a real-life example of a cover letter I wrote for a Police Officer who was a client of mine at CVGuru. They had a few years of experience, and wanted to take the next step in their career.

To keep the client’s identity confidential, I have changed their name and other personal details.

I’ll show you a picture of the entire cover letter first, before breaking the text down and explaining how to go about writing each section.

How to Write a Police Officer Cover Letter, Step-By-Step

1. Express Your Interest Clearly

Begin your Police Officer cover letter by clearly stating your interest in the position and where you found the job listing. For instance:

It is with great interest that I apply for the position of Police Officer at Springfield Police Department, as advertised on Jobseeker.

2. Highlight Relevant Experience

Assure the recruiters early on by referring to local experience and knowledge of the district’s crime challenges, if applicable. Emphasize any specific roles or responsibilities that are particularly relevant to the job. For example:

I bring local experience from patrol service and investigation, good knowledge of crime challenges in the district, as well as 3 years’ experience of being a contact for involved family members, and believe I would be able to contribute positively to strengthening your team.

3. Explain Why the Position Appeals to You

Explain why you find this specific police officer position attractive and how it aligns with your career goals. Demonstrating long-term commitment and aspiration within the agency can be compelling:

This position is very attractive, as I have been wanting to work in this location for a long while. I am by all means happy where I am, but now seek new challenges in a job where I can contribute even more in the long term. At the same time, I consider this an important step on the way to being able to become a Student Supervision Officer. Therefore, it would be a great pleasure to be given this chance, and I am certain that I have a lot to add to your preparedness in the area.

4. Detail Your Current Role and Achievements

Describe your current position, responsibilities, and notable achievements. Highlight how these experiences have prepared you for the new role:

Specifically, I work as an investigator, with main responsibility for cases involving youths under the age of 18, in addition to patrolling. In my previous position at XXX Department, I also had patrols, including readiness and responsibility for the XXX project along with my partner. From my current job, I have contributed to keeping a healthy criminal case portfolio as occasionally the only investigator at my current station, as well as being the only investigator in a very large and complex case that resulted in indictments. I have also been part of a larger investigation team where several serious thefts were solved through effective cooperation between us. Overall, I believe I have gained highly useful expertise in the criminal case field as an investigator, and a solid understanding of case completion on the spot which will make me a reliable and independent resource person at your department.

5. Describe Your Skills and Attributes

Mention personal attributes and skills that make you a good fit for the Police Officer position. Be specific about qualities that align with the department’s values and priorities, or any official values pertaining to your country’s law enforcement ethos:

As a person, I am committed, dedicated and proactive. It comes naturally to me to establish contact with others in a safe and polite way, and I can point to widespread local knowledge of the crime scene and relevant people, as well as the municipality and surrounding areas. This particularly applies to challenges with youths, and I have understood that this will be a priority area going forward. In addition, I recognize the characteristics that are highlighted on the official police employee platform, and in particular with regard to being courageous, holistically oriented and approachable, with respect for all.

6. Conclude with Confidence and a Call to Action

End your Police Officer cover letter by repeating your genuine enthusiasm for the position and expressing your desire for an interview. Be confident in your closing statement:

With me on the team, you will get a motivated and professionally skilled Police Officer who is passionate about the profession. I go the extra mile, am confident in my role, and would love to become part of your team at Springfield Police Department. Therefore, I hope to have piqued your interest, and will be more than happy to discuss the job with you in more detail, with a view towards how I may best contribute.

Final Tips for a Strong Police Officer Cover Letter

• Keep It Concise: Aim for a one-page cover letter. Be clear and to the point.
• Customize Each Application: Tailor your cover letter to each position you apply for. Mention the specific police department and role.
• Proofread: Ensure your cover letter is free from spelling and grammatical errors. A well-written cover letter reflects your attention to detail.
• Use a Professional Tone: Maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout your cover letter.

If you follow the recommendations I gave while showing you the example above, I’m certain you can create a compelling Police Officer cover letter that convinces the recruiters about why YOU are the right person for the job. 

A strong cover letter can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview and ultimately landing the job.

Thanks for reading, and good luck!