For a Law Enforcement Career: Writing a Letter of Intent

M.T. Wroblewski reports:

"In a safety-conscious world, the field of law enforcement offers many career paths...To make the most of this dynamic marketplace, you may wish to send a letter of intent for a law enforcement job. Also known as a cover letter, a letter of intent isn’t always triggered by a specific job opening or advertisement. Rather, you may wish to send an enthusiastic letter of intent to an organization you really wish to work for, so when an opening does occur, your letter and resume will be at the top of the prospect file...Conduct some detective work on the organization to learn what you can about its culture, dynamics and working conditions. Your ability to tailor your letter of intent to an organization will convey the idea that you are limiting your job search, rather than blanketing hiring agencies with inquiries...Center your name at the top of the page. Place your contact information, including your cell phone number and email address, underneath in smaller type. Space four times and then write the date. Space twice and then write the inside address, being sure to include the recipient's full name and job title. Space twice and write a formal salutation...Open your letter by expressing interest in an advertised position or your desire to join the organization. Refer to your current position and the number of years of experience you have in the field of law enforcement...Summarize your professional experience, stating your positions and the names of the law enforcement agencies for whom you have worked. Refer only to the highlights; your resume will provide a detailed summary of your background...Describe your contributions and accomplishments, referring to cases you have 'cracked' or worked on, trials for which you provided testimony or initiatives you developed to reduce crime, theft or accidents. By virtue of the collaborative nature of law enforcement work, the field employs a relatively small circle of people. The more you can spark a connection with your previous projects, the more likely you may be to generate interest in scheduling an interview...Segue to your personal traits and how they complement your life’s work. Be specific and illustrate your points with a poignant example...Cite your educational credentials. Some law enforcement positions require only a high school diploma; many more require college degrees. Be certain that you possess the proper educational credentials for the position you seek before you send a letter of interest...Explain how you believe that your professional experiences, triumphs and your personal traits would lead you to make valuable contributions to the organization or be a genuine asset to its mission. Allude to any special projects or initiatives the organization may have [underway] and how you would embrace the challenges they present...Refer to your enclosed resume and references. Express your wish to arrange an interview to discuss the position and the organization. Pledge to follow up on your letter in a few days. Then thank the recipient for his time and consideration...Space twice and use a formal closing, such as 'Sincerely.' Space four times and then type your name before printing the letter. Sign your full name above the typed one...Proofread and edit your letter to ensure that it is free of spelling and grammatical errors."