If you’re in need of writing a good police officer cover letter to land a job at your preferred district department, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide will give you everything you need to know to craft a standout cover letter. We’ll provide practical examples, real-life samples, ready-to-use templates, and plenty of writing tips to ensure every detail is spot on. Sounds good?
See more examples like these
Read on to learn how to:
- Format an eye-catching cover letter header and headline
- Personalize the greeting and content of your cover letter
- Create a compelling introduction on a police officer cover letter
- Convey your best professional attributes effectively
- Conclude your police officer cover letter with a strong closing statement
- Leverage top resources for job-seeking police officers
Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.
1. Format an eye-catching cover letter header and headline
When you begin writing your cover letter, your first important consideration should be how you can make the document visually appealing and eye-catching for employers.
The best way to accomplish this is by creating a well-formatted header and headline.
Starting with your cover letter header, this element is placed in the top left or top center of the document and should contain all your professional information. This is also where you will list the address of the recipient of the letter.
In your header, an employer should find:
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information
- The name of the company or employer
- The address of the company or employer
Here is an example of a well-formatted police officer header
John Doe, Certified Police Officer
(123) 456-7890 | johndoe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/john-doe
To: Buncombe Police Department
1234 Street Address
Asheville, NC 28715
Directly following your header is where you should place your cover letter headline. A headline is widely considered an optional cover letter element — but when written well, it can make a tremendous difference in setting your letter apart from competing applicants.
In a headline, you always aim to include:
- A keyword related to the position
- A number or trigger word
- A strong adjective or action verb
- A promise statement that tells the employer you have written this cover letter specifically for them
Here is an example of a well-written police officer headline
My 3-Step Approach to De-Escalation & How It Can Improve Your Police Department
Trigger Word/Number: 3-Step Approach
Keyword: De-Escalation, Police Department
Adjective/Verb: Improve
Promise: Your Police Department
Create your cover letter fast with artificial intelligence.
2. Personalize the greeting and content of your cover letter
With your header and headline in place, your next key step is to personalize both the content and greeting of your cover letter. As a police officer, strong attention to detail is essential, and personalizing your cover letter is a great way to convey this skill to employers.
For the personalized greeting, it is crucial to not only research exactly to who you should address your letter but to also use their correct title or honorific.
Here are 3 examples of personalized police officer cover letter greetings
- To Chief of Police Joe King,
- Dear Sergeant Joe King,
- Dear Deputy Chief Kate Miller,
3. Create a compelling introduction on a police officer cover letter
Once you know who you are speaking to and the key details you need to personalize and tailor your cover letter, you can now begin writing your introductory paragraph.
In this introduction, you should include:
- A brief overview of your professional history as a police officer
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this police department
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Pro Tip: Police departments want to know they are hiring trustworthy officers. Including a mutual acquaintance is a great way to provide a department with a trusted professional reference right off the bat.
Here is an example of a compelling introduction from a police officer cover letter
To Chief of Police Joe King,
I am a seasoned police officer with more than 8 years of experience working in both rural and urban communities. Having specialized for the last 5 years in mental health crisis management, I am certain I can meet the needs of both your department and community. My former Chief, Sergeant Loretta Sullivan, is highly familiar with your department and strongly recommended I apply for this opening and relocate to your location.
Find out your resume score!
4. Convey your best police officer attributes effectively
After writing an awesome and compelling introduction, you must now work on the body paragraphs of your police officer cover letter. In these next paragraphs, your main goal is to describe your best professional attributes, including key skills and accomplishments.
When describing your qualifications, make sure the information your include is highly accurate, relevant, and concise. As a police officer, you never want to mislead an employer by including skills or accomplishments that you do not actually possess.
Here are 6 skills to describe in a police officer cover letter
- Weapons handling and safety
- Conflict resolution
- Knowledge of local and state law
- Criminal justice
- Self-defense tactics
- De-escalation tactics
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a police officer cover letter
As a police officer at [Former Department], I worked diligently to not only ensure the safety of my community but also establish social programs aimed at reducing non-violent crime. After creating and operating a program to support homeless shelters in the area, my team and I were able to reduce homeless-related emergencies and incidents by more than 40%.
5. Conclude your police officer cover letter with a strong closing statement
When you are ready to finish off your cover letter, make sure the closing statement you write is highly professional. To accomplish this, you should include:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of a strong closing statement from a police officer's cover letter
I am greatly appreciative of the time taken to review my cover letter and application, and I hope to hear from you soon regarding this position. Please contact me at your earliest convenience at (123) 456-7890 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For after-hours communication, you may best reach me at johndoe@email.com.
Respectful Regards,
[Applicant Name]
If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.
6. Top resources for job-seeking police officers
Whether you're looking for opportunities in law enforcement, transitioning to a civilian role, or advancing your career, a great cover letter is a must. But it’s not just the cover letter that helps you land the job you want — knowing where to look gives you the ultimate head start.
Here are some essential resources for police officers aiming to stay ahead:
- Law enforcement job boards: Explore industry-specific job boards like Go Law Enforcement and OfficerList for law enforcement openings nationwide. These platforms often feature specialized roles tailored to your expertise.
- General job boards: Check general job boards that allow you to filter for law enforcement positions and specific locations. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster are great places to start.
- State and federal agencies: Visit websites like USAJobs.gov if you’re interested in federal law enforcement positions. For local opportunities, check your state’s public safety or police commission websites.
- Networking: Networking is one of the best ways to find a job. Join LinkedIn groups to connect with law enforcement professionals or become a member of organizations like the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which offer events and other resources.
- Continuous education and certification programs: Ongoing education and certification are crucial for police officers, given the role's high level of responsibility and the need to handle stressful situations effectively. Completing courses and training through resources like PoliceOne Academy , NAPO, or FEMA will enhance your resume, making you a stronger candidate for specialized roles.
While navigating the job market isn’t easy and might sometimes feel intimidating, with a good cover letter and the right resources, you’ll ace your next job in no time.
Police Officer Cover Letter FAQ
What is the best way to showcase my skills in a police officer cover letter?
The best way to show your abilities is by focusing on specific, measurable examples of your skills. For instance , instead of saying, "I have strong leadership skills," say, "I led a team of 12 officers in implementing a new community policing program, resulting in a 20% reduction in neighborhood crime rates." Be sure to include both hard skills (e.g., tactical training, law enforcement technologies) and soft skills (e.g., communication, conflict resolution) throughout your cover letter.
How can I make my cover letter stand out from the competition?
Tailor your cover letter to the department and role you're applying for. Research the agency’s mission and values, then try to align your achievements, skills, and aspirations with their goals. For instance, if the department prioritizes community involvement, mention your experience in organizing neighborhood watch programs or youth outreach initiatives. Personalization shows genuine interest and commitment.
How can I effectively use keywords in my police officer cover letter?
Look for keywords mentioned in the job posting such as "community policing," "crime prevention," or "incident reporting." Incorporate them naturally into your achievements and skills. For example, you might write, "I excel at community policing, fostering relationships with local residents to proactively address potential safety concerns."
Should I address my experience differently if I’m new to law enforcement?
Yes. If you're new to law enforcement, focus on transferable skills from previous roles, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving. If you have any relevant training, certifications, or volunteer work, don’t forget to mention it. This can include things like a police academy program or participating in a neighborhood safety initiative. Lastly, show your passion for public service and commitment to the values of law enforcement.
Can I include soft skills in my cover letter, or should I focus only on technical skills?
While technical skills like report writing, firearms proficiency, and knowing the ins and outs of law enforcement procedures are important for any police officer, your soft skills matter just as much. Don’t shy away from showing off things like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution in your cover letter, as they’re just as valued and can really set you apart.
