Police Officer Cover Letter Example

Why a profession-specific cover letter matters 

Many people mistakenly believe that all cover letters are the same. But while the general layout of police officer cover letters is similar to those used in other fields, the content and tone differ. That’s why you need a profession-specific cover letter.  

By customizing your cover letter to your chosen profession, you can demonstrate that you understand what it takes to thrive in the role you’re applying for.

To that end, you should use action language that conveys a proactive mindset and reiterate skills mentioned in the job description to illustrate your understanding of the responsibilities you’ll be taking on.

Key components of a profession-specific cover letter

Before we get into our police officer cover letter example, let’s review the basic components your document should include:

• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and specify the role you’re applying for 
• Why You’re Interested in the Position: Explain why you’re interested in the role and mention some of your responsibilities at your current job
• Professional Experience: Highlight any professional experience you have that relates to the profession
• Real-World Examples: Whenever possible, provide real-world examples of how you’ve used the skills mentioned in your resume, like communication or conflict resolution
• Personal Qualities: Highlight qualities that make you a good fit for the position
• Closing Statement: Express your excitement for the opportunity and note any attached documents, like your resume

Additionally, make it a point to include a call to action reiterating your eagerness to come in for an interview. Your call to action might look something like this:

“I look forward to discussing my application further during an interview. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at the email address or phone number provided. I am available to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience.”

Adding a few sentences calling for an interview can demonstrate your interest in the job and spur hiring managers to action.

Cover letter format 

Your police officer cover letter should follow this general format:

1. Introduction: Provide your name and contact information, then address the hiring manager by name and transition into your content
2. Body: Include two to four body paragraphs and keep each paragraph focused on one type of content (e.g., work experience, interest in the position)
3. Conclusion: Write a conclusion paragraph that explains why you would be a good fit for the job
4. Call to Action: Include a one-to-two-sentence CTA
5. Sign-Off: End with “Sincerely” or “Respectfully,” followed by your name

Don’t forget to mention if there are any attachments, such as your resume, law enforcement certification, etc.

Sample cover letter for police officer

John Doe
123 Main St. Los Angeles, California 90001
johndoe@email.com
(123) 456-7890

Sandra Hires
Los Angeles Police Department
345 Los Angeles Way
Los Angeles, California 90001

26 November 2023

Dear Mrs. Hires,

I am writing to express my interest in the police officer position at the Los Angeles Police Department, which I recently found posted on your website. With a comprehensive background in law enforcement and a deep commitment to serving the LA community, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

During my five years of service with the San Francisco Police Department, I have developed a robust skill set that I believe aligns well with the requirements and expectations of an officer at your department. My experience includes proactive community policing, effective crime-prevention strategies, and swift responses to emergency situations. I have also had the opportunity to train new recruits and help them begin their law enforcement journeys. I am particularly proud of my role in developing a community outreach program that significantly improved the relationships between local law enforcement and the larger community.

My approach to law enforcement is centered on integrity, respect, and a relentless pursuit of justice. I have honed my abilities in critical areas such as criminal investigation, crisis management, and public safety education. Moreover, my training in crisis negotiation has equipped me to handle a wide range of rapidly evolving scenarios confidently and efficiently.

I am also committed to continuous professional development. My recent completion of a 40-hour interview and interrogations course is a testament to my dedication to staying current with the latest best practices in policing. This commitment extends to my physical fitness and readiness, ensuring that I am always prepared to meet the physical demands of the job.

Joining the LAPD would be a privilege, and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of working in a department known for its innovative community programs and unwavering professional standards. Becoming a member of the LAPD would give me the opportunity to explore new opportunities within the law enforcement field and continue to diversify my skill set. I am eager to bring my experience, skills, and passion for public service to your renowned team and contribute positively to the safety and well-being of Los Angeles citizens.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. 

Sincerely,
John Doe
Attachments: Resume

Dos and don’ts 

When writing your police officer cover letter, it’s important to follow some established best practices while avoiding common mistakes. Here are some basic dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do:

• Tailor your cover letter for each application
• Highlight relevant experience and specialized skills
• Display your community spirit
• Be professional and concise
• Provide a glimpse into your unique personality and traits 

Don’t: 

• Repeat what’s in your resume
• Overlook soft skills
• Neglect proofreading and grammar checks
• Be vague or use generic language

When writing your police officer cover letter, you must be specific and detailed yet concise. Don’t simply reiterate the information you provided in your resume — instead, treat the cover letter and resume as complementary documents that provide a holistic picture of you as a candidate.

Also, provide specific examples and achievements to illustrate your capabilities and experiences. Quantifiable results can be particularly impactful and help you stand out from other candidates, especially in highly competitive hiring processes.

Additional tips 

When drafting your police officer cover letter, you should offer the reader a sense of your personality and work ethic, as doing so makes you feel like a three-dimensional person as opposed to a list of qualifications.

Use a storytelling approach and real-world examples to illustrate how you’ve handled challenging situations in the past and demonstrate your problem-solving skills and resilience.

If possible, address your letter to a specific person to add a personal touch. You can also weave elements of the department’s values or mission statement into your police officer cover letter to show that you’ve done your homework. 

Lastly, it’s a good idea to review other police officer cover letter examples to get a better idea of what your document needs to include.

We also recommend checking out some police officer resume guides. While a great police officer cover letter will help you stand out, it’s important to pair it with an equally impressive resume.

Write an engaging cover letter for police officers with Jobseeker

When it comes to writing a cover letter, police officer candidates must strike the right balance between engaging and concise. That can admittedly be challenging, especially if you haven’t written a police officer cover letter before. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this process alone.

Jobseeker has lots of great resources to help you write your police officer cover letter. From fillable cover letter templates to how-to guides, we provide the tools you need to land that crucial interview. We even have resume templates you can leverage to convey your skills, education, and work experience to hiring managers.

Take the hassle out of applying for police officer jobs with Jobseeker.