Should you have to know how to spell to be a law officer?

To what level of spelling knowledge are you attempting to hold them? I don't know of any department that would let an illiterate person work as a police officer. They must be able to read and write to complete the large amounts of paperwork involved in the every day business of a police department. So, they do know how to spell the vast majority of words that they would need, if not all of them. But would you disqualify an otherwise exceptional candidate because they have a problem spelling "pharmaceutical" or "sado-masochistic"? I've used both in various reports, but each only once in four years as an officer. I've known many very intelligent and hard-working people who have problems spelling seldom used or somewhat complicated words.

If you're referring to grammar issues, though, that is something separate. I've only known a couple of people in my life that speak using "proper" grammar, and they were both college English professors. The vast majority of professionals in the world don't even write using completely "proper" grammar. Many of the rules of grammar are archaic and sound wrong to modern speakers of the language when used. There are also rules that have options, but many people are only aware of one part of the rule. I got into a debate with a senior officer who was checking my reports one night over the use of "was/were" in a particular context. He said one, I said the other, and when I asked my old college professor, he said in that particular context, it can be either.

I've read official documents written by police officers, lawyers, judges, accountants, business persons, and many other professionals. I don't think I've ever seen a single one that was absolutely perfect in spelling and grammar throughout the entire document. It just doesn't happen, because we are all human and all make mistakes.

John G

I have read alot of police reports and I don't think half of them can spell.So it must not be a requirement.

Harry W

Hears your ticket sir you just went past that sign without stopping. I do not know want the sign means but you can pay it anyway lol

little weed

Yes and it helps to know how to spell to do any job.

leckie1UK

Thats why we have spell checkers.

Pitchow!

Yes. There are many reports that officers are required to compose.

alfjr24

well, i'm sure it would help...

Pasteur30

Oh, no. In case somebody dares to make fun of you ( I really doubt it ) you hit him with the club

no_doubt!

I think it would definitely have to be a requirement...If your spelling is not that great, maybe you could pass...but having to write so many reports...I would think you should be able to read & write fairly well.

piercing integrity

Yes. In fact it's probably the first test they make you take (written essays etc) because if you can't write - spelling and grammar - then there is no use. It's the first step. Which is why my counterparts irk every time I see a Law Enforcement Officer on-line that has poor spelling... it's very essential.

However, as a 16-year-old, I believe in "spell check"...

JAMES11A

Yes.

vicky l

yes theres lots of paperwork involved

tikitiki

Absolutely! I've worked with a guy that bragged about his Masters Degree all the time, like he was hot sh*t, but you'd read his reports and wonder how the hell he could even form a complete thought much less spell his name correctly........
It's just embarassing to the officers and the dept as a whole for someone that can't take the time to click spellcheck and proofread. Just proves my theory, college degree's only mean you have the time and money, sure as hell doesn't make you smarter.

beez

Certainly. Incorrect spelling in an incident report would work for the defensed in trial. It would make you or another officer look uneducated.

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