BECOME A POLICE OFFICER

---

Being a police officer is not just a job; it's a front-row seat to the most thrilling and unpredictable show on earth. As a first responder, you're the one who steps in when people are in their most vulnerable moments. So, what's the real deal about being a police officer? 

As a part of the Guam Police Department, you hold the power to truly change lives. You are on the front lines daily, tackling car crashes, burglaries, assaults, thefts, and other threats to our island community's safety. Your interactions with community members from various cultures and economic backgrounds are a direct chance to help them with their problems, big or small. 

Let's see a few examples.

Dispatch informs you of a car accident in your beat area. Upon arrival, you are first tasked with rendering the scene safe. If vehicle occupants need medical assistance, you coordinate with the Guam Fire Department for aid. Now, it is time to investigate and document the crash. The training you are provided allows you to determine the causation and violation that led to this crash. 

John is alerted by his home security camera that someone unknown to him has entered his residence while he is at work. Working together, police dispatch and the desk watch officer have provided you with the location of the residence, a description of the suspect, and other real-time updates as the situation plays out.  The training you have, along with the experience of your fellow officers, allows for a coordinated response where the officers arrive together, preventing the suspect from getting away. He is later taken into custody and transported to the precinct for interrogation. You must then interview the reporting person to document damages or stolen items. Coordinate with the Crime Scene Investigator to process the scene and finally finish the arrest of your suspect after being questioned.

After you have mastered being a patrol officer, it's time to consider applying to a specialized section. The Guam Police Department has several highly specialized sections that handle large or dangerous cases, such as:

Special Operations Division- Swat, K9, Marine Patrol

Highway Patrol Division- Serious Crash Unit, Enforcement

Criminal Investigations Division- detectives separated into five specialized units (drugs, homicide, Domestic violence, property crime, and Juvenile crime)

Forensic Science Division- CSI

You will receive your basic training in the Police Academy. As your career progresses, you will have the opportunity to attend training on-island and off-island by subject matter experts from highly respected agencies and institutions worldwide. As a member of Guam’s Premier Law Enforcement Agency, you will have education and experience above and beyond what other agencies can offer. Join GPD today!  don’t just protect and serve; make a difference.

A Police Officer Trainee attends and satisfactorily completes a Guam Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission-approved law enforcement program and on-the-job training involving clearly defined routine police law enforcement work. Employees in this class undergo classroom lectures and physical agility training and are monitored and evaluated academically through quiz and examination scores.  In addition, employees in this class undergo extensive on-the-job training in law enforcement work.  On-the-job training work performance is evaluated using on-the-scene observations, frequent inspections, examinations, discussions, and submission of reports.

As a Police Officer Trainee, he attends the Guam POST Commission-approved law enforcement training program that would lead to POST Certification.  Performs the following on-the-job training duties: patrols a specific beat or district on foot, motorcycle, or patrol car; checks windows and doors of business establishments; and investigates any suspicious conditions.  Directs traffic during peak hours; writes tickets for illegal parking, speeding, and other traffic offenses.  Serves writs, warrants, and subpoenas; makes arrests for violations of laws and ordinances.  Receives complaints and reports; provides the public with information and directions upon request.  Assists in investigating traffic accidents, criminal offenses, and other investigations as assigned; reports on such findings.  Assists with interviewing witnesses, collects and preserves evidence, and testifies in court.  Performs related work as assigned.