Nine chapters walk the reader through tips for getting into the law enforcement business, the application and interview process, and issues related to surviving and thriving as a police officer. Chapter 1 describes the reality of law enforcement work, which includes night and holiday work, and helps readers determine whether a career in law enforcement is the right choice. Chapter 2 focuses on tips for getting into the business and advises readers that law enforcement work is not simply a job it is a lifestyle. Chapter 3 details the application and interview process for becoming a police officer while chapter 4 discusses how to build a strong law enforcement foundation by reading about law enforcement issues every day. Chapter 5 focuses on the importance and difficulty of choosing a good role model, chapter 6 describes a patrol philosophy that should be adopted by new officers, and chapter 7 explores the impact of politics on law enforcement work. The patrol philosophy outlined in chapter 6 focuses on how officers should complete their duties, balance activities during patrol downtime, and advises on how to use discretion reasonably. In chapter 8 the author turns to a consideration of the impact of law enforcement work on the physical and emotional health of officers, focusing on survival techniques for officer well-being. Chapter 9 takes up the topic of off-duty considerations, such as how to handle citizens who approach during off-duty hours. Officers are advised not to carry a gun while off-duty and to avoid consuming too much alcohol while off-duty. At the end of each chapter is a listing of tips and tools that summarizes the main points of the chapters. “Wise words” from police officers with many years of experience complete the book. Sources, index