Find Your Law Enforcement Niche

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In today’s world of policing, specialization is key. Honing in on that one thing that you want to specialize in, however, is not always easy.

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Whatever you want to establish your authority in – be it SWAT, Leadership, or another specialized position – identifying and focusing on your niche is a great way to attract like minded-connections and advance your reputation. Here is our 9-step process to finding your niche.

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1. List off your skills, passions, and interests.

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What makes you tick? What gets you excited? What do you find yourself randomly researching on Google for fun? It’s important to note that you don’t have to necessarily already be an expert on any of these things….yet. That all can come later. The important thing is that whatever’s on this list is something you can see yourself immersing yourself in.

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2. Narrow down your list

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Out of all the items that came out of your brainstorm in step 1…. Its now time to narrow them down to the 3 or 4 topics you enjoy the most and know the most about and/or are most willing to learn more about.

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3. Brainstorm problems

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Here you’re going to play problem solver. From those 3 or 4 topics you chose, begin brainstorming potential problems related to those items to solve or needs of people in that area. What do you think could be improved/enhanced/etc.?

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4. Research

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With your idea starting to shape up, it’s time to do some research. What are other people asking or doing about this topic? Do similar positions exist in your agency or department? Is there any competition? If so, do you have any ideas on how you might stand out from the competition?

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5. Build off your research

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Building off of point 4, if the answer to any of the questions is no, why is that? If yes, do you see a possibility for you to do it differently or better? If so, what are your thoughts around you doing it differently, better, or at all?

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6. Test the waters

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Begin casually discussing your thoughts (in general terms, don’t want to give away too much) to others who you might think would support your niche or be interested in it. Ask a few people you trust or respect about their thoughts generally. If you know someone who is doing what you want, or something similar to what you want, offer to buy him/her coffee and “pick their brain.”  People love talking about themselves and giving advice. So take full advantage!

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7. Further fine-tune your idea

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If others can quickly and positively identify with your basic concept, it’s time to get serious, you might be onto something! What aspect of your idea do you imagine to be the most desirable and/or advantageous? Your interviewing from point 6 should help.

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8. Enter the development phase

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If it seems like the universe is steering you in a particular direction and you’re feeling confident, it’s time to start taking action. What is the first next step you need to take? Who is the first next person you need to meet or connect with?

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9. Be willing to accept feedback along the way

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Lastly, be very, very open to feedback and be willing to adapt and adjust quickly as you establish yourself. Sometimes someone on the outside looking in can see things you’re not seeing. It’s nothing personal! Follow these 9 steps to decide on a niche for your career path…one that fulfills you. One that gets you waking up (most!) mornings looking forward to work.

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Check out our Law Enforcement Performance Coaches, where we can help you brainstorm your niche or work on whatever phase of the ideation process you’re working on.

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