Someone who is naturally curious and is continually willing to grow their knowledge and abilities has the potential to make a sizeable impact as a police officer. Even though law enforcement officials endure a substantial amount of training before they find themselves in uniform, there's always more they'll have to learn on the job. "One of the things people don't realize about police work is that you have to be a jack-of-all-trades," McKenna explains. "Expectations for officers are really high, and new things are always getting added to their plates." Back when he began his career as an officer, for example, squad cars were outfitted with simple radios—a way for officers to call something in and have dispatch take care of it. Police cars today, McKenna notes, are equipped with computers, calling upon the officers not only to master new technology but also to absorb the duties that previously fell to people in other positions. It's also true that the equipment officers now carry is twice as extensive as it was in prior years. "Additionally, there are more drugs on the market than ever, and laws change and update," McKenna says, adding that departments don't always have the funding to ensure everyone receives the training they need in these areas. That's why he took it upon himself to take various classes throughout his law enforcement career, committing to learn the different skill sets and laws he'd need. "Lots of police officers attend conferences and classes on the side of their jobs."