Working part time during law school is no easy feat for any law student, but for Sergeant Jason Harley, maintaining his career with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) while studying at UAlberta Law is par for the course. During his 16 years of service with the EPS, he held a number of positions, including being posted to the Zebra Child Protection Centre until he rose to the rank of Sergeant seven years ago.
His law enforcement expertise has certainly not gone amiss in law school; he previously spoke to his peers in first year Property Law, discussing his experience as an officer during the Occupy Edmonton protests. Last year he was part of the University of Alberta's Wilson Moot Team - a national level moot that explores legal issues concerning equity-seeking groups. In the competition held in Toronto, he placed third overall in the individual best oralist standings, competing against law students from 12 law schools across Canada.
Now at the end of his final year of the law program, he sat down to discuss his unique background and law school experience to date.
Q: I understand that prior to law school you were a Sergeant with the Edmonton Police Service and you have continued your full-time work throughout law school. Can you tell us about how you have managed to balance both roles?
A: It is an on-going and delicate balancing act. Essentially it comes down to being focused on where I am and what I am doing while I am doing it. At school it is easy to become distracted by work and vice-versa. Discipline, focus and a generous amount of coffee! Fortunately, I enjoy both work and school.
Q: Can give us a brief history of how you went into policing, and describe your role as a Sergeant?
A: In 1999, I graduated with my BA from the University of Alberta and was contemplating a career with the military or law school. Policing was not something I seriously looked at. A good friend at the time was then hired by the Calgary Police Service and recommended it. I applied in Edmonton. Out of nowhere 16 years flew by!
As a Sergeant I supervise 10-15 Constables. The role is diverse and challenging. Providing investigative leadership and professional oversight occupies a good portion of my time. Mentoring new members and watching them succeed is the most rewarding aspect.
Q: What aspect of policing is the most challenging? oHow
A: You are constantly dealing with difficult people in the worst of circumstances. Usually the subjects are a mixture of intoxicated, violent and in some sort of emotional crisis. It is difficult to balance empathy with the attendant legal obligations and safety. A decision always has to be made. Usually the information is limited and time is of the essence. You know going in you will be held accountable for every action. The challenge is making the right choice.
Q: What motivated you go to law school?
A: I have always wanted to get my law degree. It finally came down to a now or never moment. In December 2013, I wrote the last LSAT to be eligible for the 2017 class and applied. Thankfully it worked out.
Q: What skill(s) from policing transferred the most to your legal education?
A: In policing you are constantly gathering information, questioning what you know and how you know it, asking analytical questions and working towards a conclusion that must be reasonably explained. It is a helpful parallel to law school.
As a police officer you quickly learn there is seldom one right answer to any question. It is a spectrum. Some solutions may be more right than others, but often this is a matter of perspective. Keeping an open mind is a key to success.
Q: Do you have any plans to combine both professions in the future?
A: No, not in the near future.
Q: Now that you have almost completed law school, is there any advice you would have given yourself three years ago?
A: Get more sleep!
Q: What was the highlight of your first year in law school, academic or extra-curricular?
A: The academic highlight was creating a balance between work, life and school and actually making it work. I was concerned my world would come crashing down around me. Being able to keep the balls in the air and have a measure of success was satisfying.
Q: We'll close the interview out with a few rapid fire questions:
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What is your biggest Pet Peeve?
- Laziness
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Describe yourself in 3 words?
- Impatient, protective, mischievous
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What is the last book you read?
- Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success by Phil Jackson and Hugh Delehanty. I generally prefer biographies.
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Best advice you've ever received?
- "Congratulations on making the team. I have at least 10 guys who want your spot. The day I think I'd be better off with one of them, you'll be gone." - Former Coach
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Favourite Phone App?
- Google Maps and TSN Go (boring, I know!)