Police Officer Career
The type of police officer that an individual becomes upon graduation from a local law enforcement academy also depends on the needs of the area. Some police officers assume the role of primary law enforcers within a city, while others work under larger departments, like the FBI or D.E.A. Based on the need for certain types of officers and the skills of the officer. Patrol Officers: The first type of police officer that most individuals become is a Patrol Officer, which is the most common. This officer will patrol an assigned area of a city, responding to non-violent calls, such as noise complaints, suspicious individuals, or lights out in traffic lights. This officer evaluates the situation and takes action as needed. For example, this officer may plan safety campaigns such as "seat belt awareness month." Or organize the neighborhood watch program. Detectives: Those that want to advance in the police force and want a more specialized role often become a detective. These types of officers perform investigations and interviews to find evidence related to an investigation. The evidence collected from interviews with witnesses is analyzed and a series of questions is evaluated to determine if an arrest is warranted. Individuals that become detectives are often skilled at communicating , listening, critical thinking, and writing. Both of which can be enhanced during a forensic psychology degree program or forensic psychology master’s program. Highway Patrol Officers: Specific highway patrol officers maintain road safety and monitor traffic. They are charged with keeping highways free from crime, helping motorist drive safely, and monitoring commercial traffic. Their duties also include investigation accidents and crashes, which can uphold vehicular safety regulations and state law. These officers have to possess strong communication skills and a natural knack for human interaction. These officers must be able to use logical reasoning, problem solving skills, and be able to make judgment calls. These are just a few examples of the various roles of police officers and the responsibilities they take on. Local law enforcement agencies vary, and therefore so do the jobs of those in law enforcement roles.
Career Opportunities in Federal Law Enforcement
There are a wide variety of careers available at the federal level. Perhaps the best known is the FBI agent. A Special Agent undergoes extensive training, which includes firearms and driving instruction, defensive tactics, and surveillance techniques. If the agent becomes involved in an investigation that requires a specialized skill, he or she will often received further training in that specialized area. For instance, if an FBI agent has a background in pharmacy or chemistry, or perhaps had worked in a bank, he or she might be assigned to an area where those skills are needed. So while all federal agents have a similar basic background, their areas of expertise can vary widely.
The FBI employs CIA and Secret Service agents, as well as agents working under the Department of the Interior and the Department of Treasury. Each agency has its own training, and its own specialties that they focus on. Some agents do not even have a consistent field office, and are often moved to areas where they are most needed.
US Marshals and Secret Service agents have similar job duties, but exist within very different arenas. The US Marshals are charged with apprehending fugitives, and securing and transporting prisoners who have been sentenced. Secret Service agents protect the current president and vice president, as well as past presidents and their families.
Federal investigators, such as those working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), NASA, the FBI, and the CIA, often spend much time at a desk, gathering data or reviewing evidence. While they do investigate, they may not have the same street patrol duties as investigative positions with local law enforcement agencies.
Law Enforcement Specialized Units
Within law enforcement agencies and departments, there are specialized units responsible for particular areas of law enforcement. Those units often have a different name based on the specific responsibility the unit has and, oftentimes, the name provides a hint about what the unit’s responsibilities are. Specialized responsibilities include things such as investigating homicides, sexual crimes, gang activity and other specific crimes, as well as addressing vehicle theft, drug-related issues, violence, natural resource concerns and environmental crimes, among other things. Often, these units also perform a support function to ensure that police officers have the services and resources needed to carry out their jobs efficiently. Examples of support positions include police photographer and fingerprint analyst, among many others.
The goal of many police officers is to become a part of a specialized unit, such as a K-9 unit, narcotics team, homicide unit or SWAT team. These positions are highly coveted, as they are very competitive. Police officers must apply just to be considered for these teams, and they have to successfully finish a physical and psychological exam. Officers must also demonstrate that they will be a good fit for the team and have the commitment necessary to carry out the job responsibilities. While there are different requirements for different teams, bigger teams typically have requirements that are more extensive.
Joining a specialized unit is a big step for any police officer. SWAT officers, for example, are highly trained in firearms and hand-to-hand combat. They are experts in crowd control and are called on to handle high-stress situations related to drug raids, hostage situations, hostage rescues, responding to potentially violent suspects and other crises. Members of these teams are on-call 24/7 and are often away from home for extended periods of time. They lead busy lives, making these two job responsibilities a requirement for this unique unit.
Similarly, K-9 units require police officers to possess a dog that has been specifically trained for law enforcement purposes. The police dog handlers must be totally committed to having the dog with them at all times, as it is a part of their job.
Recently, cybercrime departments have become increasingly important to law enforcement departments. These officers work as detectives or forensic investigators, often collaborating with state and federal law enforcement agencies and other divisions of law enforcement. Cybercrime professionals are responsible for investigating crimes that take place online or through a computer and seek to track down computer hackers, internet-enabled crimes and similar issues.
State Law Enforcement Career Opportunities
State-level law enforcement jobs are completely separate from police jobs. State troopers may patrol highways, conduct criminal investigations, and provide security for state facilities. Also, individual states employ hundreds of wildlife conservation officers to enforce conservation laws and serve as local experts on fish and game. While officer positions in municipal departments are more well-known, these state jobs have clear advantages.
Similar to municipal police officers, wildlife conservation officers enforce state conservation laws, assist with traffic accidents, and provide local expertise in wildlife identification. Responsibilities also include the investigating of illegal hunting and angling, educating the public about ordinances, and serving as outreach ambassadors to encourage best conservation practices among the general population. Most states employ dozens of these officers to cover large areas. Positions are often filled by retired or part-time municipal police officers.
State trooper officers cover jurisdictions that municipality police officers do not. Duties for a state trooper vary by state, but typical responsibilities include road patrol; criminal investigation; automobile accident investigation; conducting forensic analysis, community outreach and education; assisting municipal police departments; and security duties for state facilities. In addition to troopers, many states employ investigators specifically trained for cyber crime.
Corrections & Probation Officers
For those who glimpse a future working in a law enforcement career, but want to focus on correction, there are also levels of corrections professions. A four-year degree may land you the role of a federal corrections officer overseeing inmates serving sentences longer than one year, or it may land you the position of a detention officer at a local county-run facility. From here, you can also move onto a role as a state or federal prison guard. Or you may choose to work as a probation officer. Either way, you will need to be capable of working in fast-paced, high-stress environments. On a day-to-day basis, corrections workers may be responsible for monitoring and controlling the activities of pretrial offenders held in a local detention center , balancing just the right mix of firmness and compassion to prevent conflicts with inmates. Detention center guards may supervise inmates and monitor their behavior. They oversee recreation and eating periods, transport inmates and assist in other necessary daily functions. On the federal level, corrections officers have similar responsibilities, but within a large facility of inmates who have committed other types of offenses, such as fraud and corporate embezzlement. A related career concentration for those interested in correction is probation officer. People in this profession supervise the activities of criminal offenders placed on probation instead of serving time behind bars. Probation officers may also conduct presentence investigations on convicted offenders, gathering and tending important reports, records and evaluation results to give the court judges a better sense of what kind of sentence to impose.
Law Enforcement Career Advancement
Beyond entry-level requirements, candidates can obtain further advancement and specialization in investigative work as well as the opportunity to move into supervisory roles if their skill set and background warrant such advancement. Investigative work is typically carried out by an officer in the rank of detective after a case has entered the records system. Detectives must possess an eye for detail as well as experience in gathering evidence, applying forensic technology, and interviewing witnesses. Those who show aptitude for or have experience in gathering evidence are prime candidates for advancement. Many law enforcement agencies require a minimum of two to five years of service as a uniformed police officer before considering promotions to higher ranks. In addition, civil service exams are typically required for promotion. Civil service requirements for those looking to advance further up the ladder include examinations, interviews with their superiors, recommendations from colleagues, and education and training in law enforcement and criminal investigation. These requirements apply to ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and chief of police.
Law Enforcement Challenges and Opportunities
Law enforcement careers, including the position of police officer, present unique challenges that are not often encountered in typical office careers. Police officers routinely deal with dangerous situations that require an immediate response. The stress of being responsible for the safety of not only your community, but for your partners in the line of fire, can be overwhelming.
Having a law enforcement career also means responding at a moment’s notice to a wide variety of emergencies that may take place anywhere in the community. A peaceful night shift can quickly become a chaotic scene requiring all available officers to work together to subdue an armed assailant, rescue hostages or find missing children. The threats that police officers face while trying to serve and protect the community and each other present numerous stressful challenges both on and off the job that many people are not accustomed to facing.
In addition to the physical challenges, such as frequent exposure to gunfire and other physical risks, the emotional impact of many of the events experienced can take a toll on the personal lives and relationships of these professionals. Police officers are frequently exposed to violent crime scene investigation and the punishment of criminals. They can be faced with gory and horrifying situations that would cause most people to recoil in horror. Dealing with mentally disturbed individuals who lash out at you can happen on any shift , day or night. While these dangers are burdens that police officers take on deliberately in order to protect citizens, these factors must be considered within the context of a police career when weighing the pros and cons of the profession.
Despite the challenges of being a law enforcement professional, this type of job can be incredibly rewarding. Successful law enforcement professionals are largely driven by selfless duty to their community to serve the public and keep it safe. Police officers are called upon to respond 24/7 to assist with dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations. They also exemplify strong leadership skills and dependability when acting within a team of partners to handle unpredictable situations. Many officers form strong bonds with fellow officers and often enjoy pleasant working relationships. They also work with a diverse group of people when responding to situations requiring assistance.
In addition to being a police officer, a variety of law enforcement careers is available for those who want to help make a difference in the lives of victims, criminals and the community. These rewarding positions include roles in corrections, adjudication, rehabilitation and social services. These professionals also benefit from providing for the public good and protecting society.