Most law enforcement jobs are public service positions. This means that candidates must pass a test to be considered for open positions. Candidates should contact the organization they are interested in to determine which test(s) to take and when and where to take the test. Each agency has its own application process, but the application package typically includes official college transcripts, complete work history, and personal references. While exact guidelines vary, most law enforcement officers start as uniformed officers. With experience and favorable performance reviews, they can access positions such as detective or criminal investigator. Some departments require candidates to take tests for grade promotions. Enforcement employment is expected to grow by about 7 percent over the decade by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. BLS expects the best opportunities to be in local governments, while jobs will be the most competitive in state and federal agencies. Requirements vary by agency. In some states, sheriffs are elected by popular vote, and each state sets its own standards for work.
Federal law enforcement agencies and some state agencies require applicants to have at least a bachelor`s degree, but other agencies may only require a certain number of university credits. Virtually all agencies require applicants to be U.S. citizens 21 years of age or older. Salaries depend on agency, rank, job title, and geographic location. In 2021, the Occupational Information Network reported that the category with the lowest median content was fish and game wardens, at $60,730 per year. Sheriff and police officers earned a median annual salary of $64,610. Detectives and detectives had an average salary of $83,640, with 10% earning no more than $48,040 and 10% earning at least $146,830. Law enforcement officers in the United States have a variety of job titles. They can be called policemen, detectives, special agents, rangers, detectives, sheriffs or state troops. They work for law enforcement agencies that operate at the local, state, or federal level. One thing that all law enforcement agencies have in common is the responsibility to protect citizens and their property, arrest suspects, and enforce the law.
The duties described in a municipal police officer`s job description may include building community relationships with neighbourhood organizations. All law enforcement officers must record evidence or statements, prepare reports and testify in court. Special agents, detectives and detectives are usually not in uniform. Depending on the mission, they can secure and investigate a crime scene, interview witnesses, interview suspects, or investigate to gather evidence. Sheriffs and their deputies may serve subpoenas or eviction notices or provide security for the county courthouse in some jurisdictions. Duties vary depending on the agency, department size, assignment and experience. Uniformed officers, whether working for a police department, state wildlife department, county sheriff`s detachment, or highway patrol, typically pass through an assigned area. During the patrol, officers search for suspicious or illegal activity, respond to calls for help, and provide first aid to the injured if necessary. Selected candidates then undergo a series of interviews and examinations. Most agencies send newly hired officers to a police academy or training center that combines physical fitness, self-defense education, firearms training, and courses in law, psychology, and departmental procedures. Applicants must have a clean criminal record, pass a physical and psychological examination, and have a valid driver`s license. Some agencies also require candidates to take a polygraph examination.
Mandatory drug testing may be required for both applicants and experienced officials, according to the agency. Jeffrey Joyner has published extensively on the Internet covering a wide range of topics. He studied electrical engineering after serving in the military, then became a freelance computer programmer for several years before deciding to pursue a career as a writer.