What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Police Officer?

Police officers are highly respected in their communities for their efforts to prevent and stop crime. A career in law enforcement not only gives individuals an opportunity to help others, but it also offers good compensation, benefits and advancement opportunities.

Employee Benefits

Police officers receive a full benefits package that includes paid time off and sick leave, retirement and disability pensions, and health and life insurance. They also receive shift differential pay and regular raises.

Function

Police officers handle a variety of challenging and exciting tasks everyday. They investigate crimes, patrol the streets, make traffic stops, respond to emergencies, and make arrests.

Job Stability

The rising demand for trained police officers will contribute to the stability and job growth in this field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for police officers will increase by 11 percent through the year 2016 (see Reference 1).

Training Requirements

Most police officers are able to begin their careers with just a high school education. The majority of their training is provided to them through the police academy and on-the-job training.

Potential

Experienced police officers that have completed additional training and education requirements are eligible for higher positions such as detective, lieutenant or captain.

References

• BLS-Occupational Outlook Handbook-Police and Detectives

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Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Stewart Butterfield