Jobs & Careers Involving Law Enforcement

Law enforcement officers contribute to community safety.

Law enforcement professionals have the responsibility of protecting the public and defending the laws of the land. Jobs in the field include positions in the public eye doing police work out on the street, or support positions that work in office settings.

Identification

Law enforcement jobs can be with the federal government with organizations such as the FBI, or with state governments in positions that include the Highway Patrol or the Department of Corrections. County sheriff's departments and city police departments are other levels of employment in the industry.

Types

Local police departments have patrol officers who issue citations for violations like speeding and respond when more major crimes are committed. Agencies at all levels have investigators or detectives who examine evidence and solve crimes. Corrections officers serve in prisons and investigative divisions employ forensics specialists and crime scene analysts.

Considerations

Law enforcement jobs can be very stressful and competition for positions can be significant. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a criminal justice field is important for positions as police officers and more advanced careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2008, management positions in police departments pay between $50,000 and $100,000 per year. Correctional officers average about $19 per hour and patrol officers average about $27 per hour.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Police and Detectives
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: State and Local Government, Except Education and Health