Police Officer Career

Many police officers have chosen their career because the job is incredibly challenging and involves a huge amount of personal responsibility.There are times when this profession can be dangerous and stressful, however for many police officers, the heroic rewards matched with decent salaries and excellent benefits far outweigh the apprehension.Also, after just 25 or 30 years of service, police officers receive pensions which allow for the pursuit of a second career while still in their 40s or 50s. In order to be accepted into most programs, candidates must be U.S. citizens, must not be a convicted felon, must have a GED or high school diploma, be at least 20 years of age, and must meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. Written examinations and previous education also play a big part in the acceptance.Some of the personal characteristics of a solid police officer include honesty, sound judgment, integrity, and a sense of responsibility. After acceptance, officers-in-training will receive 12-to-14 weeks of preparation in a police academy. This rigorous training period includes classroom instruction in constitutional law and civil rights, state laws and local ordinances, and accident investigation, as well as patrol training, traffic control, firearms usage, self-defense, first aid, and emergency response courses.

Life as a Police Officer

We all depend on police officers and detectives to protect our lives and property, by exercising authority when needed, whether on or off duty.Generally, law enforcement duties include regulatory patrolling and responding to calls and service, like accident and crime scenes, as well as providing any type of first-aid to the victims. Officers are usually assigned to a particular geographic district and attempt to become thoroughly familiar with this area, being watchful for anything unusual. While out patrolling, they may identify, pursue, and arrest suspected criminals, resolve problems within the community and enforce traffic laws.There are several specializations within the police force, including chemical and microscopic analysis, training and firearms instruction, or handwriting and fingerprint identification. Additional divisions could be special units, such as horseback, bicycle, motorcycle or harbor patrol; canine corps; special weapons and tactics (SWAT); or emergency response teams. Some officers spend time working at lockups, penitentiaries and detention centers, while all are responsible for writing reports and maintaining records that will be needed if they are summoned to testify in court.

Endless Possibilities in Law Enforcement

Now more than ever, America is in need of good citizens who are willing to help their communities, protect the innocent and uphold the law.There are several opportunities police officers can explore to further their career in the field.Some officers decide to become a sheriff, or deputy sheriff, and enforce the law on the county level.Others choose to venture out and become a state police officer, patrolling statewide, enforcing motor vehicle laws and regulations.Further opportunities in law enforcement exist in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, the Department of Security Degree">Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF), Customs, Immigration and also as detectives, federal air marshals, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals and Deputy Marshals and special agents. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and sheriff's patrol officers reportedly earned a median income of $45,210 in 2004. Police and detective supervisors earned between $49,370 and $80,510 in 2004.Also in 2004, detectives and criminal investigators earned between $40,690 and 72,280. The higher paying jobs tend to be very competitive within state and federal agencies and police departments.

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