In my legal career, I have primarily represented companies. I took a bit of a leap of faith, left graduate school, and went to law school. Different officers have various job titles, career opportunities and duties that we will summarize in our guide below. 2Discover Policing, International Association of Chiefs of Police, About Policing: Financial Stability and Benefits, [accessed April, 2020] https://www.discoverpolicing.org/about-policing/financial-stability-and-benefits/ It will also convey different types of careers in law enforcement and provide salary information. "I went to law school at night while leading a 25-man, nine-agency Federal task force investigation during the day." So, if you are at school or college and thinking about making a career in law, it is a good choice to start your career in law. Police officers are a vital part of society … The interviewer must see that you have a passion for this career path! “I wanted to work in a profession that had interaction with the community and provides a sense of security when needed,” Ardolf says. Officers don't just protect and serve society. Why I Want A Career In Law Enforcement. A career in law enforcement may not be for everyone. Most attractive careers share some common characteristics including good benefits, promotion opportunity, and salary increases. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median salary for officers at $62,960 in 2017, up from $61,600 a year earlier. A uniformed police officer has general duties that include responding to emergency calls and maintain a regular patrol. Can a Police Officer Transfer Laterally to a New Department. Diverse Areas of Practice. Whether you want to serve your community as a Police Officer, correctional worker, or represent your country as a CBSA Agent, qualifying for a position requires a thought-out plan. (2010). It's worthwhile, steady work that pays reasonably well and offers decent benefits. At larger police departments an officer may be assigned to a specific area of duty. Routine can change on a dime. It’s also true that the officers themselves form a bond you won’t find in many other professions. Does the thought of sitting behind a desk all day make you cringe? On the other hand, there are practical benefits to a law enforcement career. Law enforcement is a career that is both violent and rewarding in many capacities. Since I done many assessment in class, I got to see my personality and I also got to find out my skills. However, for those who have a passion for justice or are seeking an exciting career where they can make a difference, a… This data does not represent starting salaries. Half of all officers earned more than this, and half earned less. More info. Policing in Korea: Why Women Choose Law Enforcement Careers. They're usually a captive audience and, if treated kindly and respectfully, they might listen to what you have to say. People enter for one of two reasons usually - power, or altruism. Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited college authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Drug addicts, gang members, thieves, spousal abusers, and people who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs are just a few examples. A prospective employer might ask why you want to be a police officer to learn why you want to get into such a demanding career. Police officers are responsible for protecting and serving their communities, helping people in times of need and fighting crime. Different officers have various job titles, career opportunities and duties that we will summarize in our guide below. This is why I chose Criminal Justice as my major, so that it could help and with the information to be in Law Enforcement. And most importantly, perhaps, these reflections came from officers throughout the department with varying numbers of years on the force. People enter for one of two reasons usually - power, or altruism. You'll frequently find yourself in positions where you can literally save someone's life. It will also convey different types of careers in law enforcement and provide salary information. There are also many types of law and jobs you can go after, depending on your skills and personal preference. Make Police1 your homepage . Client Service. Police1 poll or see the full results for free now. This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen College to support its educational programs. All Rights Reserved. How you treat the lowest criminal can play a huge role in whether she makes better life choices in the future. Connect with Rasmussen College on Facebook, Connect with Rasmussen College on Instagram, Connect with Rasmussen College on LinkedIn, Connect with Rasmussen College on Pinterest, Connect with Rasmussen College on Twitter, Connect with Rasmussen College on Youtube, Human Resources and Organizational Leadership, Information Technology Project Management, International Association of Chiefs of Police, How to Become a Police Officer: Your Step-by-Step Guide, https://www.discoverpolicing.org/about-policing/financial-stability-and-benefits/, Financial Aid and FAFSA (for those who qualify). This is where the officers build relationships with people of the community and encourage the public to help with fighting crime. 03.02.2020, Callie Malvik | While becoming a police officer is one of the most common preferences, there is a great variety jobs in the field that you are able to select from. Kinda sucks we don't get to do that kind of stuff in the guard but hey, I turn 21 in 3 months. Rasmussen College does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced. While there aren’t necessarily “perks” of being a law enforcement officer, there are definitely compelling reasons to consider this rewarding career. Connolly, now a Professor/Lead Instructor for the Administration of Justice program at MiraCosta College, said a career in law enforcement can be both exciting and rewarding. You can give an answer that allows some personal insight if you wish. Law seemed to be a good fit. Why veterans choose second career in law enforcement, public safety ... but familiar path toward a career in law enforcement or public safety after their full-time life in the military ends. We investigated the data and interviewed a seasoned law enforcement veteran to compile some of the most compelling benefits of being a police officer. Mounted Police Officer Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More, Enforcing Health: The Importance of Wellness Programs for Police, Auxiliary and Reservists: The Unsung Heroes of Law Enforcement, See Your Job Options If You Have a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice. Law seemed to be a good fit. Rasmussen College may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. If you're intrigued by the profession and curious about what it takes to pursue it, check out our article, "How to Become a Police Officer: Your Step-by-Step Guide.". Every day has the potential to be completely different from the one before. Some agencies even offer tuition assistance, meaning officers could be working toward a degree in a new field while still policing full time. I took a bit of a leap of faith, left graduate school, and went to law school. 8, No. During an interview for a police officer position, an interviewer may ask you questions to better understand your intentions for going into the force. Though this work can be extremely rewarding, it does come with some risks. On the other hand, there are practical benefits to a law enforcement career. There are on-scene and behind-the-scene jobs; there are positions at local, state, and federal levels. At the heart of the legal professional’s role is client service. U.S. Every state, every county, every city and just about every town employs police officers. Bored of investigating traffic crashes? Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice: Vol. Law enforcement allows motivated people to try their hand at a host of unique and interesting skills and jobs. It’s also true that police officers are compensated for their work beyond just a paycheck. How to Study for the Police Certification Exam. Talk with an admissions advisor today. A typical law enforcement position also offers ample opportunity for career advancement. Well just like a job with the government, there are people who seek out law enforcement employment opportunities mainly for the sense of power that comes with the position. Building a career in law enforcement is a challenging and rewarding task at the same time. Not only have I found a career that allows me to be an advocate, I have found a career that allows me to constantly learn and grow. Sworn law enforcement officers have the authority to carry firearms, make arrests and have taken an oath to enforce the law. There’s plenty of room to move up and around when working in law enforcement. Turned out to be a great choice. The reasons above are just a few of the answers to the question. Not only does each shift have the potential to be different from the last, but the opportunities to diversify your job tasks are usually abundant. Do you want to work in a profession that utilizes your mental and physical skills to positively impact the lives of others in your community? This may be called “Tools” or use an icon like the cog or menu bars ; This is why I chose Criminal Justice as my major, so that it could help and with the information to be in Law Enforcement. Not only will you find variety in your day-to-day as a police officer, you can create new opportunities for yourself throughout your career. Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. An officer’s day can include arresting suspects, issuing citations, responding to emergency calls, patrolling their assigned area, testifying in court and just about everything in between. Even in the current climate with anti-police sentiments receiving a lot of press, police officers enjoy certain public respect for putting their lives on the line every day. It has since been updated in include information relevant to 2020. A career in law enforcement is the next step for many recent post-secondary graduates. Every speeding ticket you write, every fight you break up, and every incident of domestic violence that you respond to might have evolved into a fatality if you hadn't intervened and prevented it. There are numerous career options available to students who pursue their law enforcement education. A lot of urban police agencies have community policing practices. There's no better environment than law enforcement for those who hate monotony. Police officers have also earned the respect and appreciation of those in their community by taking an oath to serve and protect the civilians in their jurisdiction. You can almost always increase your income by working overtime. State and federal laws provide unity among agencies, while local ordinances and agency customs allow flexibility. Good Reasons to Choose Law Enforcement for a Career Career Choices. With the advent of community-oriented policing, a great deal of police work now involves helping people solve problems to keep them out of the criminal justice system rather than put them in it. For this reason, many people who serve time in the military may want a safer job than what they were doing in the army or the marines, but one that is still somewhat similar and carries the same type of respect in the community. Many Types of Law & Room for Career Advancement. Law enforcement officers are expected to enforce laws at the state and federal level, but also the city and county level. Please correct the errors and submit again. Employment conditions in your area may vary. There are numerous career options available to students who pursue their law enforcement education. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. Police Officers Can Help People Make Better Choices, Police Officers Are Proud to Serve Their Communities, From K-9 to Investigations: Reasons to Become a Police Officer, Learn About Becoming a Police Officer and What Job Requires, Learn About Criminal Justice Careers and What Criminology Jobs Pay. Job Stability: Today, sadly not that many people benefit from strong job stability in their roles, but … U.S. Officers often work with individuals in conflict to come up with often mutually agreeable solutions. They can become frustrated with the idea of having to uphold laws that they don’t personally believe in, and having to force others to follow them. 01.06.2020. Justice needs to be served in law enforcement and they have a responsibility … Law enforcement is a sacrificial profession that requires its members to work long shifts, weekends, and holidays. However, law enforcement offers a few benefits and advantages not readily found in other career paths. With the right amount of experience under your belt, you may be able to move into leadership or specialized roles that may come with additional earning potential. If so, a career in law enforcement might be right up your alley. Law enforcement is a career that is both violent and rewarding in many capacities. So, why become a police officer? It’s a position of authority, and those types of careers will always attract the types who are thirsty for power and control. These individuals stand by one another in good times and bad; achievements are celebrated and tragedies are mourned across the entire network. Few careers offer the kind of solidarity with coworkers and peers that exists within most police departments.