So, you want to be a cop? It’s understandable. The job of law enforcement has been glamorized in movies and on TV shows since the beginning of Hollywood. Even with recent events such as Ferguson and Baton Rouge, it can still seem like an exciting career choice for someone who wants to help their city or town. If you are looking for a challenging but rewarding career path, a career in law enforcement may be the right choice for you. This blog post will look at some telltale indications that you’re the perfect candidate for this line of work. We’ll also give you some pointers on how to pursue a career in law enforcement. But first, let’s take a look at the fundamentals of law enforcement. If you want to learn more about this fascinating and gratifying profession, keep reading!
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Well-Deserved Appreciation:
Did you know that January 9th is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day? Everyone has a chance to thank law enforcement personnel on this day dedicated to honoring cops who sacrifice for the public. Maybe you’ve considered whether you could cut it in law enforcement if you’ve ever regarded them with respect and awe.
Interesting Law Enforcement Roles: What You Need to Know
Law enforcement officers, security guards, county sheriffs, and corrections personnel are some of the most common occupations in this sector. Below are three exciting roles you may not have considered before:
1: Homicide Detective: A criminal investigator specializing in solving murders. Intrigued, already?
Requirements: You must have at least two years of experience as an investigator with a police department that has taught you how to become a homicide detective. You should also be proficient in using technology to investigate crimes and have excellent problem-solving skills.
2: Game Warden: This is a state officer responsible for protecting wildlife and its habitat. You can find them in all 50 states, which means there are plenty to choose from!
Requirements: To become one, you must have U.S citizenship, have taken 160 hours of training classes with courses on natural resources, law enforcement, biology or conservation, public speaking, criminal law, and first aid.
3: State Trooper: This is a state officer responsible for enforcing traffic laws and ensuring safety on our roadways.
Requirements: To become one, you must be at least 21 years old, have 60 college credit hours or two years of military service with an honorable discharge under your belt, passed written tests about criminal law, driver’s license rules, and regulations for different types of vehicles.
Law Enforcement – The People Who Fit:
- Already Have a Criminology Degree: If you’ve studied criminal justice or criminology (or if you’re thinking about it!), you’re in a unique position to make an impact in the world of law enforcement.
- You’re Invested in Your Community: One of the best things about a career in law enforcement is that you get to give back to your community and protect the people around you.
- You Remain Calm under Chaos: One of the essential skills for anybody in law enforcement is maintaining their calm, as situations might be stressful at times.
- You’re Physically and Mentally Strong: You receive bonus points if you have completed physical and mental strength training.
- Strong Moral Character: A morally strong character is also crucial for anyone looking to pursue a career in law enforcement.
- You’re Passionate About Your Work: A fulfilling, sustainable, and satisfying job is key to happiness at work every day!
- You Have an Eye for Detail: Law enforcement officers are trained observers, always looking out for any signs of criminal activity.
- Strong-Willed and Resilient: Anyone interested in a law enforcement career must be able to get things done.
A challenging profession in law enforcement requires more than a solid educational background and skillset; desire is also essential. If you’re unsure why you should consider a career in this industry, scroll down to see our list of reasons.
You Can Save Lives:
The opportunity to save lives is one of the most appealing incentives for doing this work. The opportunity to do something as vital as that is rare, making this sort of work among the most meaningful jobs anyone can have. You may save lives while working as a police officer, sheriff’s deputy, security expert, or state or federal agent alongside firefighters, EMTs, and doctors by performing the tasks you’ve been taught.
It’s also worth noting that, even if a law enforcement officer hasn’t directly saved a life in this line of work, their hours on the job have protected people. So it’s challenging to do better than law enforcement for meaningful, important work that has an actual impact on people every day.
Never a Dull Day:
It’s safe to say that if your present job is monotonous or rote, or if it doesn’t enable you to solve problems or make judgments, it’s probably a drag. Careers in law enforcement offer a lot of adventure and excitement, but they are also intriguing because they demand that you think on your feet. After assessing the situation and determining the best solution to an issue, you’ll have to make quick judgments. Because each problem is likely to be unique, you can’t get bored. There may be some paperwork and sitting at a computer in law enforcement, but this is not a desk job in general.
Earn a Great Salary:
It may feel like you’ll never make any progress or save money if your current employer pays you less than minimum wage or barely more. A job that needs training or a degree will cost a little more upfront, but the long-term benefits are well worth it. Law enforcement work is an excellent example of this. Salaries for police officers, for example, start at around $34,970 per year and can go as high as $78,000 per year for detectives, transit officers, fish and game wardens, and sheriff’s patrol. And with the profession expanding at a rapid rate all the time, you’ll be able to locate employment right after completing a program.
Conclusion:
If you have made your mind and want to pursue a career in law enforcement, there are many different ways for students like yourself. Most colleges offer criminal justice programs that can be applied towards an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the field. These days, however, some of them require more than just good grades; they’re looking for applicants who have hands-on experience with various aspects of crime-fighting!
Once you’ve graduated from college (or even before), you’ll need to pass specific tests if your target is to become a police officer or sheriff’s deputy. Some states don’t allow convicted felons on their force; others will let previous offenders make amends by joining up after five years have passed since their release date. Either way, past convictions may still prevent you from being accepted into the academy. We wish you good luck in your future. Make a lasting impact!
