Law Enforcement Careers Guide Introduction
A career in law enforcement encompasses a wide variety of jobs and specialties. For many people, the word ‘law enforcement’ immediately brings to mind police officers, but that is only a part – a relatively small part, in terms of the total number of employees – of the whole picture. The law enforcement field includes vehicle patrol officers, detectives, SWAT teams, communication experts, cybercrime specialists, and more. In fact, law enforcement agencies rely on scores of other professionals to manage a criminal case from the beginning to the end.
Even if you don’t work in a field that comes into contact with the public on a regular basis , however, your job will still be an important one within the law enforcement community. Attorneys specializing in state and federal law help to win cases through the expertise they bring to their profession. Similarly, criminal profiler, forensic, and computer experts all play a vital role in bringing criminals to justice, and can all lay claim to be part of this vital area of public service. Training in the law enforcement field is more important than ever.
Police Officers: The Thin Blue Line
One of law enforcement’s most recognized and well-respected positions is that of a police officer. Alongside the federal agencies they work with, such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the United States Secret Service, police officers enjoy one of the highest public perceptions of credibility and integrity.
The specific duties of a police officer may depend on the department or city in which they are employed, but overall, a police officer’s main focus is on serving and protecting the local communities in which they are stationed. In addition to being prepared to respond to crimes in progress, speaking out against harassment, theft, gun violence, and prostitution, they often participate in community events and programs that seek to build trust and relationships.
In the event of an emergency, police officers are responsible for evaluating the situation and taking appropriate action, which generally means providing assistance until emergency medical assistance arrives.
On any given day, a police officer might be found patrolling the streets in their squad car, responding to emergency calls, arresting individuals, and filling out reports that will become part of the legal proceedings. They may also conduct traffic stops for vehicles breaking the law. In addition to writing citations, they are also responsible for interviewing any witnesses or suspects in the vicinity.
When responding to a crime in progress, police officers try to maintain control over the chaotic situation and, when possible, arrest the individual or individuals involved. After a suspect has been arrested, police officers must determine whether the arrest was made in compliance with any applicable laws and proper procedures.
Although police officers are expected to spend time out in the field, they are also called to serve as expert witnesses in court when the situation demands it. As an expert witness, a police officer will recount the details of a crime to the court to provide insight into what could have caused a defendant to commit a crime and why it might have been hard to prevent.
Becoming a police officer can be a highly rewarding career, finding fulfillment in serving and protecting others.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators: Solving the Puzzle
While some law enforcement professionals are present in the community to patrol the streets and respond to emergencies, others work behind the scenes to solve crimes. Detectives and investigators spend most of their time in an office, gathering facts and evidence to help solve criminal cases. They often carry out criminal investigations as part of a team with other officers and may take the lead role in an investigation. In many cases, investigators will conduct interviews with witnesses and victims. They may also arrive at the scene of a crime to help carry out investigations on-site.
Investigators may receive tips about criminal activity by other members of the community. They will gather evidence about any alleged crime, which can help bring the perpetrator to justice. Many detectives and investigators spend their careers working exclusively on practical crimes, such as auto theft. Others focus on fraud cases. While each type of investigator has a unique specialty, they all share a common goal—to gather evidence that proves a criminal act and leads to an arrest and conviction. In order to reach such a goal, it is important that detectives and investigators understand the law and how it applies to criminal investigations.
Detectives and investigators must have a thorough understanding of human social behavior. They need to be able to communicate with people from different backgrounds, as this is vital to their success. Most officers must also become experts in the context of what constitutes a crime, including knowing the specific laws that apply. Those who enter the field with a background in criminal justice or criminology often have an advantage over other colleagues.
Though prior experience in the law enforcement field is helpful, it is not always mandatory. Those looking to become law enforcement detectives or investigators must possess at least a high school diploma or GED. Many aspiring officers complete at least two years of higher education, which is often required by prospective employers. Most counties and cities will also require at least three years of experience as a patrol officer before advancing into an investigator role.
It is important to remember that detectives and investigators are employed by law enforcement agencies, such as police departments. In addition to the formal educational requirements mentioned above, many agencies require detectives to complete on-the-job training, which can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Hiring requirements can vary by agency, so it is important to contact your local department of interest for more information.
Those looking for additional information about becoming a law enforcement detective or investigator can look online, attend career fairs or contact their local police departments.
Federal Agents: Protecting the United States
Similar to a local police officer, federal agents are charged with enforcing laws, maintaining order and preventing the commission of crimes. However, federal agents also investigate more serious federal offenses, such as terrorism, cybercrime and drug crimes. Federal agents work in a large variety of agencies, including:
Federal agents have access to significantly more resources than local law enforcement officials (LEOs). They have large budgets and can tap into databases that law enforcement agencies (LEAs), such as local police, cannot access, such as fingerprint databases. Federal agents also enjoy a greater degree of legal autonomy than local LEOs, allowing them to pursue criminal suspects across state lines. The largest federal law enforcement agency is the FBI, which is particularly known for investigating terrorism and cybercrime. The FBI was involved in the response to the September 11 attacks and played an important part in counterterrorism efforts, operating a massive intelligence and investigation operation. The DEA investigates and combats drug-related crimes, including heroin, cocaine, prescription drug and methamphetamine manufacturing. The agency has even been known to track drug trafficking using weather satellites. The United States Secret Service (USSS) is one of the oldest federal agencies, created in 1865 to combat rampant counterfeit currency circulating during the Civil War. Today, it remains responsible for investigating counterfeiting, as well as financial crimes such as credit card fraud and wire fraud. Federal agents schedule assessments and interviews, often at varying locations, which is why those considering a career as a federal agent are encouraged to talk with a licensed, experienced attorney.
Corrections Officers: Officials in Charge of Inmates
Corrections officers (also known as detention officers or correctional officers) hold one of the most diverse positions within law enforcement. After all, no other position draws both the most and the least experienced law enforcement officers.
Though these professionals make up less than 1 percent of all state and local officers, they interact with more people than any other segment of the criminal justice population. They spend the most time dealing with defendants, not just during the arrest process, but also in county jails and city detention facilities, or even speeding them along to state-run prisons.
Federal corrections officers earn an average annual salary ranging from $37,000 to $71,000, depending on rank, seniority and duties.
Correctional officers must monitor stabbings, fights, drug smuggling operations and other illegal activities in jails and prisons. In addition to deterring or stopping these events, they are also responsible for performing the day-to-day tasks that keep a prison or jail running smoothly. This includes processing, feeding and transporting inmates, who may be difficult to control even during routine tasks.
Many officers earn promotions based on seniority to division, sergeant or lieutenant. For further advancement, officers must either hold a college degree, take specialized coursework or pass promotional exams.
Some officers, however, would rather leave the institution and join law enforcement agencies with greater flexibility or responsibility. Federal agencies are an attractive target because corrections officers are given preference if they apply to positions with an agency such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons or U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Seniority from those posts may even rollover when they transfer to another federal agency.
Border Patrol Agents: Agents Protecting Personnel and Property
The United States is vast and it is crucial that entities of the federal government control entryways into the nation to ensure that illegal entry and smuggling, as well as future terrorist attacks, do not occur.
In the United States, border patrol agents, of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are responsible for protecting the borders and preventing individuals and contraband, which may include weapons and usually drugs, from coming into the country illegally. The border patrol agents are federal police officers who are considered law enforcement agents and work with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP). The CBP agency has the following responsibilities, but are not limited to the following: Historically, the Border Patrol was spread out through the majority of smaller towns and were responsible for patrolling the borders on foot , on horseback, and by vehicle. However, today the Border Patrol has a strategic mission to fulfill. Border patrol agents are now organized in sectors throughout the U.S. and have advanced technology that helps them to assess whether individuals and goods entering the U.S. are doing so legally and safely. Some of the tasks that the Border Patrol engages in to fulfill its mission are to: Today, Border Patrol agents have technology like the Predator B, a drone that patrols the borders throughout Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. Sadly, Mexico youth especially are being targeted by drug traffickers who are using youth to smuggle large quantities of marijuana and other drugs into the U.S. As the demand for illegal drugs continues, so will the borders be tested by individuals trying to enter the United States illegally.
Forensic Scientists: The Chemistry of Crime
While some law enforcement types focus on the more visible aspects of crime fighting, there are a large number of positions for those who are interested in solving crimes by analyzing scientific evidence. To this end, the FBI maintains a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, which offers a forensic career path and is headquartered in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
The top level position in the CJIS Division is the Senior Fingerprint Examiner, which is responsible for determining the identity of individuals based on the analysis and comparison of fingerprint evidence. Below that, FBI Fingerprint Examiners sharpen their investigative and analytical skills every day in their search for national criminal fugitives. These professionals analyze prints and their backgrounds and conduct preliminary investigations of cases. This is a highly competitive position that requires extensive experience in fingerprint identification and examination prior to applying.
FBI Senior Latent Fingerprint Examiners are specialized examiners who evaluate latent, or partial fingerprints that have been found on a crime scene surface through scientific methods and who ultimately compare each print that is found to known prints to see if they belong to the same person.
FBI Full Performance Fingerprint Examiners perform forensic examinations and identifications of fingerprint evidence using a combination of technical expertise and investigative judgment.
Finally, Senior Fingerprint Analysts handle more complex fingerprint examinations and analytical tasks and are tasked with leading and coordinating the fingerprint processing efforts of large projects as needed. The work of these individuals is very sensitive in nature and includes assignments related to high security and top secret information.
Cybercrime Analysts: Catching Criminals in Cyberspace
In an era marked by technological advancement, the dark underbelly of the cyber world has given rise to a new breed of law enforcement professional: the cybercrime analyst. These specialists are crucial in the global fight against online criminal activities, which threaten the security and integrity of our increasingly digitized world. Cybercrime analysts play a vital role in the prevention, investigation, and understanding of cyber threats and crimes. By collecting and processing large volumes of data related to digital attacks, they not only track the footprints of cybercriminals but also identify trends and patterns that are crucial for foreseeing and preventing future incidents. Their work is a potent mix of computer science, criminal justice, and psychology, making it a multifaceted career option suitable for those with a variety of interests and backgrounds. A background in computer science or a related field is usually a requirement, but other skills such as a strong aptitude for pattern recognition and problem-solving, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to think like a hacker are equally important. Certifications in cybersecurity, data analysis, or forensic accounting can further boost a candidate’s profile. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is often requested by employers, but experience may sometimes work in place of formal education. Cybercrime analysts primarily work for law enforcement agencies, governmental organizations, or private companies with a vested interest in cybersecurity. They may also find roles in academia, providing training and research on cyber threats and responses. In recent years, an increasing number of universities have introduced degree programs for cybercrime analysts or related roles. The demand for cybercrime analysts is expected to continue growing as our dependency on digital networks and data increases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for information security analysts is projected to grow 32 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations, and the growth rate for all jobs in the field is significantly higher than the average. Individuals propelled by the thrill of solving puzzles and the motivation to protect the digital world will find a career as a cybercrime analyst both rewarding and challenging. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, the need for skilled analysts will only continue to rise.
Special Units: Explore Your Niche
The law enforcement landscape includes an array of specialized units that support core functions in unique ways. Examples include K-9 units, SWAT teams, and hostage negotiation teams. With distinct functions and training regimens, these subdivisions of police organizations offer unique career paths.
K-9 Units
A staple of police work portrayed in pop culture, the K-9 officer is usually partnered with a dog trained in specific ways to assist the police effectively. The dog may be trained in any of several areas, such as:
Many police organizations have strict criteria for suitable K-9 officer candidates. Because this role requires deep bonding with the dog, incumbents must be prepared to spend their 16-year careers in close contact with the animal. Certain health and personality traits are also critical: K-9 officers must be both dependable and confident, self-starters who retain strong motivation to work, and sensitive officers able to read the moods and emotions of their canine partners.
Selected officers and dogs undertake a rigorous training program that may last several months. Instructors evaluate dog obedience, service skills, and temperament throughout the process, making adjustments to duties or officers as needed. Officers spend long hours in training, and a typical day may involve learning scent discrimination procedures or rigorous training in attack and search techniques.
SWAT Teams
The Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) officer is the first line of defense against large-scale criminal activities, such as organized crime and terrorism. When such a threat arises, SWAT becomes the intervention force of choice. In addition to responding to the threat, SWAT officers also work with the higher-level command staff to assess the situation and determine the right approach.
As with enrolment in other specialized units, prospective SWAT applicant must first serve as a patrol officer. Most departments accept only those with two to five years of patrol experience in good standing. Special training includes emergency medical response and high-pressure negotiation; firearms proficiency is paramount.
The officers need to handle weapons of many different types, making use of their gear in many complex scenarios, including hostage situations. Although officers may specialize in one particular area (for example, sniper commands), they must still be proficient in all essential areas to prevent individual failure from disrupting the team’s operations.
Hostage Negotiation Teams
Only highly-ranked officers with priority assignments may apply for placement with hostage negotiation teams (HNT). These specific police units address hostage or international terror incidents immediately, often within 20 minutes of the report. HNT officers may also be called to rebuild shattered relationships after high-profile incidents take place.
Negotiation officers receive training similar to that provided to couples counselors. These courses involve active listening and other strategies that support the resolution of deep-seated conflict. To keep skills sharp, HNT officers continue to practice hostage negotiation technique in group settings even after achieving certification and placement on the team. They also educate their fellow officers on how to interact more effectively with suspects.
Becoming a Law Enforcement Professional
The process of becoming a law enforcement officer is highly competitive. As of 2015, there were an estimated 685,000 law enforcement personnel in the United States. Many law enforcement officers have four-year or advanced college degrees, and some specialized positions, such as forensic examiners, require medical degrees.
Most police cadets have high school diplomas, and most ancillary law enforcement officers (i.e., sheriff’s deputies, forensic examiners, etc.) have either two- or four-year college degrees. Many police departments require their officers to have a college education or to at least obtain a degree after short periods of service. In lieu of degrees, many departments offer college credit towards a degree for training. Some free training programs are available for prospective applicants, such as Citizen’s Academy offered in some cities for citizens who want extensive first-hand experience with law enforcement officers. The Military also provides free training programs as well.
Citizens’ academies , however, are very limited in how many people can attend. Almost all major cities and areas have them, so that anyone interested can locate an academy near them, and these are free of charge. Prospective cadets commonly need to apply through municipalities for training and must submit to thorough background and drug tests.
Successful candidates also must do very well on civil service exams. For example, many police forces require eligible candidates to pass the Physical Abilities Test. Also, many departments use psychological exams to ensure that they do not hire candidates with a history of violent or unlawful behavior, such as domestic violence. Under some circumstances, employers can force applicants to submit to blood and alcohol testing as a condition of hiring.
Law enforcement officers tend to experience the highest levels of unemployment and job-related fatalities. Therefore, most candidates and officers realize that only the best candidates may find jobs in law enforcement.