A police officer’s duties are preventing and detecting crime and overall upholding public order. Police officers reply to security alerts, make arrests, patrol streets and communities, and uphold public safety. Every police officer has a jurisdiction given to them where they work. The duties can vary because there are several types of police officers. Being a police officer is a taxing and risky job, given the nature of the position. A minor error can result in someone losing their life; thus, officers must always be alert. There is no such thing as a typical patrol in the job of policing; one day, they may be called to civil service, and the next, they may be pursuing a criminal who is peddling drugs to impressionable kids. As such, their daily routine can be different due to different circumstances at work. Police work is difficult since even a minor mistake can have an impact on the entire police force, not just one individual. The harsh criticism law enforcement has received in recent years frequently overshadows the important work they do for communities around the nation. Therefore, it is critical to preserve a positive image of police officers to continue recruiting good candidates for police departments across the country.
The career of a police officer is expected to be demanding. Between 2020 and 2030, it is anticipated that overall employment for police and detectives will increase by 7%, or roughly as quickly as the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Over the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 67,100 opportunities for police officers and detectives. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), positions for police officers are projected to grow by 7% between 2020 and 2030. Job growth is reportedly correlated with government budget allocations for crime prevention at the state and local levels.
Speaking of education, a high school student can enroll in classes to get ready for a job in police enforcement. Students who intend to major in criminal justice in college are advised to take psychology, sociology, foreign languages, and computer courses. Sports can increase an individual’s strength and endurance, which can help them become a better candidate for law enforcement. The improvement of leadership abilities and other publications are two areas where involvement in additional student activities might be beneficial. Although the qualifications for each law enforcement organization varied, practically all of them demanded a college degree.
Some police forces demand that applicants have at least an associate’s degree in criminal justice or law enforcement. While the majority of the formal education can be acquired at community colleges and universities, the rest of the actual police training will take place at a peace officer or police training academy (The Career Project, 2019). The chances of landing a job and getting paid more can both be improved by having at least an associate degree. Courses on criminal justice, state and municipal government, the criminal court system, crime investigation, and law enforcement leadership may be found in an associate degree program in law enforcement. Each police department has its own unique hiring standards. However, the majority of them generally stipulate that candidates must be at least 21 years old, citizens of the United States, and in good enough physical shape to pass demanding physical examinations (The Career Project, 2019). In addition, a background check and personality and psychological tests will be administered to you. There are also rigorous written tests given to the candidates.
References
Police Officer Career Guide & Job Profiles. (2021). The Career Project.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022). Police and Detectives : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bls.Gov. Web.