by CourseAdvisor
Law enforcement officials work for local, state, and federal agencies, but the majority (80%) are employed by local governments. The duties of these police officers and detectives include:
- Patrolling the community
- Responding to emergency calls
- Investigating crimes
- Enforcing traffic laws
- Writing reports and keeping records
Federal Law Enforcement Organizations
Police officers in uniform are a common sight, but there are many other types of law enforcement officers. At the state and local level, this includes sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, state police officers, detectives, and fish and game wardens. The United States government hires:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents
- U.S. marshals and deputy marshals
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives agents
- Immigration inspectors
- Customs inspectors
- Federal Air Marshals
- U.S. Secret Service special agents
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Are You a Good Match for a Law Enforcement Career?
Police and detectives often find themselves in dangerous situations and must be able to respond quickly and effectively. Candidates for law enforcement jobs must meet strict physical, personal, and age requirements. Written examinations may also be required. Local law enforcement agencies usually require high school diplomas, or even one or two years of college. State and federal employers usually require college degrees. Once hired, most officers also complete on-the-job training.
Law Enforcement Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates about 724,000 job openings for police officers (including sheriff's patrol officers and transit police) by 2016.
There can be great competition for law enforcement jobs. This is especially true in federal and state agencies as well as affluent local police departments. A military or college background may improve your chances for a job in local and state law enforcement departments. A bachelor's degree and experience in investigative experience may give you an edge in federal law enforcement agencies.
Law Enforcement Pay
Law enforcement officers often receive over-time pay for extra hours and have good benefits, including pension plans that allow them to retire after 25 or 30 years of service. As of May 2006, police and sheriff’s patrol officers had median annual earnings of $47,460. Some 2006 law enforcement salary ranges included:
| Job Title
| Salary range of middle 50%
|
| Police and sheriff's patrol officers
|
$35,600 - $59,880 |
| Police and detective supervisors |
$53,900 - $83,940 |
| Detectives and criminal investigators |
$43,920 - $76,350 |
| Transit and railroad police |
$37,200 - $61,840 |
| U.S. or state Fish and Game Wardens |
$34,380 - $52,770 |
| Security guards |
$17,620 - $27,430 |
| Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators |
$21,600 - $35,970 |
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Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.
