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Law Enforcement Jobs

Nature of the Industry

Law enforcement jobs involve upholding the laws of the government in order to provide protection and security for citizens. Positions can be found at the local or state level, as well as through the federal government. Some of the duties of law enforcement officers include writing tickets, making arrests, gathering evidence, investigating crimes, and testifying at trials. A law enforcement officer’s work can be dangerous and stressful at times, but it is vitally important to the community.

Law enforcement jobs are expected to grow at a moderate rate due to the retirement of current officers. Many positions are for local officers with military experience, foreign language skills, or advanced training in specific areas such as investigating drug crimes.

Types of Jobs

Law enforcement jobs include jobs for air marshals, border patrol agents, correctional officers, customs agents, detectives, fish and game wardens, highway patrol officers, investigators, police officers, probation officers, security guards, sheriffs, and special agents. There are also federal positions available as agents for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Training and Education

Law enforcement jobs require that applicants be physically fit and understand the importance of ethical behavior. It is also helpful to have good communication skills and to know a foreign language such as Spanish.

To obtain a state or local job, you must have a high school diploma and have completed courses in criminal justice or law enforcement from a local community college or police academy. For federal law enforcement jobs, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and relevant job experience. You must also be at least 21 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and able to pass the necessary drug, physical fitness, and civil service exams. A psychiatric evaluation may be required depending upon the nature of the particular position.

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