Keys To Getting The Law Enforcement Job You Want
Law enforcement is a challenging job that requires physical stamina, intelligence, and good people skills. However, regardless of any of your qualifications, you may find yourself struggling to get a position as a law enforcement officer.
It can be difficult to get the right information about getting a job in law enforcement because there are so many different sources for information online. You might feel overwhelmed by the process of finding out how to apply or what you need before applying for the position at all. However, if you are going to make the best decision for yourself and your family, you should have information that can help guide you.
The first step towards getting the job of your dreams is to get an idea of what exactly you want in a law enforcement career: What is your dream job? What are the duties and responsibilities of this position? Is this what you expected to find when looking?
As soon as you know what kind of law enforcement job you want, then it will be easier to research that specific type of position. You can start by searching online for information on the different options available. There are a few ways in which people can choose their career path.
Some people like the stability of a career in law enforcement and decide to choose a path where they can enjoy that security of knowing they have a job for life once they graduate from the police academy. Other people are not sure what they want in their career and, as such, decide to take advantage of the many opportunities that come with positions in law enforcement and go through different training programs or positions until they find one that is right for them.
If you want to become a federal agent, there are specific ways you will need to go about it. Most federal agents work for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) or for the Secret Service. There are other agencies, but these two agencies hire most federal agents. The FBI has a 10-week training program for prospective agents, but they do not hire people with a history of illegal drug or alcohol usage.
To become an agent for the Secret Service, you must pass a physical fitness test and an oral board. You will also need a college degree in any subject and two years of police experience. The Secret Service also requires that you be between the ages of 21 and 34. You will receive 18 weeks of training at their location in Washington, D.C..
There are many other federal law enforcement agencies that hire new graduates, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS hires recent college graduates as criminal investigators. They have a one-year program that trains new agents in the art of criminal investigation. They do not test for illegal substances, but they do test for illegal substances when it comes to current employees or applicants for sensitive positions. The Department of Justice (DOJ) hires lawyers and other professionals who have graduated from law school.
If you want to become a state agent, you will need to check with the state agency that is hiring. Each agency has different requirements and different methods of hiring new employees. Some law enforcement agencies hire officers from within their ranks or from other law enforcement agencies as lateral transfers.
As you can see, there are many different types of law enforcement agencies and job opportunities. The first thing you need to do is to figure out the kind of position you want and the requirements they have. Once you have that information, then you can begin your search for what it takes to become a law enforcement officer or federal agent.
There are several different aspects that go into becoming a police officer, including physical ability testing and criminal history checks. These tests help determine if your background is suitable for law enforcement work and also help the officers know how effective your work skills are in real situations.
Physical ability tests will evaluate your body strength, your cardiovascular ability, and your agility. There is a particular battery of tests that each agency has in place for their police officers. You will have to be prepared for these evaluations when you are in the academy or may even have to go through them twice if they are not part of the academy training.
Criminal background checks are very important to law enforcement because you must be trusted with the public's safety and well-being. The criminal history check looks into any past criminal activity you have had, including traffic tickets and domestic violence charges, among other things.
If you have any criminal charges pending, you will not be able to receive a position in law enforcement. The agency that hires you will have an obligation to help you work through the charges and pay them off or try and get them dismissed. They also may ask you to take an alcohol or drug test that they use to confirm or deny whether they trust your judgment in situations involving dangerous people or drugs.
There are many different sources of information about credentials and training available for prospective police officers. The best way to find out what it takes is by researching and looking at the responsibilities of your chosen career path before making a decision. Once you have a better understanding of the type of work, then you can decide where to start your search for information.
A career in law enforcement is a rewarding one, and many people find it to be very fulfilling. The decision to become an officer is a big one, but if you take the time to research what it takes and how much training is required and how rewarding it will be for you as an officer and as a person, then you are more likely to make the best choice for yourself.
While many careers will help you learn valuable skills, being a police officer comes with responsibilities that include protecting the public and responding to criminal activity. The pay is decent when you are on the job, but it can be as high as $90,000 a year or more based on your experience and training level.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for full-time law enforcement officers was $53,140 in May 2013. Part-time police officers earned slightly less at $35,930 per year. There are also numerous variations in police officer salaries depending on position and experience levels within an agency.
According to the BLS, employment for law enforcement roles will increase by 30 percent between 2008 and 2018. This is an increase of over 100,000 jobs. You can expand your job options by choosing a career that is required or preferred in the field of law enforcement.
Federal Law Enforcement: Starting Pay of $37,832
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is one of the nation's largest law enforcement agencies and employs more than 14,000 employees. The FBI has a lot of different positions available for people interested in this career path including Special Agents, Criminal Investigators and Uniformed Patrol Officers.
Conclusion
A career in law enforcement can be very rewarding and allow you to help people. The jobs are also 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that you will have a flexible schedule and may have time off during the day as opposed to working into the night hours and being on call for all hours of the day. Law enforcement is a job that requires work eight to ten years before becoming eligible for promotion, so you must be willing to work your way up the ladder. Once you become an officer, you will be on call for any emergency situation that arises, which means spending nights with your family instead of at home with them.