Law Enforcement Officer Job Description & Career Outlook

The job of a law enforcement officer is to enforce the local, state and federal laws within the officer’s jurisdiction. The law enforcement officer is the front line defense against criminal activity in counties, towns and cities across the country. They are charged with the task of protecting the public, preventing criminal activity, investigating crimes and assisting in the apprehension and conviction of violators.

Responsibilities of the law enforcement officer include public safety, first response for motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies, public relations, enforcement of criminal statutes, service of court processes, and court case preparation and presentation.

Law enforcement officers work closely with other justice organizations to insure laws are being enforced. They provide public service and safety through routine patrols, school education programs, citizen police academies and other programs designed to help the communities become more involved in the prevention of crime in their neighborhoods. Law enforcement officers also enforce traffic laws and conduct safety inspections on roads and highways and alert the proper agencies when there are conditions that present a hazard. They are also a key element in the prosecution of offenders through the proper collection of evidence, presentation of case in court and locating and preparing witnesses.

Criminal Justice Degree Schools profiles specific law enforcement career types: become a Bailiff, become a Border Patrol Agent, become a Conservation Officer, become a Deputy, become a Federal Protective Services Officer, become a Game Warden, become a Park Ranger, become a State Trooper and become a US Park Police.

Become a Law Enforcement Officer: Education & Other Requirements

The minimum educational requirements of a law enforcement officer are a high school diploma and successful completion of a state approved law enforcement training program (police academy). Many agencies, however, are actively recruiting individuals with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree or at least put significant emphasis on those with a degree or military experience (or both). Police agencies are structured much like the military with ranks and divisions. Individuals with advanced degrees move through the chain of command much quicker than those with a high school diploma or GED only. Note that 88% of Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers report some college or a completed degree.

Law Enforcement Officer Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and sheriff’s officers earn a median annual salary of $54,230 and the top 10% earn a median annual salary of $84,980 as of May 2011.¹ Individual salary can depend on a variety of factors including education level, experience, and location.

Law Enforcement Officer Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the job growth outlook for law enforcement officers are favorable on the local and state levels with high competition for employment at the federal level. The BLS projects job growth for police and detectives to be about 7% from 2010 to 2020.² Bilingual applicants have a more favorable job outlook than those without bilingual skills.

Law Enforcement Related Degrees from Accredited Criminal Justice Schools

References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Protective-Service/Police-and-detectives.htm