Be a Proud Member of the Police Academy
Do you dream of being one of the good guys who chase the bad guys? Want a chance to brandish a gun legally and to deliver the classic line, “Hold it right there!”? If you do, then you should explore a career in the law enforcement industry.
Job opportunities in law enforcement are numerous. Police officers and detectives are either deployed in State and Federal police agencies or assigned to various roles in academic institutions, transportation, contract investigation, or security services. In 2006 alone, there were 861,000 law enforcement jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A career in law enforcement requires not only physical prowess and but also a good education. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that law enforcement agencies encourage applicants to take courses or training right after high school. Many of these agencies prefer applicants with degrees in criminal justice, police science, administration of justice, or public administration. These courses, which are also available online, give you an edge in job application and salary negotiation.
The demand for police officers and security personnel has surged, especially after 9/11. The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics observes that at present, each local government typically employs 25 to 30 officers in a community to prevent police shortage in their areas. These officers receive higher annual base salary of $44,160 to $78,547, compared to other professions.
Joining the law enforcement industry can be dangerous and stressful but the opportunity to save lives can be very rewarding. Be a local hero, join the police force!
