The field of law enforcement offers many diverse career choices. From police officer to forensic investigator, there are dozens of fascinating options for people who are interested in law enforcement. All of these jobs are exciting and provide a great deal of fulfillment as well as good benefits.
Chief John Vinson, a Law Enforcement & Campus Safety Professional, explains the different facets of the law enforcement community and details how each job function fits into the overall picture of law enforcement.
Police Officer
When most people think of law enforcement, the job of police officer comes first to mind. Police officers are responsible for keeping law and order in their communities. They accomplish this through one-on-one interactions with the people in their districts. Police officers work to reduce crime in their communities through personal involvement. They intercept and arrest people who are performing criminal actions or causing serious safety problems in the community. They help to investigate crimes and find the perpetrators.
Another important function of a police officer, according to Chief Dr. John Vinson, is monitoring the community’s roadways to make sure that all cars are being operated properly. Speed, alcohol use, and reckless driving are checked by police officers. Taking dangerous drivers off the road is one of a police officer’s most crucial jobs.
School and Community Resource Officers
School and community resource officers are stationed in various places, providing one-on-one contact with the police department and promoting good relationships between the town and the police. School resource officers are tasked with keeping school communities safe through the performance of annual safety drills including active shooter drills. They also help the administration deal with students who are causing problems with drugs or violence in the schools, claims John Vinson. The focus of the school resource officer is not to punish students with arrest or prosecution, though this can happen if the student’s infraction is severe.
Detectives
Detectives are specialized police officers who have undergone additional training in investigating crimes. Detectives often work with professionals from other jurisdictions when they perform their investigations. A detective is a valuable resource for any police department.
Dispatchers
Dispatchers are vital parts of the police station. A dispatcher takes calls from concerned community members and connects them with police, fire, or ambulance resources. Dispatchers need to be able to determine whether a call is serious and whether the caller truly needs help. In some cases, calling 911 without a clear reason for doing so is a crime. Dispatchers have a highly stressful job and need support from their departments to do their jobs.
Fish and Game Officers
Law enforcement is not restricted to the local police force. Another viable career option for people who are interested in law enforcement is the local fish and game warden service. Fish and game wardens travel into the community and make sure that fishing and hunting laws are being followed. They also help biologists research the health of animal populations. This is an excellent job for anyone who is passionate about outdoor hobbies like hunting, fishing, and hiking. Fish and game wardens need to have a good grasp on how to have positive interactions with the community.
Forensic Investigators
Forensics staff work with local police departments to collect and analyze crime scene data. Fingerprints, fibers, and DNA are a few examples of the evidence that is collected. Forensics professionals need to understand how to secure a crime scene, how to take evidence from the scene, and how to properly process it in the lab. This is a great career option for a person who is highly interested in police work and has an aptitude for scientific work.
Bailiffs
Bailiffs work to keep order in courtrooms. They can arrest plaintiffs and defendants who do not respect the rules of the court. They are also stationed in the courtroom to deter escape on the part of the defendant.
Border Patrol Agents
Border patrol agents are responsible for making sure that people cross the border safely from both directions. They are also concerned with the legality of border crossings and vetting people who wish to cross into the country. They can process asylum claims as well.
Private Investigators
Private investigators are paid by victims of crime and by people who need to find out more information about another person. They are independent contractors, and their jobs are always intellectually stimulating. They provide search services as well as tracking their target’s whereabouts and activities.
Explore Law Enforcement Careers
With a criminal justice degree, there are dozens of options for a rewarding career. John Vinson recommends that potential law enforcement officers look into many diverse lines of work to find their best fit.
