A career as a law enforcement officer can be very rewarding. Many people seeking law enforcement positions are people who are genuinely concerned about helping the public. They enjoy helping and making people feel safe. Becoming a law enforcement officer means that you have to be a people person because there are many who depend on you.
When you choose to become an officer of the law, you command respect and take pride in making a difference in other people’s lives. The training for this degree is far from easy and typically only 1 in 80 applicants fully pass the testing process. This is a career you should take yourself absolutely seriously before you apply. You must be willing to commit and dedicate yourself to preparing, educating yourself, getting in great physical shape, making informed decisions, testing and improving your skills, communicating effectively, and learning how to perform well under pressure. All of these things will play an extremely important role in being selected for, and being successful in, a law enforcement position.
A lot of people have a misconception of what it’s really like to be a law enforcement officer, and this usually comes from TV shows that don’t portray what it’s like in the real world. So when many apply, an officer’s guess from their favorite TV show is embedded in their head. In a nutshell, consider visiting one of your local police stations and request a glimpse into the life of a law enforcement officer. Explain to them your plans to become one and how you want to know more about what it’s like.
It’s always good to contact the specific branches you’re interested in. This way you can decide if that branch is the right one for you. Some officers will allow you to travel in some cases and will even be happy to talk with you about their experiences as a law enforcement officer. You can volunteer with the agency and even check your local library or bookstore for guides on how to prepare for a life as a law enforcement officer.
Choosing this type of career can provide you with great job security as law enforcement officers will always be in high demand. You have a variety of other positions you can consider after becoming an officer, so a company running out of work will never be a problem for you.
The salary of law enforcement officers can also be very rewarding. Of course, different departments in different states have pay differences, but the average reported salary has been $20,000 to $45,000 a year. There have even been some officers reporting with more experience and education that they are earning between 60,000 and 70,000 a year. The harder you put into your career, the greater your earning potential.
Once education and training is completed, there are a wide variety of rewarding Law Enforcement Officer jobs available to those who seek them.