» Police
Officer Career
A police officer is employed by either federal, state or
municipal governments and has the responsibility (or duty) of enforcing federal,
state laws along with municipal ordinances. They also have the responsibility of
keeping the public peace. In most cases this is done by uniformed pro-active
patrolling within their jurisdiction looking for and investigating criminal
activity, and by responding to calls for service. Police officers are required
to document all situations in which they take action and appear as witnesses
during both criminal prosecutions and civil litigation. One of the lesser-known
but most time-consuming duties of police officers is completion of documentation
of activity ("reporting").
It must be noted that the responsibilities of a police
officer are extremely broad and not in any way be limited to the duties
mentioned above. Police are expected to respond to all police related
situations that may arise while they are on duty. Also police must act as
government officials in the cases of investigation. In some communities
rules and procedures governing conduct and duties of police officers
requires that they act if needed even when off duty.
People depend on police officers and detectives to protect their lives and
property. Law enforcement officers, some of whom are State or Federal
special agents or inspectors, perform these duties in a variety of ways,
depending on the size and type of their organization. In most jurisdictions,
they are expected to exercise authority when necessary, whether on or off
duty.
Uniformed police officers have general law enforcement duties, including
maintaining regular patrols and responding to calls for service. They may
direct traffic at the scene of an accident, investigate a burglary, or give
first aid to an accident victim. In large police departments, officers
usually are assigned to a specific type of duty. Many urban police agencies
are involved in community policing—a practice in which an officer builds
relationships with the citizens of local neighborhoods and mobilizes the
public to help fight crime.
Some police officers specialize in such diverse fields as chemical and
microscopic analysis, training and firearms instruction, or handwriting and
fingerprint identification. Others work with special units, such as
horseback, bicycle, motorcycle or harbor patrol; canine corps; special
weapons and tactics (SWAT); or emergency response teams. A few local and
special law enforcement officers primarily perform jail-related duties or
work in courts. Regardless of job duties or location, police officers and
detectives at all levels must write reports and maintain meticulous records
that will be needed if they testify in court.
Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs enforce the law on the county level. Sheriffs
are usually elected to their posts and perform duties similar to those of a
local or county police chief. Sheriffs’ departments tend to be relatively
small, most having fewer than 50 sworn officers. Deputy sheriffs have law
enforcement duties similar to those of officers in urban police departments.
State police officers (sometimes called State troopers or highway patrol
officers) arrest criminals Statewide and patrol highways to enforce motor
vehicle laws and regulations. State police officers are best known for
issuing traffic citations to motorists. At the scene of accidents, they may
direct traffic, give first aid, and call for emergency equipment.
Detectives are plainclothes investigators who gather facts and collect
evidence for criminal cases. Some are assigned to interagency task forces to
combat specific types of crime. They conduct interviews, examine records,
observe the activities of suspects, and participate in raids or arrests.
Police and detective work can be very dangerous and stressful. In addition
to the obvious dangers of confrontations with criminals, police officers and
detectives need to be constantly alert and ready to deal appropriately with
a number of other threatening situations. Many law enforcement officers
witness death and suffering resulting from accidents and criminal behavior.
A career in law enforcement may take a toll on their private lives.
Police and sheriff’s patrol officers had median annual earnings of $45,210
in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $34,410 and $56,360. The
lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,910, and the highest 10 percent
earned more than $68,880. Median annual earnings were $44,750 in Federal
Government, $48,980 in State government, and $45,010 in local government.
The opportunity for public service through law enforcement work is
attractive to many because the job is challenging and involves much personal
responsibility. Furthermore, law enforcement officers in many agencies may
retire with a pension after 25 or 30 years of service, allowing them to
pursue a second career while still in their 40s or 50s. Because of
relatively attractive salaries and benefits, the number of qualified
candidates exceeds the number of job openings in federal, state and city
police departments—resulting in increased hiring standards and selectivity
by employers.
Candidates must be U.S. citizens, usually must be at least 21 years of age,
and must meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. Physical
examinations for entrance into law enforcement often include tests of
vision, hearing, strength, and agility. Eligibility for appointment usually
depends on performance in competitive written examinations and previous
education and experience. In larger departments, where the majority of law
enforcement jobs are found, applicants usually must have at least a high
school education, and some departments require a year or two of college
coursework. Federal and State agencies typically require a college degree.
Candidates should enjoy working with people and meeting the public.
Because personal characteristics such as honesty, sound judgment, integrity,
and a sense of responsibility are especially important in law enforcement,
candidates are interviewed by senior officers, sergeants, detectives, city
officials and their character traits and backgrounds are investigated. In
most agencies, candidates are interviewed by a psychiatrist or a
psychologist or given a personality test. Most applicants are subjected to
lie detector examinations and drug testing.
Before their first assignments, officers usually go through a period of
training. In State and large local departments, recruits get training in
their agency’s police academy, often for 12 to 16 weeks. In small agencies,
recruits often attend a regional or State academy. Training includes
classroom instruction in constitutional law and civil rights, State laws and
local ordinances, and accident investigation. Recruits also receive training
and supervised experience in patrol, traffic control, use of firearms,
self-defense, first aid, and emergency response. Police departments in some
large cities hire high school graduates who are still in their teens as
police cadets or trainees.
Police
Exam
Avoid the stress & pass the test. 100% Guaranteed!
contact us l
about us
l © police test .info 2006