Criminal Justice Schools By State

Law Enforcement Careers

Types of Law Enforcement Careers

Criminal JusticeLaw enforcement careers cover a broad range of opportunities, with the most common being a police officer. With training, education and experience, a police officer has the ability to move up in rank from Officer to Sergeant to Commander and finally to Deputy Chief.

In addition to becoming a police officer, there are many additional law enforcement careers to select from. Here are just a few:

1. 911 Emergency Communicator 2. Department of Correction Officer 3. Criminal Investigator 4. Community Service Officer

A 911 emergency communicator handles 911 calls and must quickly identify and respond to each individual emergency. Communication is a vital asset to those pursuing these law enforcement careers. They must try to keep the caller calm and get all the information from them as possible. They must know basic first aid and be able to communicate with the caller until paramedics or police arrives.

Law enforcement careers in the Department of Correction are both challenging and rewarding. The responsibility of a correction officer is to be in charge of prison inmates. He must manage inmates and try to administer safety and good conduct. There is a strong growth potential with numerous benefits and frequent pay raises in this field. After servicing 20 years in the Department of Correction, they have the opportunity to retire.

Criminal investigators are those involved with law enforcement careers requiring that they do all research and watch crime suspects closely. They plan cases for the courts and must testify with the information they have found in their investigations. They are responsible for serving search warrants and subpoenas. Criminal investigators are those who put all the pieces of the puzzle together to conclude a criminal mystery.

There are also law enforcement careers that do not involve carrying weapons, such as community service officers. People that get involved in these law enforcement careers also do not make arrests or issue tickets. They may be responsible for animal control, traffic duty or administrate aid to officers. Duties also include handling non-emergency calls and to provide assistance to citizens. This is an excellent entry level position for those interested in pursuing law enforcement careers as it may allow you to learn about the law enforcement organization.

Law enforcement careers all require much physical and mental training as their jobs are sometimes dangerous and even can be life threatening. However, the rewards are gratifying knowing someone has been protected or even a life had been saved.