Police Jobs
The number of police jobs is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, thanks to expanding populations and heightened security concerns at the local and national levels. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that police officers nationwide will total almost 100,000 by 2016.
Despite declining crime rates noted in major cities in recent decades, police departments are expected to intensify hiring efforts in 2012, specifically in anticipation of the impending retirement of the so-called Baby Boomers.
Competition for Police Jobs
New social and technological trends have slightly altered the nature of police jobs. Among such emerging trends are community policing and the use of information technology in crime patterns analysis and law enforcement resource allocation. Most police officers believe though that police work remains very reactive, with most of their time spent on patrol.
While demand for police officers will stay strong, there will be stiff competition among applicants vying for state- and federal-level police jobs. To date, state and federal law enforcement agencies employ only about 20 percent of the entire police population. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency normally favor applicants with higher qualifications and more extensive training and education. Compared to those holding police officer jobs at local police agencies, state or federal police officers will do more demanding work, and may be asked to relocate and travel frequently.
Positions at the local level are ideal for high school graduates who are interested in police force jobs. Today, however, more and more local agencies are preferring applicants armed with two- or four-year college degrees. Stints with the military or completion of a few college courses can also boost one’s chances of penetrating the police force.
For the most part though, the level of competition for police jobs depends on the size of the local police department. Competition can be tough among applicants battling for jobs in the police force of more affluent neighborhoods. While offering more job opportunities, police departments in major urban areas expose officers to more dangerous, crime-ridden environments. Applicants can more easily find employment in small towns and rural areas where violent crimes are few and far between.
Challenges and Demands of Police Jobs
Police officers put their lives on the line to keep the community safe, not to mention juggle multiple duties and responsibilities. Hence, they are expected to stay physically fit, and demonstrate professionalism and emotional stability in high-stress, dangerous situations. On top of all these, law enforcers must be willing and able to render nighttime, holiday, and overtime work.
The demands and dangers of police work make for a dynamic, exciting, and rewarding career. Police corporals’ police officer salary can run as high as $55,000 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while police chiefs can earn double that amount. Another key benefit of this profession is the job security it affords. Local budgets dictate the number of jobs currently available in specific areas. Should local departments enforce cutbacks or layoffs, affected po9lice officers can always move on and seek police jobs with other agencies.
