Law Enforcement involves police administration and upholding of law through organized means. Programs in law enforcement prepare students for positions in criminal justice administration, police departments, private security guard services, and correctional treatment facilities. Law Enforcement competencies include investigation, interviewing, communication, surveillance, and organizational leadershipWhat should I know when considering a degree in Law Enforcement ?
Law enforcement is a broad designation for a wide variety of careers, including not only police officers but also FBI agents and customs enforcement officers, to name just a few occupations. The type of degree needed to pursue a law enforcement career varies. Some jobs require only a high-school diploma (other law enforcement training includes a few months at police academy). Other positions require a law enforcement degree, a criminal justice degree, or a degree in a related field. Most individuals will need to take a civil service exam to enter their chosen profession, as well as a physical fitness exam. Continuing education is also important, especially for those who are interested in professional advancement; for example, police officers may seek out additional training in firearms, crowd control, and communications.
Good candidates for a law enforcement degree share several qualities: a strong desire for justice, an interest in protecting individuals and communities from criminal elements, and personal courage. Qualities such an ability to “read” other people, a sense of respect, good judgment, and integrity are also sought-after traits, particularly in community policing.
What Will I Learn in Law Enforcement Schools?
Degree programs for law enforcement ensure that students learn about the interrelated parts of our legal system: enforcement agencies, courts, and corrections facilities. Students also learn about constitutional matters and the Bill of Rights, strategies for community policing, criminal law, psychology, police procedures, and investigative strategies. Other topics that may be covered include crime scene forensics, public policy, juvenile justice, and related topics. A law enforcement degree may be a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. Further study is also available at the graduate level.
Some law enforcement degree programs offer hands-on internships as part of a degree program; these almost always require a criminal background check. Those who have committed certain crimes may never be eligible for a law enforcement career; for instance, more than a certain amount of prior use of some drugs automatically disqualifies applicants from FBI agent jobs.
A law enforcement degree can prepare a person for a variety of different positions, and may in some cases function as an effective pre-law program for those interested in pursuing a law degree in the future. Most commonly, those who pursue law enforcement degrees will choose such occupations as police officers, detectives, or federal agents in customs, immigration, or drug policy enforcement. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the most competitive candidates for police departments will be those who studied police science in law enforcement colleges or who have military experience. The most competitive candidates for federal agent positions will be those with bachelor’s degrees and additional law enforcement or investigative experience.
Earning Potential and Career Outlook
The earning potential of a law enforcement career varies with the place and type of employment. A police officer’s median salary is around $47,000, while a detective’s is around $58,000. However, due to the nature of law enforcement work, most individuals in this field can count on substantial overtime work, raising their annual income by tens of thousands of dollars in some cases.
Careers in law enforcement bring ample opportunity for advancement, a sense of pride, and a vital resource for citizens to rely on in times of need. A law enforcement degree is an ideal choice for those who wish to “protect and serve” the greater good.
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