Law Enforcement

If you are interested in criminal justice and are looking for a job where you can really give to your community, law enforcement can be an excellent career path. Specific law enforcement degrees are now offered by the criminal justice departments of many respected schools. A law enforcement education covers all aspects of the criminal justice system including:
  • court and judicial systems
  • police procedures and policies
  • prison systems, counseling and rehabilitation.
A background in psychology and sociology is also provided to help students understand what motivates people to commit crimes and how people's behavior can change in large crowds.
 
Through on-site training, students also typically learn about using the appropriate law enforcement equipment, depending on their specific field of interest.

Types of Law Enforcement Degrees

Law enforcement degree programs are available at all levels including:
  • associate
  • bachelor's
  • master's.

You can choose from a variety of accredited schools and study either on campus or online. Degrees earned online are identical to those earned on campus and command the same respect. Online programs are perfect for those who wish to keep their jobs while working toward a degree. Whichever method of study you choose, if you study full-time, completing a degree should take about:

  • two years for an associate degree
  • four years for a bachelor's degree
  • an additional two years to complete a master's degree.

Certificate Programs

In addition to law enforcement degrees, some accredited schools offer law enforcement certificate programs. These certificates can often be earned online. Law enforcement certificates are designed for people already working as law enforcement professionals or for recent high school graduates looking for entry-level security law enforcement positions.

Law Enforcement Training

Years ago, those who wished to become police officers could enter a police academy to begin law enforcement training right after high school graduation. In recent years, however, law enforcement has become more complex and police departments require a higher education to gain entry. To be accepted at a police academy, a bachelor's degree is often required, although some departments will accept an associate degree. Most state and federal law enforcement agencies also require at least an associate degree from their law enforcement professionals. It is expected that a bachelor's degree will be required for many more law enforcement jobs in the near future.

Law Enforcement Jobs

There are many exciting career paths to choose from within the law enforcement field. Some common law enforcement jobs include:
  • bailiff
  • corrections officer
  • law enforcement officer
  • law enforcement security guard
  • police detective
  • police patrol officer
  • probation officer
  • private investigator.

Job Outlook and Earnings

The outlook for law enforcement jobs is very bright. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police work has an excellent future for those with the proper qualifications. Federal and state law enforcement will be more competitive than local positions in areas with high crime rates. Those applicants with bachelor's degrees, in addition to experience in law enforcement, the military, or investigation, will have an advantage when looking for positions in federal agencies.
 
Here are some examples of the median annual earnings for common law enforcement jobs:
  • Criminal investigators: $58,260
  • FBI agents: $60,199
  • FBI supervisory and management: $131,033
  • Police and detective supervisors: $69,310
  • Police and sheriff patrol officers: $47,460 (includes local, state and federal employees).
Expect entry-level positions to start in the range of $20,000 annually, with more advanced positions offering yearly salaries of $50,000 or more.

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