Police officers’ and detectives’ career
The police officers and detectives career largely encompasses service to the general public. This career path has many divisions that include; sheriff’s patrol department, game wardens, criminal investigators/detectives and lastly, railroad and transit police. All of the mentioned officers have specific duties depending on the department. From a general point of view, police officers are mainly involved in the protection of property and lives which narrows down to law enforcement. On the other hand, the detectives and criminal investigators are involved in collection of data and evidence to possible crimes. The following are some of the duties that officers in this career path execute.
- Obtain arrest warrants and arrest the respective suspects
- They gather and protect evidence from the crime scenes
- They conduct traffic stops, inspections and make necessary arrests
- They respond to calls from the people (emergency or nonemergency calls)
- Observe suspect activities
- They write reports, in details, concerning work findings
- Lastly, they prepare court cases and testify on the same
As pointed out earlier, the duties vary depending on the department. However, all police officers keep detailed reports and other records that are very crucial when it comes to testifying in court. Most of these officers carry law enforcement gear that includes radios, guns and handcuffs.
Game and fish wardens are mainly involved in the enforcement of boating, hunting and fishing laws. In most cases, they patrol the hunting and fishing grounds. They also take part in creating awareness to the public concerning the outdoors. Crime investigators and detectives mainly conduct interviews, gather facts and evidence, monitor suspects and make arrests. All of this is aimed at coming to terms with crimes mainly homicide and fraud.
Patrol and sheriff’s officers are quite common. They carry out general enforcement tasks. They wear uniforms and are quite easy for the general public to point out. They look for signs of crime during patrols and make necessary arrests. Most of them do patrols in police vehicles but some groups use horses and motorcycles. Transit/railroad officers are mainly placed in transit stations or railroads. They protect passengers and property from muggings and robberies.
Work environment.
The work environment in this profession is quite demanding and calls for total passion and commitment. Besides this work being dangerous, it is physically demanding and stressful at equal measures. In most cases, officers work in shifts. As an officer, one must be ready to take on his/her whole shift. More than often, officers find themselves in serious crime scenes and consequently, they always face suffering and effects of violence. Some units such as the FBI and the secret service are always on the move, which in most cases, happens on short notice. On the same note, this career involves a lot of transfers which results in officers being forced to relocate. Some units such as the border patrol are faced with challenges of rugged terrain and unforgiving weather.
The work schedules in this career vary depending on the department. In most cases, police and crime detectives are always at work full time. In some cases, they work in shifts to make sure all time public protection. In this profession, paid overtimes are quite common.
The biggest challenge that officers in this profession have to face is illnesses and work-related injuries. Of all occupations, the police, patrol officers and transit/railroad officers face the highest number of injuries as well as illnesses. Violent physical contact with suspects is the biggest cause of this.
Basic information
In 2018, this occupation held approximately 808,700 jobs. For the period 2018-2028, this figure is expected to grow at a rate of 5%, which is almost as fast as it is in the other occupations. This is owed to the increase in demand for public protection which will see an increase in the demand to employ more officers. In this occupations, the applicant may face massive competition owing to low turnover rates. Added qualifications such as military experience, a bachelor’s degree or ability to speak several languages will be an added advantage.
The median salary in this career is $31.33 per hour which translates to about 65,170$ per annum. Detectives are better paid with a median annual wage of $83,170. Transit/railroad officers bag a median annual wage of $71,820 while sheriff’s officers and wardens get $63,150 and $57,500 respectively.
When it comes to work experience, the crime detectives normally start their careers working as the average police officers before their promotion to detectives. A minimum of 3 years’ experiences on professional accounting or computing in required for FBI accounting. For education requirements, a high school diploma is required from both detective and police applicants. Game wardens need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, preferably in biology or resource management. On successful appointment, candidates usually undergo a scrutinized academy training that ends with graduation. The training entails classroom training in disciplines such as law and civil rights. Training in first aid, self-defence and emergency response is also offered. Training is a bit intense and extensive when it comes to federal agencies.
Available Career opportunities
The city of Redmond is looking to hire entry police officers that will be part of the great community of over 62,000 people. This city is a vibrant commerce hub that is topped with other industries such as gaming and aerospace. Appointed officers will get to enjoy a professional, friendly and conducive work environment, filled with sophisticated resources to facilitate training. Applicants are required to have completed public safety test requirements that include applicant profile, physical ability test and a statement of personal history. For new applicants, its compulsory to complete and pass testing requirements at www.publicsafetytesting.com.Applicants who will have met the minimum requirements may be invited to an oral interview that demands a 70% score to be placed on a suitability list of being hired.
The following are the duties and responsibilities
- Patrolling the residential and business zones
- Investigation of criminal activities
- Ensuring the enforcement of the law
- Responding to any arising needs for information and assistance
- Provide leadership to create a conducive environment for other members
Qualifications
- Candidates are required to pass tests administered by public safety testing(PST)
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must have a valid driver’s license (Washington states’)
- Must be a resident of the united states or otherwise, a law recognized permanent resident
- Must pass the background investigation of the Redmond police department.
- Must have completed at least 60 hours of classwork from an accredited college or university.
Benefits
Employees will earn very competitive wages and also enjoy an amazing benefits package. Health care premiums, for both regular and fulltime employees, are fully covered. Officers will also receive tuition reimbursements to continue their education. Uniform and necessary equipment are also provided for free. Last but not least, is a comprehensive dental, vision and medical plan. Learn more about retirement eligibility, more benefits and more opportunities at Connect2MyBenefits
Salary expectations
The salary ranges from $82,788 – $95,892 for this job. The salary range comes in five steps that have adjusted and crafted for the cost of living. The entry officers start at level A and after every one year, the employee moves to the next step until step E which is the last. For more information on compensation, visit the 2020 Entry Police Compensation Overview.
Personal reflection
Personally, the most interesting aspect of this career is the number of jobs. It was not until the completion of the overview that I realized how much important the police force is to the citizens. The massive number of officers deserve more respect.
The biggest benefit attached to this career is the education package that comes with it. It’s amazing to see that tuition fees for work-related education are catered for. On the other hand, the work-related injuries and sicknesses make this career less appealing.
Lastly, I think I’m well suited for this career. This is because I believe I have achieved all the listed qualifications. On top of that, I feel like I have a strong calling of serving the citizens of this great country.