Police Job Requirements

Answer 1

Policemen patrol streets and shopping centers, investigate burglaries, direct traffic and work at special events like parades. City policemen work within certain districts. County cops work as sheriffs and sheriff deputies. There are also federal cops and those who work at schools or universities. These law enforcement officers also have certain ranks within their units. Policemen can become detectives, sergeants or even chiefs of police. Others may choose to go into criminal investigation. Hence, the career choices for these law enforcement officers is wide open.

Those who want to do police work will have to fulfill certain requirements. Applicants must be citizens of the United States. They must also be at least 21 years old. Individuals also need to be in good physical shape, as there are strength, agility and other tests that applicants must pass to become qualified for police work. Additionally, applicants usually have to take drug and lie detector tests, as substance abuse and theft have no place in the police department. Once applicants are accepted into the police force, they will usually spend up to 16 weeks at the police academy. This is where they learn to shoot guns and protect themselves from adversaries and thugs.

Salaries can vary for those in the police force. Policemen and sheriff deputies make an average salary of $55,600, per BLS.gov. Detectives within the units earn about $73,000 annually. Once a person reaches the position of sergeant, their salaries are usually around $80,770. Starting salaries may be five to 10 percent lower. Most cops have a six-month probationary period. They may then receive a bump up in salary, depending on where or for whom they work. Police chiefs can make $90,000 to $100,000 per year or more.

Many city police jobs are advertised in the "Help Wanted" sections of local newspapers. Applicants may also check listings at the Bureau of Employment offices in their areas. Reporters may feature open positions in online or printed newspaper articles because cities are often anxious to get policemen hired. Their cities are safer when they have more cops. People may search for state or federal police jobs online. There are a number of websites devoted to law enforcement jobs.