Criminal Justice Career – Police And Detectives
Mar 04, 2010 in Business
A criminal justice career with a focus as a police officer or police detective will have abundant job opportunities in most local police departments for qualified individuals. On the other, competition is expected for jobs in State and Federal agencies.
Education requirements range from a high school diploma to a criminal justice degree. Applicants with criminal justice degrees in police science or military police experience will have the best opportunities.
People depend on police officers and detectives to protect their lives and property. Law enforcement officers, some of whom are State or Federal special agents or inspectors, perform these duties in a variety of ways depending on the size and type of their organization. In most jurisdictions, they are expected to exercise authority when necessary, whether on or off duty.
Police and detectives pursue and apprehend individuals who break the law and then issue citations or give warnings. A large proportion of their time is spent writing reports and maintaining records of incidents they encounter. Most police officers patrol their jurisdictions and investigate any suspicious activity they notice. Detectives, who are often called agents or special agents, perform investigative duties such as gathering facts and collecting evidence.
The daily activities of police and detectives differ depending on their occupational specialty – such as police officer, game warden, or detective – and whether they are working for a local, State or Federal agency.
Duties also differ substantially among various Federal agencies, which enforce different aspects of the law. Regardless of job duties or location, police officers and detectives at all levels must write reports and maintain meticulous records that will be needed if they testify in court.