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Police
officers do many things aside from cruising neighborhoods and highways. Some work behind a
desk, answering phones and doing paperwork. Others put their
lives on the line to keep local communities, cities, and even
entire states safe.
Policemen and policewomen work long hours, and
have to go through tough, rigorous training sessions to get
their bodies in shape. Some officers have partners—sometimes
dogs, like the German Shepherds of the K-9 Drug Unit.
If you like the idea of catching bad guys, then
consider a job in this field.
Police
Officers can be many things such as:
State
Police Officer (sometimes called state troopers
or highway patrol officers) —If you become
a state police officer, you'll be in the heat of the action.
You'd have to wear a uniform, carry a gun, and arrest criminals within your jurisdiction (area).
Patrolling highways is also a state police task. You'd
give tickets to speeders, direct traffic after an accident,
and give first aid. Plus, you'd probably assist the regular
police force in searches of missing children and other urgent
matters.
Detective--As an investigator,
you might work for the FBI to track down Americas Most Wanted.
So if you like solving mysteries and being on the move, detective work is your calling.
Bonus stuff: Detectives dress casually, and often set their own schedule.
Fish
& Game Warden— The cool thing about this career
is that you'll man a watercraft or airplane
to enforce fishing and boating laws. Are you a nature lover? Then nabbing poachers (people
who hunt and fish illegally), might be the field for you.
Interview
with Police Officer, Amy Ray:
 Police
officer Amy Ray liked to play cops and robbers when she was a kid.
"I was always the cop," she says.
She enjoyed
catching the "bad guys" so much that
in college she changed her major from "physical therapy"
to "criminal justice".
"I'm
sure it also had something to do with my becoming a security guard
during college," she says. Being only 19 at the time,
and in need of extra cash, Amy got the position
to help put herself through school. "But then I was
hooked. It was my passion."
So after
four years of college and getting her bachelor degree in criminal
justice, at the age of 24, Amy set out to fulfill her dream
and become a police officer. "The three month course
in the police academy was tough, especially the physical part,
but I've never been happier doing anything in my life."
The best
part of her job, Amy says, "is helping people. When people
are being abused and you're able to help get them out of those
situations, it makes everything else worth it."
Her goal
as a police officer is to protect others. "I just want to keep the streets safe. And when
they are, I know I'm doing my job."
Amy is
married to man who is also pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Although she’s content where she's at, she's optimistic
about advances in her future. "At some point I'll probably want to
move up the ladder. Maybe even become Sheriff, but right now
I like where I am."
What You Can Do to Get Ready:
As in Amy's case,
a high school diploma is a must. Aside from that you'll have
to go through training and testing at the Police Academy in
your area. You might consider taking some college classes
to help you prepare or even get a job as a security guard.
Also, try volunteer work with the DARE
program or sign up to attend a junior police academy
workshop.
What it Pays:
Payment depends
on degree, job position, and location. Jobs in this field
can start at around $27,000 and go all the way up to $96,000.
Decent dough, but you’ll need to determine whether
or not it's your passion and worth risking your life for.
Other
Resources:
DARE
Program:
Police and schools work together to stop drugs/alcohol abuse—see
how you can get involved.
Junior Police
Academy: These articles explain how various communities set up
a junior police academy for kids/teens to learn. Maybe
after reading this you can start one in your area!
Fdlreporter.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060711/FON0101/607110418/0/FON0401
Denver.yourhub.com/NORTHGLENN/Stories/Family-Friends/Stories/Story~132225.aspx
How To Become A
Police Officer:
Library.thinkquest.org/3340/TOPCOP.HTM
Wcco.com/crimesceneblog/local_blogentry_308090601.html
How
to Become An Animal Protection Officer:
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