The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
People choose careers in law enforcement for many reasons. Many people feel great pride when they wear their law enforcement uniforms. A career in law enforcement is truly a calling because not everyone can do it. Besides having a job you take pride in, there are many reasons why you should consider a career in law enforcement.
1. A Career in Law Enforcement Gives You a Chance to Save Lives
Every day you work in law enforcement gives you a chance to save lives. It may be someone attempting suicide or a domestic violence incident. Or, you might write someone a speeding ticket who may have otherwise caused a fatal accident.
Law enforcement personnel across the country save lives every day in a number of ways without ever asking for a thank you. It’s the reason many people choose to become police officers, deputies and security guards.
2. You Want to Make a Positive Impact on Your Community
It’s true that few jobs can be as rewarding as police officers, security guards and other law enforcement roles. Many want to make an impact on their community by serving and protecting the people in it. The type of people who become successful law enforcement officers are selfless and work hard to improve themselves so that they can make an impact.
The people who want to be the officers that kids look up to have a desire to serve others. They interact with their communities by providing a sense of security to the people around them.
Working in a cubicle to help a corporation’s goal just doesn’t compare to working hard to make communities safer and better.
3. No Two Days are the Same
A law enforcement officer’s job is never boring, even in a controlled environment like a prison or jail. The human element makes every day a surprise. Some people crave routine, but people who want adventure and hate monotony love careers in law enforcement.
Each shift is vastly different because of all the different problems that arise each day. So, what about the job you work in the law enforcement sector? Does it ever get boring? Thankfully, there are many career paths for people in law enforcement. If you’re tired of working patrol, you can transfer to other divisions such as crime prevention, civil processing or investigations.
4. Law Enforcement Careers Often Have Incredible Benefits and Stable Pay
Not many people choose a career in law enforcement for the great pay, because unfortunately, most police officers aren’t paid enough. However, it is a stable paycheck, and the benefits make it more desirable.
Every law enforcement agency is different, but some pay officers overtime for special assignments and holidays. Some even pay for continuing education. Most agencies provide great benefits such as healthcare, dental and life insurance, as well as contributions to an officer’s retirement fund. Law enforcement officers also get paid sick leave and vacation.
While they can retire earlier than most other careers and get a hazardous duty supplement, it is important to note that the retirement pay is less than many other careers depending on whether you’re a state, federal or local law enforcement officer. But you never have to worry whether your employer is going to pay you or not.
Very few careers form a bond like the one between fellow officers and co-workers. Since law enforcement officers face many life-threatening situations that ordinary citizens can never understand, they have each other’s back during the worst of times.
Despite the current anti-police climate across the United States, law enforcement officers still receive respect from the public for putting their lives in danger for others every day. The law enforcement bond runs deeper than most.
6. Career Advancement
Depending on the law enforcement agency that you join, there is almost always room for advancement in your law enforcement career. Unless you work for an extremely small agency, there are plenty of jobs within the law enforcement industry.
You can choose the career path of a law enforcement supervisor, investigator, traffic enforcement, transportation, crime prevention and much more. Plus, there are always opportunities to train new recruits in these specialized areas.
Rising through the ranks of a police agency usually means a better salary as well as respect and prestige. Specializing also provides an opportunity to challenge yourself and grow professionally as well as personally. The whole process can be quite rewarding.
There are also law enforcement officers that complete their whole careers in one position, and that’s perfectly okay. The important thing to know is there are many choices. If your department doesn’t have as many options for career advancement, you can always go to work for another agency that does.
7. You Enjoy Problem Solving
One skill you use every day as a law enforcement officer is problem-solving, and you’re often the only person around to solve the problems you encounter. Officers respond to calls every day that require them to eliminate conflicts and decide on solutions that are mutually agreeable for everyone involved. If you love solving problems, a career in law enforcement may be for you.
Whether somebody wears a professional security guard uniform, police uniform or some other law enforcement uniform, they are a protector for their city, county, town or community. They never know if they’re coming home at the end of their shift, but they still go to work every day to protect communities across the nation.
The bond between fellow officers is stronger than most others, and you’ll always have options for career advancement. If you’re brave and a great problem solver, join an excellent profession that offers great benefits and advantages.
