To consolidate the many threads we get here, I thought it might be useful for up-and-coming officers to read this one gleaned from many past posts and some good old fashioned cut and paste.
 
ARFCOM LEOs please add your input!

Police work can be dangerous and stressful.  Civil service regulations govern the appointment of police and detectives. Competition should remain keen for higher paying jobs with State and Federal agencies and police departments in affluent areas; opportunities will be better in local and special police departments that offer relatively low salaries or in urban communities where the crime rate is relatively high. Applicants with college training in police science or military police experience should have the best opportunities.  Sometimes you have to start at a place for a "foot in the door" job and work your way up to your desired position or agency.  As any LEO knows, the process can be long and nerve wracking at times.

Nature of the Work

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.

Uniformed police officers who work in municipal police departments of various sizes, small communities, and rural areas have general law enforcement duties including maintaining regular patrols and responding to calls for service. They may direct traffic at the scene of a fire, investigate a burglary, or give first aid to an accident victim. In large police departments, officers usually are assigned to a specific type of duty. Many urban police agencies are becoming more involved in community policing—a practice in which an officer builds relationships with the citizens of local neighborhoods and mobilizes the public to help fight crime.

Police agencies are usually organized into geographic districts, with uniformed officers assigned to patrol a specific area, such as part of the business district or outlying residential neighborhoods. Officers may work alone, but in large agencies they often patrol with a partner. While on patrol, officers attempt to become thoroughly familiar with their patrol area and remain alert for anything unusual. Suspicious circumstances and hazards to public safety are investigated or noted, and officers are dispatched to individual calls for assistance within their district. During their shift, they may identify, pursue, and arrest suspected criminals, resolve problems within the community, and enforce traffic laws.

Public college and university police forces, public school district police, and agencies serving transportation systems and facilities are examples of special police agencies. These agencies have special geographic jurisdictions or enforcement responsibilities in the United States. Most sworn personnel in special agencies are uniformed officers, a smaller number are investigators.

Some police officers specialize in such diverse fields as chemical and microscopic analysis, training and firearms instruction, or handwriting and fingerprint identification. Others work with special units such as horseback, bicycle, motorcycle or harbor patrol, canine corps, or special weapons and tactics (SWAT) or emergency response teams. A few local and special law enforcement officers primarily perform jail-related duties or work in courts. 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.

Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs enforce the law on the county level. Sheriffs are usually elected to their posts and perform duties similar to those of a local or county police chief. Sheriffs’ departments tend to be relatively small, most having fewer than 25 sworn officers. A deputy sheriff in a large agency will have law enforcement duties similar to those of officers in urban police departments. Police and sheriffs’ deputies who provide security in city and county courts are sometimes called bailiffs.  In most counties, the Sheriff is also charged with the duty of running the Jail and County Corrections operations.

"Metro" police departments are the result of merging the local police department with the mission of the local sheriff.

State police officers (sometimes called State troopers or highway patrol officers) arrest criminals Statewide and patrol highways to enforce motor vehicle laws and regulations. Uniformed officers are best known for issuing traffic citations to motorists who violate the law. At the scene of accidents, they may direct traffic, give first aid, and call for emergency equipment. They also write reports used to determine the cause of the accident. State police officers are frequently called upon to render assistance to other law enforcement agencies, especially those in rural areas or small towns.  Some state police conduct law enforcement duties in offical state buildings across the state and provide protection for state officials.

State law enforcement agencies operate in every State except Hawaii. Most full-time sworn personnel are uniformed officers who regularly patrol and respond to calls for service. Others are investigators, perform court-related duties, or work in administrative or other assignments.  Most states have their own narcotics enforcement agency, department of justice, and insurance fraud branches, among others.

Detectives are plainclothes investigators who gather facts and collect evidence for criminal cases. Some are assigned to interagency task forces to combat specific types of crime. They conduct interviews, examine records, observe the activities of suspects, and participate in raids or arrests. Detectives and State and Federal agents and inspectors usually specialize in one of a wide variety of violations such as homicide or fraud. They are assigned cases on a rotating basis and work on them until an arrest and conviction occurs or the case is dropped.

Parole and probation: (courtesy of Tactical_T)

Probation is a sentence imposed by the Court/Judge in lieu of Incarceration upon being convicted of a crime. Probation is typically a sentencing option for Misdemeanors, though many less serious Felonies often qualify. Most Probation terms are 1-3 years, though terms can be longer. Probation comes with many conditions such as Urine Screenings, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Community Service, etc. These conditions are enforced by a Probation Officer. Failure to comply with the conditions can lead to incarceration.

In many states, a Probation Officer is a POST-certified Peace Officer, while in many states they are not. Regardless of the Peace Office statues, a Probation Officer is considered a Law Enforcement Officer. The typically education requirement for a Probation Officer is a 4 year degree in any field, though degrees in the fields of Criminal Justice and Social Science are desired. Much of the job is working for the courts by means of interviewing victims, investigating offender backgrounds, preparing pre-sentence Investigations, recommending sentences, and testifying in court. Other aspects of the job entail periodic communication with employers, teachers, and treatment providers.


Parole is a privilege granted by a State Parole Board, which allows a convicted felon to serve the remainder of their sentence outside of prison under the supervision of a Parole Officer. Parolees are offenders who were no successful on Probation and therefore sentenced to incarceration, or offenders who committed more serious crimes and were sentenced straight to incarceration. Parole Officers, sometimes called Parole Agents, are POST-certified Peace Officers with full Peace Officer Authority and state-wide jurisdiction. Similar to an offender on Probation, an offender released to Parole has conditions put in place by the Parole Board, which include things like refraining from drug/alcohol use, no contact with victims, obtaining employment, and maintaining contact with their Parole Officer. Failure to comply with the conditions of Parole typically leads to Revocation/Regression back to prison or a halfway house if eligible.

The duties of a Parole Officer include a great deal of field work and paperwork. Field work consists of conducting pre-parole investigations and offender employment visits, but mostly unscheduled home visits, often referred to as Parole Checks. Due to the high risk involved with contacting Parolees at home, most officers conduct Parole Checks in pairs. Because parolees are under jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections while on parole, they do not have the full protection of the 4th Amendment (Search & Seizure). Therefore parole officers may search an offender�s person, vehicle, and residence at any time without consent. Violations can, and often do, lead to offenders having a Revocation/Regression hearing in front of the Parole Board, where a decision is made to continue them on Parole, or send them back to incarceration. In the office, Parole Officers meet with offenders, run background checks on acquaintances, and prepare Complaints and Supervision Investigation reports for the Parole Board. As with Probation, it is crucial that offender case notes are extremely detailed and accurate. Keep in mind that being a Parole Officer is generally much more dangerous than being a Probation Officer. Consider that all people you supervise are convicted felons, and some of them are not going back to prison if you know what I mean. Many parolees are very manipulative and/or very violent, so it is crucial that you have a way with words and good officer safety.

Feds:

The Federal Government maintains a high profile in many areas of law enforcement. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents are the Government’s principal investigators, responsible for investigating violations of more than 260 statutes and conducting sensitive national security investigations. Agents may conduct surveillance, monitor court-authorized wiretaps, examine business records, investigate white-collar crime, track the interstate movement of stolen property, collect evidence of espionage activities, or participate in sensitive undercover assignments. The FBI investigates organized crime, public corruption, financial crime, fraud against the government, bribery, copyright infringement, civil rights violations, bank robbery, extortion, kidnapping, air piracy, terrorism, espionage, interstate criminal activity, drug trafficking, and other violations of Federal statutes.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents enforce laws and regulations relating to illegal drugs. Not only is the DEA the lead agency for domestic enforcement of Federal drug laws, it also has sole responsibility for coordinating and pursuing U.S. drug investigations abroad. Agents may conduct complex criminal investigations, carry out surveillance of criminals, and infiltrate illicit drug organizations using undercover techniques.

U.S. marshals and deputy marshals protect the Federal courts and ensure the effective operation of the judicial system. They provide protection for the Federal judiciary, transport Federal prisoners, protect Federal witnesses, and manage assets seized from criminal enterprises. They enjoy the widest jurisdiction of any Federal law enforcement agency and are involved to some degree in nearly all Federal law enforcement efforts. In addition, U.S. marshals pursue and arrest Federal fugitives.

U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) agents and inspectors facilitate the entry of legal visitors and immigrants to the U.S. and detain and deport those arriving illegally. They consist of border patrol agents, immigration inspectors, criminal investigators and immigration agents, and detention and deportation officers. U.S. Border Patrol agents protect more than 8,000 miles of international land and water boundaries. Their missions are to detect and prevent the smuggling and unlawful entry of undocumented foreign nationals into the U.S., apprehend those persons found in violation of the immigration laws, and interdict contraband, such as narcotics. Immigration inspectors interview and examine people seeking entrance to the U.S. and its territories. They inspect passports to determine whether people are legally eligible to enter the United States. Immigration inspectors also prepare reports, maintain records, and process applications and petitions for immigration or temporary residence in the United States.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) agents regulate and investigate violations of Federal firearms and explosives laws, as well as Federal alcohol and tobacco tax regulations.

Customs inspectors inspect cargo, baggage, and articles worn or carried by people and carriers including vessels, vehicles, trains and aircraft entering or leaving the U.S. to enforce laws governing imports and exports. These inspectors examine, count, weigh, gauge, measure, and sample commercial and noncommercial cargoes entering and leaving the United States. Customs inspectors seize prohibited or smuggled articles, intercept contraband, and apprehend, search, detain, and arrest violators of U.S. laws.  Customs agents investigate violations of narcotics smuggling, money laundering, child pornography, customs fraud, and enforcement of the Arms Export Control Act. Domestic and foreign investigations involve the development and use of informants, physical and electronic surveillance, and examination of records from importers/exporters, banks, couriers, and manufacturers. They conduct interviews, serve on joint task forces with other agencies, and get and execute search warrants.

US Capitol Police  Protect and travel with the members of congress and provide police protection to the vistors to capitol hill.

U.S. Secret Service special agents protect the President, Vice President, and their immediate families; Presidential candidates; former Presidents; and foreign dignitaries visiting the United States. Secret Service agents also investigate counterfeiting, forgery of Government checks or bonds, and fraudulent use of credit cards.

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security special agents are engaged in the battle against terrorism. Overseas, they advise ambassadors on all security matters and manage a complex range of security programs designed to protect personnel, facilities, and information. In the U.S., they investigate passport and visa fraud, conduct personnel security investigations, issue security clearances, and protect the Secretary of State and a number of foreign dignitaries. They also train foreign civilian police and administer a counter-terrorism reward program.

Other Federal agencies employ police and special agents with sworn arrest powers and the authority to carry firearms. These agencies include the Postal Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Law Enforcement, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Federal Air Marshals.

Working Conditions

Police work can be very dangerous and stressful. In addition to the obvious dangers of confrontations with criminals, officers need to be constantly alert and ready to deal appropriately with a number of other threatening situations. Many law enforcement officers witness death and suffering resulting from accidents and criminal behavior. A career in law enforcement may take a toll on officers’ private lives.

Uniformed officers, detectives, agents, and inspectors are usually scheduled to work 40-hour weeks, but paid overtime is common. Shift work is necessary because protection must be provided around the clock. Junior officers frequently work weekends, holidays, and nights. Police officers and detectives are required to work at any time their services are needed and may work long hours during investigations. In most jurisdictions, whether on or off duty, officers are expected to be armed and to exercise their arrest authority whenever necessary.

The jobs of some Federal agents such as U.S. Secret Service and DEA special agents require extensive travel, often on very short notice. They may relocate a number of times over the course of their careers. Some special agents in agencies such as the U.S. Border Patrol work outdoors in rugged terrain for long periods and in all kinds of weather.

Employment

Police and detectives held about 840,000 jobs in 2002. About 81 percent were employed by local governments. State police agencies employed about 11 percent and various Federal agencies employed about 6 percent. A small proportion worked for educational services, rail transportation, and contract investigation and security services.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, police and detectives employed by local governments primarily worked in cities with more than 25,000 inhabitants. Some cities have very large police forces, while thousands of small communities employ fewer than 25 officers each.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement  

Civil service regulations govern the appointment of police and detectives in practically all States, large municipalities, and special police agencies, as well as in many smaller ones. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, usually at least 20 years of age, and must meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. In the Federal Government, candidates must be at least 21 years of age but less than 37 years of age at the time of appointment. Physical examinations for entrance into law enforcement often include tests of vision, hearing, strength, and agility. Eligibility for appointment usually depends on performance in competitive written examinations and previous education and experience. In larger departments, where the majority of law enforcement jobs are found, applicants usually must have at least a high school education. Federal and State agencies typically require a college degree. Candidates should enjoy working with people and meeting the public.

Because personal characteristics such as honesty, sound judgment, integrity, and a sense of responsibility are especially important in law enforcement, candidates are interviewed by senior officers, and their character traits and backgrounds are investigated. In some agencies, candidates are interviewed by a psychiatrist or a psychologist, or given a personality test. Most applicants are subjected to lie detector examinations or drug testing. Some agencies subject sworn personnel to random drug testing as a condition of continuing employment.

Before their first assignments, officers usually go through a period of training. In State and large local departments, recruits get training in their agency’s police academy, often for 12 to 14 weeks. In small agencies, recruits often attend a regional or State academy. Training includes classroom instruction in constitutional law and civil rights, State laws and local ordinances, and accident investigation. Recruits also receive training and supervised experience in patrol, traffic control, use of firearms, self-defense, first aid, and emergency response. Police departments in some large cities hire high school graduates who are still in their teens as police cadets or trainees. They do clerical work and attend classes, usually for 1 to 2 years, at which point they reach the minimum age requirement and may be appointed to the regular force.

Police officers usually become eligible for promotion after a probationary period ranging from 6 months to 3 years. In a large department, promotion may enable an officer to become a detective or specialize in one type of police work, such as working with juveniles. Promotions to corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain usually are made according to a candidate’s position on a promotion list, as determined by scores on a written examination and on-the-job performance.

To get a head start on applying:

1. Military service gives you points on your civil service exam and a step up on training. Alot of departments give vets extra points for prior training and specialties. Service is not compulsory by any means, but might be a jumping off point if you are inclined...

2. Do some ride alongs (if you can) to get to know some seasoned officers who can act as a "guide" during the hiring/training process. Kissing ass and riding along to glean some info are two different things, so don't let anyone tell otherwise.

3. Keep physically fit. This one's a no-brainer.

4. Keep your finances in good shape. They will check your history as an indicator of future problems.

5. Be consistant in all your applications. Agencies trade applicant info if requested and a small app error could add a week or two of "checking on the inconsitancy" to your app.

6. The application process, like the job, is a constant learning process. The more interviews, psych evals, and physical agility tests you do, the better you will become. Don't get discouraged!

7. Know up front the process is time consuming and sometimes always frustrating while you are "on the hook." The orals, polygraph, medical, psych, physical agility and final board all take time, so plan accordingly.

8. Do a little study on your own by buying a LEO test prep book and practice taking the tests.  These book are available from all the big chains such as Borders, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  They are usually under: Reference; test prep.  Check the website below for links to online resources.

9. Take a few law classes if you have time. Law, psych, police science and government all help.  If you are pursuing a degree, take into account your future plans for more schooling when planning your major.  Yes a police science degree might help you now, but what about in the future?  A degree to  fulfill minimum job requirements or to garner a pay increase rarely has to be job-specific for most local agencies.  

10. Stay motivated!!!

11.  Be truthful and honest in all your applications and paperwork.  This one is CRITICAL.

12. THE MOST IMPORTANT: Keep your nose clean. I know it sounds patronizing, but I have seen ALOT of great guys and gals (some of my friends) wash out of the process because of dumb shit involving alcohol and things most if not all 20 year olds do. Just be ready to be under the microscope for awhile. An old cheif called it the "Booze, broads and Bills" syndrome .

What about physical disabilities, mental issues or arrests?

Physical disabilities will sometimes disqualify you right off of the bat. Aside from obvious ones, things that can disqualify you can be vision, hearing or inability to preform certain aerobic and strength tests. You must be 100% mentally competant. Arrests can depend on if they were as a minor or adult, and several other factors including crimes of moral terpitude, drugs and circumstances of arrest. Felonies will automatically disqualify you almost everywhere. Shoplifting and traffic histories will usually not disquaify you if they can be considered "youthful indiscretions"

Tips for the interview or "oral boards"

Try as you may, it is a nervewracking experience and you will be nervous. Period. Just deal with it and concentrate on the questions posed to you. I have sat on more than a few and everyone shows some kind of apprehension.

First: Dress appropriately. Your appearance will be your only chance at a first impression. Buisiness suit or shirt and tie as directed. No t-shirts, "club clothes", hats or a tux. (I have seen all of these at hiring boards!!!!) This may sound dumb, but legit canidates have lost the board before they even opened their mouths.

Listen to the questions posed. Answer truthfully, don't add or sugarcoat your answers. Take responsibility for indiscrepancies and do not over justify your past. Listen: do not wait to speak. It is normal to pause to formulate a response. Some sneaky board members will insert a "pregnant pause" in the dialogue to get you to keep talking after your answer (it is an interview tecnique). Just take everything in stride.

When you respond to a question on a board, address the person that asked the question first, and then scan left to right while you answer the board as a whole. 2 or 3 seconds of eye contact per person works well. the idea is to seem comfortable and forthcoming to the board as a whole.

Answer truthfully!!!!!!

Looking away, up or repeating the question might be taken as a sign of a dishonest answer. If you do not understand the question or need it repeated, politely say so...try not to "guess". Boards WILL ask you ambiguous or inflammatory questions to see how you handle them. Stay calm and do not get frustrated. They are testing your ability to think clearly under stress and "on your feet".  

Read the job interview posting really carefully. They might ask a couple of questions where the answer is right there on the posting. Things like "What are your duties as a police officer?" (jeager001)

Do not pander to the board, but keep your sense of humor.

Thank them for their time and excuse yourself when directed. Cheesy stuff like handing out buisiness cards to each member or "a parting shot" never work in your favor. They know where to find you when the time comes.




Federal LEO requirements

To  be considered for appointment as an FBI agent, an applicant either must be a graduate of an accredited law school or a college graduate with a major in accounting, fluency in a foreign language, or 3 years of related full-time work experience. All new agents undergo 16 weeks of training at the FBI academy on the U.S. Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia.

Applicants for special agent jobs with the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives must have a bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 3 years’ related work experience. Prospective special agents undergo 10 weeks of initial criminal investigation training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia, and another 17 weeks of specialized training with their particular agencies.

Applicants for special agent jobs with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) must have a college degree and either 1 year of experience conducting criminal investigations, 1 year of graduate school, or have achieved at least a 2.95 grade point average while in college. DEA special agents undergo 14 weeks of specialized training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

U.S. Border Patrol agents must be U.S. citizens, younger than 37 years of age at the time of appointment, possess a valid driver’s license, and pass a three-part examination on reasoning and language skills. A bachelor’s degree or previous work experience that demonstrates the ability to handle stressful situations, make decisions, and take charge is required for a position as a Border Patrol agent. Applicants may qualify through a combination of education and work experience.

Postal inspectors must have a bachelor’s degree and 1 year of related work experience. It is desirable that they have one of several professional certifications, such as that of certified public accountant. They also must pass a background suitability investigation, meet certain health requirements, undergo a drug screening test, possess a valid State driver’s license, and be a U.S. citizen between 21 and 36 years of age when hired.

Law enforcement agencies are encouraging applicants to take postsecondary school training in law enforcement-related subjects. Many entry-level applicants for police jobs have completed some formal postsecondary education and a significant number are college graduates. Many junior colleges, colleges, and universities offer programs in law enforcement or administration of justice. Other courses helpful in preparing for a career in law enforcement include accounting, finance, electrical engineering, computer science, and foreign languages. Physical education and sports are helpful in developing the competitiveness, stamina, and agility needed for many law enforcement positions. Knowledge of a foreign language is an asset in many Federal agencies and urban departments.

Continuing training helps police officers, detectives, and special agents improve their job performance. Through police department academies, regional centers for public safety employees established by the States, and Federal agency training centers, instructors provide annual training in self-defense tactics, firearms, use-of-force policies, sensitivity and communications skills, crowd-control techniques, relevant legal developments, and advances in law enforcement equipment. Many agencies pay all or part of the tuition for officers to work toward degrees in criminal justice, police science, administration of justice, or public administration, and pay higher salaries to those who earn such a degree.


I compiled this from a few sources including but not limited to: previous posts (which I have tried to credit where appropriate), the US Dept of Labor, Officer.com and various State and local agencies source material.  Please feel free to add to the list!

Stay safe and good luck!

NorCal






Additional resources:

Information about entrance requirements may be obtained from Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies.

Further information about qualifications for employment as a FBI Special Agent is available from the nearest State FBI office. The address and phone number are listed in the local telephone directory. Internet: http://www.fbi.gov

Information on career opportunities, qualifications, and training for U.S. Secret Service Special Agents is available from the Secret Service Personnel Division at (202) 406-5800, (888) 813-8777 or (888) 813-USSS. Internet: http://www.treas.gov/usss

Information about qualifications for employment as a DEA Special Agent is available from the nearest DEA office, or call (800) DEA-4288. Internet: http://www.usdoj.gov/dea

Information about career opportunities, qualifications, and training to become a deputy marshal is available from:

U.S. Marshals Service, Human Resources Division—Law Enforcement Recruiting, Washington, DC 20530-1000. Internet: http://www.usdoj.gov/marshals

For information on operations and career opportunities in the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives operations, contact:

U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Personnel Division, 650 Massachusetts Ave. NW., Room 4100, Washington, DC 20226. Internet: http://www.atf.treas.gov

Information about careers in U.S. Customs and Border Protection is available from:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20229. Internet: http://www.cbp.gov

US Capitol Police
http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov




Additional web resources for preparation/job announcements:

www.lawenforcementjob.com/

www.policeprep.com/

www.911hotjobs.com/

www.policeemployment.com/

www.jobs4police.com/

www1.policejobs.com/

www.officer.com/jobs/index.jsp

www.publicsafetyrecruitment.com/

www.realpolice.net/

National P.O.L.I.C.E. Suicide Foundation

You must be on your third day off, and bored out of your mind
Excellent Info by the way! Looks like you have covered every angle!

Stay safe,
Sean

Looks Great !

Steve

Great job Nor-Cal.  You deserve a medal for that one; I'll call the Sheriff and tell him.  

Read ATF description and you mixed in some customs stuff.

Well done.

mark

You forgot:

"Do not ever have a negligent discharge in front of children and their parents."

Thanks all.  Error fixed.

NorCal

Thankyou for the information sir.

Very good job sir.

Info for the US Capitol Police added.

Thanks to jm.

Dont forget that you can pick up girls and free food

Please Tact!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Very good post.

Great post, thanks for taking the time.

Excellent post, NorCal!

A few you might include in the future -

State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) / Conservation Police
(Biology class is your friend)

You mention in passing the USFS / NPS Police. Many county Forest Preserve districts also have sworn LEO positions as "Ranger Police" or other such nomenclature. Also park districts sometimes have Park District Police, although these are usually patronage gigs, where the "tin" (and the resultant privledges) is bestowed to the highest political campaign donors truly deserving individuals...

Railroad Police - "private cops" in that they work for one RR or another, but with an interesting array of enforcement responsibilities under federal fiat.

University Police - Usually slightly more than glorified security guards with guns for campus events at smaller schools, in the bigger cities they often perform a surprising variety of tasks, and many times provide "mutual aid" to the host city's PD. Powers / responsibilities / jurisdictions depend on state and school.

Housing Authority Police. See above, but ignore implication of boredom.

Transit Authority Police - NYC comes to mind - not sure if their transit cops are still separate agency, or if they got absorbed into NYPD. Many larger metro areas have them in one form or another.

Port Authority Police - once again, using the NY moniker, but many regional airports and marinas have them - especially those with commercial traffic. In the smaller burgs, refer to the park district police about employment eligibility.

Some townships or parishes also have Constables - sworn positions that may or may not be paid / uniformed / equipped by the government, and also vary widely on powers and jurisdictions.  The Texas LEO whose ambush at a traffic stop by drug dealers/traffickers that was caught on his dashcam a few years back was such an officer.

Coroner's office. In many counties, coroners actually "outrank" the county sheriff, and usually fill the vacany of office caused by a death or retirement until a replacement is made. Many CD's have investigators of their own (CSI?!)

Office of the State Fire Marshal. The OSFM, in addition to divisions handling humdrum stuff like certifying FF classes, maintenance of FF records, inspection of hotels, schools, and other "high risk" occupancies and inspection of pressure vessels actually operates an investigation and enforcement division. Usually called in when there is no acting investigator for a municipality, the 7 (?) OSFM investigators in IL have full LEO standing, may carry, make arrests, and file warrants with any court in IL. Their usual bailiwick is "suspicious" (read suspected arson) or fatality fires (automatic call for all cities in IL other than Chicago). Several have K9's.

Edited for board code

Also, might be worth mentioning Auxiliary or Reserve police positions.
One needs to be careful with this though, as not all programs are alike.  You need to find one that has a good reputation and allows you to get some decent experience.

On my department, the auxiliary officers are sworn officers and treated as equals to the regular officers.  They are held to the same training and performance standards and must be capable of patroling the city by themselves.

As far as I know, there are only a handful of departments that do this in my state.  Most others have unsworn auxiliary or reserve officers, or if sworn, they are not certified and are not allowed to do independent patrol.

My department's program has proven to be an excellent way to get the foot in the door......80% of the current regular officers started as auxiliaries....and many others have gone on to full-time positions with other departments.

What about prison guard? I am interested in this.

The NYC Transit Police and the NYC Housing Police were merged into the NYPD back in 1995, however there is still the MTA Police Department, which polices the Long Island Rail Road, and the Metro North Rail Road

Originally Posted By Waldo0506: What about prison guard? I am interested in this.

That probably depends on where you live, in many areas, the county jails are run by the sheriff's office, while in larger cities like NYC they have their own Dept of corrections.  State prison's are usually run by a department of corrections as well.  If you were looking to go federal, the bureau of prisons is an agency under the department of justice that oversees all federal correctional facilities.  

Having said all that....a job as a prison guard is about the last job I would ever want.  Just remember...you're job will require you to be locked in prison all day.  

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Now THAT'S a labor-of-love post ! Nice job NorCal ! ! !

Although NorCal_LEO covered almost everything it should be stressed again that this job takes a considerable toll on your family.  Cops have one of the highest divorce rates out there.

Make sure that family comes first, ALWAYS.  Before deciding on one agency over another, talk to officers/deputies and find out the "family friendly" atmosphere.  Some will bend over backwards for the family, some don't give a rip...

Originally Posted By Waldo0506: What about prison guard? I am interested in this.

Corrections Officers job is to police a little city where everyone you deal with is a criminal and everyone is trying to play you. Depending on what area you are in it can be much more dangerous than a police officer. Also you generally get little respect from other LEO’s as you can see Corrections Officer didn’t even make the original post as being a LE job.

Originally Posted By akshooter100: Also you generally get little respect from other LEO’s as you can see Corrections Officer didn’t even make the original post as being a LE job.

The reason I didn't post Corrections jobs is because I AM NOT a CO nor do I know about the job as a career.  Your remark rings true for alot of LEOs but I ain't one of 'em...so kindly add something productive or resist shittng in my thread.  Some of my best friends are COs and our Staff LEO Striker (A CO) could write a book on the subject where I would only be guessing.  

Your remark is snide and arbitrary.  If you are a CO, then ADD to the list by helping out and writing a paragraph or two... I would be HAPPY to add that instead of you posting shots.

NorCal

Originally Posted By Waldo0506: What about prison guard? I am interested in this.

They pay people to guard prisons?  Is gold being kept inside those walls next to all the felons these days?

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH you might be talking about a Corrections OFFICER

What about color blindness? How disqualifying is it? I myself am slightly color blind and was considering an LE career. My only apprehension is that i don't want to waste my time if they're going to kick it back.

Connecticut Corrections info
Here is a little information on Connecticuts Department of Correction.

NorCal, that is a great post.
Let me add this if I may.
If you are thinking about a law enforcement  job the application will be at least 20 pages long. It starts like this:
1. When and where were you born?
2. Tell us EVERYTHING that has happened since then.

Be prepared for that. Ex wives get called, credit gets checked, neighbors get talked to, bottom line is that agency is going to get "all up in your business" to use the modern terms.

If you screwed up in the past you need to tell them up front. They will find out.
You don't have to be perfect but you must be honest.


As for Corrections Officers....I could not do that job. I'm glad there are people that do. My step father did it before he became a police officer and I got to tour Statesville prison in Joliet , Illinois in 1976. Scared me to death as a very young man.  Made me decide to stay out of prison for life. Period.

love the post - contains a lot of very useful info
as a new member i was checking out the site and noticed that the military LEO's are not covered.  i dont want to step on anyones toes,  as i am not sure if they are posting somewhere else or if they are welcome here.  if the board permits i will try to explain the categories of military law enforcement  (focusing on the Army)

Military Police - the MP's or Mud Puppies - these people are the soldiers that you see wearing the MP brassard.  the current Army MOS (job description code) is 31B (pronounced 31 - Bravo)  These are the vast majority of the soldiers in the Military Police Corps.  to become a military policeman (or woman) it is required that you pass OSUT (One Station Unit Training) at FT Leonard Wood MO ( also referd to as Ft Lost-in-the-woods)  this consists of 18 weeks of continous training - 9 of basic / 9 of AIT.  After completion of training the soldier is then assigned to a military police company worldwide.
Beause of the flexability and type of weapons that the MP's carry they are often the first to go and last to leave for the US Army this has becoume especially true for the current set of operations where peacekeeping and law and order missions are hand in hand with seeking out, closing with and destroyng the enemy.

Military Police Investigator (MPI),  - these soldiers have volunteered, been selected or " volun-told" for a more specialized type of Military police work focusing on investigation (usually misdemeanor but not always).  These soldiers usually return to FT Leonard Wood and attend additiona schooling to teach about crime scenes, processing evidence etc etc etc.  After that they are assigned an ASI (Additional Skill Identifier) of V5 (pronounced Victor - 5)  these 31B V5  soldiers in these detachments usually follow up on MP reports and Minor offenses ( i know that an MPI is gritting his teeth right now reading this because they often feel they do more than they get credit for and they do - but i digress)

Criminal Investigation Division (CID) - these are the top of the military law enforcement food chain, they are the US Army's  federal criminal investigators (1811 series). Hopeful CID agents submit a very through application packet and background clearance which are screened through various offices (this process usually takes about a year or more)  after which if selected they attend ASAC (Aprentice Special Agents Course) at FT Leonard Wood.  There for 4 months they are Steeped in the ways of Crime Scenes, evidence, law, firearms, unarmed and armed defense, judical processes, economic crimes, fraud, intelligence collection, etc etc etc.  If they canadite passes all of the required physical and subject matter tests at the end of the course he (or she) is sworn in as a federal criminal investigator, issued credentials and a badge.
If the crime is a felony, high profile or "unsolvable" CID will probably get it.  these investigators usually  have a high solve and conviction rate (around 95-98%)  (yes they do operate in a different type of environment)  There are actually very few CID agents in the Army however they carry a lot of weight (when they want to through it  around).

just a foot note on the above - PLEASE do not take this as some type of recruitment strategy or tactic - I AM NOT A RECRUITER and DONT PLAN TO EVER BE ONE.  i would never make a good recruiter because i am not that  goood of a "dancer"
and i am also a horrible speller
hug.gif

What advice can you give on getting into the Game Wardens academy?  

Hey, thanks for the post.  This is just what I was looking for.  I will being completing the police academy in MN this summer and have been pretty caught up on this Brothers of the Shield board.  You guys are making it hard for me to complete my senior year of college.  So much info and so much homework I SHOULD be doing.  Anyways,  thanks for the help and I think I've learned more on BOTS than I have in 4 years of college!

-Lunder

Great information, one caveat, State Police agencies do not always concentrate upon Highway patrol functions primarily. NYSP and PSP are full service agencies and provide criminal investigation and complaint response as well as highway crap. Of course the bosses like the highway, tickettron, stuff. An assault 3rd arrest costs the state, a speeder is money in the bank.

Arkansas, it's fairly easy to get into.... I'd say, almost to easy.  Plus your dealing with a majority of small towns with large counties.  I can say that I didn't have to pass any fittness requirements.  Did have a physical, but that was it... I wasn't suprised seeing some officers.

State police, to be a trooper you need 20/20 vision or at least that was the rule a couple of years ago.

I aggree with telling the truth.  I had my evaluation and all that, I was a bit worried because... unfortunately I did little experimenting when I was younger if you know what I mean.  I told the truth and it was all cool.

RANGE RANGE RANGE.
I will add that before you get into the acedemy or whatever training, start hitting the range on your own time.  I've seen so many people do great up until the handgun qualification.  A lot of people have never shot a pistol up until that point.  Plus scoring high helps you in court, god forbid you actually have to use your firearm.

Continued edutation.
I'm not sure about any other state, but in AR... once you get your foot in the door (get on with any department), cetified training offered by the state is free.  Every little certification helps when it comes to a resume.  Even if it's nothing big, it still showes that you'r willing to put in the time to learn more.  

So before getting into it, find out of the state gives free training to current officers.  That way, if you're paying for your initial training you can hold off on the expensive classes until you get on with a dept.

Gear.
Most departments provide web gear and what not, but I did recommend buying it yourself when you can.  If you quit or transfer, you'll usually have to leave your dept issued stuff.  You never know what you might get issued... old stuff, cheap stuff.


and GREAT THREAD.

Thank you for the information.

Thank you so much for this information. I am in the process of going to school for criminology and plan on going into law enforcement myself and this has been a fantastic resource both in your post and the links you gave.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what sort of physical requirments are involved in getting a job in LE, I am somewhat out of shape but between now and when I begin applying for positions (2-3 years) I want to get in optimum physical shape.

Again thank you for this resource, it has aided me greatly.

-Ben

this is something i was told tipped the scale in my favor when getting hired at my department. i had only had one LEO job before this, and i had applied to a dozen places before here. but never got hired. so after i was hired here, and gave it some time, i asked "why me?"

first, they said i had the best definition of integrity?
--"doing the right thing, even when no ones around" just something i picked up in JROTC

second, was if i didn't know the answer i simply stated i didn't know.but it is something i would like to learn during FTO.
--DON"T BS IT!! my board was Lt, Investigator, and Patrol Sgt. i'd like to believe they know what BS is, as most boards will be able to see right through it.

third, was "if this happens what do you do"? i would answer the scenario, then "call a supervisor"
--i was told its easy to teach how to handle situations, but its hard to teach someone to CALL!

and fourth, +1 on relaxing and sense of humor!
--i was asked "so you go through Sonic, and order a #1. you get to the window and they see your a cop. and they say next time, just let them know your a cop, and its free. what do you tell them?" my honest answer, was "thank you?" i then went on to explain that although receiveing gifts and what not are illegal/immoral, food is an exception, but i would always expect to pay, and never announce "i'm a cop, gimme discount!" if i get it, great, if not...still gotta eat. apparently before my time, their was an officer who kindof got on the new girls case for not giving him a discount...

and fifth, but a tiny one. sometimes it does help who you know.
--me and a friend both applied for the position, he had about a years LEO experience and many years CO and private security on me. after we both applied he kept askign if i heard anything, and i alwasy said nope not yet. then one day he told me he got "the letter". you know, "thanks but no thanks". so i figured my was to follow. but lo and behold i got an interview, then a second, the bam hired!
so i asked one day, why didn't he even get an interview. and i was told becasue of an officer in a neighboring town who said "i was a good guy, a good officer, and just needed a break". my FTO made it clear that that just got me an interview, and i earned the rest. so get out there and meet the people, ride out, etc.!

just some of my input

The Federal Bureau of Prisons is another agency in the Justice Department that is a decent paying job. with a potential of moderate advancemt if your are willing to move around the country. The turnover rate is high. I worked for this agency for 23 yrs and retired at age 50. Many Federal Correctional Officers use this agency as a stepping stone to other federal agencies. For information on jobs and qualifications go to BOP.gov. In the state of Texas there are the Constable departments. They are certified peace officers that service the courts. In Travis County the te pay is pretty good, but the job is not for someone looking for a career in law enforcement. You work for an elected official and when the current Constable is not re-elected you can lose your job. You are an at will employee.

I worked for a school district police agency for about 11 years before switching to the local sheriffs department. Here, the school district officers jurisdition is the entire geographical area within the school district. They are not limited to the campus. Also any venue they reserve such as a stadium or building gives them jurisdiction at that location as well.

The school board desides the jurisditional boundaries of their officers, from staying on campus to active patrol. The one I worked for had active patrol only. We provided traffic enforcement, were dispatched to the schools for incidents and made arrests when necessary. We handled our bus accidents and picked up a few other accidents for the local city or county agencies if they were busy.

It was a good stepping stone to lateral to a large agency. Remember, the hard part is getting certified and issued a badge. Once you're there all it takes is 2 to 3 years service (in most cases) then you can move just about anywhere, with or without college or millitary.  So don't worry about your first agency if its not the one you really want, just get your foot in the door.

Originally Posted By CJH315: Remember, the hard part is getting certified and issued a badge. Once you're there all it takes is 2 to 3 years service (in most cases) then you can move just about anywhere, with or without college or millitary.  So don't worry about your first agency if its not the one you really want, just get your foot in the door.

Once you're POST Certified you're golden...

Thanks for the input.

I guess I can give a little insight for Corrections, as far as New York DOCS is concerned. If you are seriously considering the job, NYS is hurting for correction officers BADLY. A new exam is given about every three to four months. They have opened a second academy at the Willard shock facility. In the next few years thousands of officers will be eligible for retirement, and since most of them are tier three retirement (25 years @ 50% with no incentive to stay) there is a definite crunch for recruitment.

The academy, well what can I say about the academy, it's not difficult at all, you'll leave in decent shape, the academics aren't very difficult. If i can come out with the high academic average in my class of 80, you know they aren't difficult.

Since you will be a certified peace officer, they will teach you legals, penal law, security as it applies to correctional facilities, firearms, use of force, defensive tactics, etc. Mainly it's  just enough to indemnify themselves (being the state) when things get screwed up, so they can blame you. If you have an expectations of taking the job and thinking you are going to go around in your off time trying to fight crime, stop looking right now. Yes you do have arrest power off duty, you can carry a firearm off duty, but exercise either one and the department more than likely will be gunning for your job. They don't like any press, let alone bad press. You are not a Police Officer, and it is not your job.

The academy gives you the bare minimum foundation, and then after that when you go to a facility , you'll realize what you have been taught has as best little to no bearing on your everyday routine as a CO.

As far as the job is concerned, it is what you make of it. Initially you start downstate, there is no escaping it. I spent a little over two years a male maximum security prison near new york city and honestly I loved it. The officers I worked with were excellent, we actually enjoyed doing our job. On the same note, tith a workforce well in excess of 20,000 officers, you will run into all kinds of people, and you WILL run into officers you can't stand, but when it's all said and done, they are still officers, and you have to work with them, and if things get bad you WILL have their back and they WILL have yours.

After, working at the max, I was transferred to a female medium, and I can honestly tell you, women in prison are absolutely brutal compared to men. I would gladly go work at a mens max then a female medium. They are dirty, foul mouthed, and cannot follow direction. As is typical they question everything. There is not the mutual respect that male convicts and officers can usually obtain. There is less camaraderie between the officers since you aren't working together, fighting, dealing with problems, and relying on each other to walk out the front gate at the end of the shift, like you would be at a maximum.

There are numerous opportunities within the department. There is the CERT team Corrections Emergency Response Team(lots of fun ), The Crisis Intervention Unit. There are gang units and narcotic units, that are part of the Office of the Inspector General (IG isn't generally well regarded in this department.) There are k-9 units, you can become an instructor in firearms, defensive tactics, first aid, fire and safety, rappel, chemical agents. The opportunities are there, it's up to you to take advantage of them.

One thing that is definitely advantageous in this department is that you learn to deal with people by using your mind and your mouth. You don't have all the equipment that you can fall back to, and if you are working in an area with 300 inmates and only 3 officers and a situation arises, you have to be quick on your feet sometimes.

Salary and benefits aren't that bad depending on what part of the state you are from. Job security is there. It is not a bad job at all, and I personally believe it's an excellent stepping stone, or a a career if you want to take it. There are promotion opportunities, Sgt. and LT. are strictly exam based, when you get into Captain and Colonel, then politics get involved.

I realize it's all over the map, sorry if it isn't that well organized. I've only been doing the job a few years, but feel free to ask any questions.

Don't forget us that work for the Veterans Affairs Police.  You can find our jobs listed on USA Jobs along with jobs of other agencies.  We provide law enforcement for all 170 something VA's across the country.  Minimum experience required is usually 1 year in LE or 4 yr CJ degree.  Feel free to IM me with any questions about the department and I'll answer as best I can.

I got a quick question. Is there a Police/law enforcement title or position that makes you a law enforcement officer in any and all states? Kind of a national police officer?

I took my CCW from a guy that I think was as described. Can’t remember what it was called.

Basically he was a high end law enforcement firearms and tactics instructor that taught all over the US that also retained his enforcement capabilities.

Thanks NorCal_LEO for the info and to everyone else that posted info. Half the reason i joined was to get a head start for being a LEO and i got alot of needed info here. I plan on joining the Phoenix AZ PD and have a few ?s about applying, the acadamey, and life after that, so if anyone who reads this is PHX PD please give me the run down.
To anyone who knws, how hard is it to get a degree as a LEO?

As a lil info back im not a MP but ive been told from alot of peps that it kind does more harm then good as a steping stone for civilan PDs, Basicly dont do it if u want to be a LEO when u get out. Thats just wut ive heard so dont think im sayn it cuz i knw, just thrown it out there to try and help.

Have a strategy to get in. If you don't get the sworn position first try take a non sworn job. A lateral move within a department is alot of time easier plus you will know everybody and they will know you. Dont get trapped in that job though.  

I am testing for State Excise Police this coming Oct. 4.

I did not see anything describing their duties and what to expect. I have not found anything on the web, nor do i know a officer in that field.

Please help.

Thank you Norcal and others! Very thorough information for a lad gettting ready to go through that gauntlet.

great post....

just to be picky (very picky):  There is no such thing as the INS anymore (as of 2003).  This was due to the homeland security act.  It is now called ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement).  However, note the general functions of the former INS have been split (so ICE is not really the same as INS).  The administration part (I-9s naturalization etc) is the responsibility of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS), which changed its name to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The enforcement part is ICE (deportation, etc). And the border patrol part is now a function of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).


Just thought anyone applying to any one of these agencies should know they are not applying to the INS...