Have you ever wondered what our societies would look like if we had no law enforcers? There might be a lack of order or even a sense that real crime would go unpunished.
If there were no law enforcers, there would no justice for numerous robberies, murder, and general insecurity. Our roads would be marked with accidents due to careless driving. And what of drug abuse and alcoholism with its dangers? They include rape, fights, theft, and lawlessness.
Can you imagine yourself living in such a community? People might live in a constant state of fear. The people that suffer the most in such communities are the elderly, women, and children. Hence, citizens keep joining law enforcement to avoid these incidences. Are you one of them? If you’d like to join law enforcement, holding a doctorate in security, read on to learn more.
Job Description
The basic role of a law enforcement officer is to protect people and their property. Usually, you are given an area of jurisdiction to protect and serve. You will have to keep the public safe. Law enforcement officers are more practical than theoretical.
They have to get out there and do the actual work. It includes directing traffic, investigating criminal behavior, and patrolling the community. However, with a doctorate in security, you’ll be a senior.
So, it’s your juniors that will go out to actually do the work and report to you. Normally, your juniors are less qualified than you. However, there are isolated incidences when someone is promoted due to an outstanding heroic act. Others get promoted because of a special skill or ability. Also, experience may play a big role as opposed to just “papers”.
Requirements
Law Enforcement requirements vary depending on position and type of agency. Academically, a law enforcement position requires a minimum of a high school diploma. With a bachelor’s degree, master’s, or doctorate in a related security field, you are an asset. But that’s not all.
You will be required to pass that agency’s training program. In the training program, you will learn about firearms usage, civil code, and, emergency medical techniques and response. There are some universities and colleges that offer law enforcement and criminal justice programs.
If you enroll in these programs, you’ll appreciate practices and procedures of law enforcement. However, when you apply for a law enforcement job, you will still undergo police academy training. It may be done at the local or state level. Other requirements include the following.
- You must be a citizen,
- Pass fitness and health examinations,
- Pass psychological exams,
- Have a clean background,
- and be above 18 years of age
Average Pay
In May 2018, it was estimated that the average pay for sheriffs and police officers was $61,380. A detective’s average annual salary was $81,920. Similarly, first line supervisors’ annual wages waere estimated to be around $89,030.
How to Apply for Law Enforcement Jobs
Some agencies might accept applications at any time. In this case, you will fill out their application form and deliver it to them or send to them online. Other law enforcement agencies have to first advertise.
For these, you go to their website, fill out the application form, and submit. In both cases, you’ll have to submit your resume and other necessary documents. Then, wait for their response and schedule your entrance test exams.
Different agencies handle application process differently. Therefore, endeavor to keep checking their website for any info. When you get scheduled for the entrance test, show up, deliver your best, and wait for the results.
Follow the subsequent guidelines after passing the test. The agency will be informing you what to do moving forward.
Final Say
By holding a doctorate in security, you are an asset to law enforcement. The assumption is, with more education, the wiser one gets. Therefore, you must know security details, codes, and enforcement regulations like the back of your hand.
First, meet the requirements of age, citizenship, physical fitness, and pass the psychological test. Then follow the application process and wait for the entrance exams to kickstart your career.
