What comes to your mind while contemplating a career in law enforcement? If your mind jumps quickly to the word “cops,” don’t forget to consider other employment opportunities in this field. From border patrol to working for CIA/TSA – there are various branches in law enforcement to choose from. We’ve been inspired by fictional characters ranging from police officers (The Wire) to likable mobsters (The Sopranos). These crime dramas have influenced several teens to become officers, save people’s lives, and eliminate crime from society. However, watching your favorite character fighting crime on TV can’t and shouldn’t be the primary reason why you’re pursuing a lifelong career in law enforcement.
Why should you join law enforcement?
After George Floyd’s death and the ensuing protests, the police suffered from a declining reputation. Some protesters even demanded to abolish this department altogether. It seems that people’s trust in policing has decreased since last year. But the solution involves ambitious and justice-loving youngsters joining the forces and bring changes from within. Thus, we motivate more students to consider pursuing a career in law enforcement. Even today, some 69% of Americans trust their local police (statistics from March) and expect them to protect people. So, why should you become an officer? We’ll discuss some benefits of a career in this field. Here are some reasons showing why this occupation seems like your dream career:
- Compensation isn’t meager
Law enforcement agents make decent money, so this job’s financially fulfilling. BLS states that police officers make over $65,000 while detectives earn nearly $87,000 annually. The DEA agent salary also lies between $42,000 to $72,000 on average every year. While several precincts offer paid overtime, officers are also rewarded with an increase in their salaries. So, a career in law enforcement can help you earn enough to support your family while saving sufficient amounts for your future.
- Save people’s lives
It’s a no-brainer that saving people’s lives will motivate more people to become law enforcers. Even if firefighters/paramedics are more directly involved in it, police officers and DEA agents protect the lives of citizens on a massive scale. Combating threats from external/internal terrorists and keeping watchful eyes on other criminal activities have saved millions from disaster. Whenever you arrest drug dealers or stop domestic violence, you’re doing society a favor.
- Help criminals repent
In law enforcement, you often deal with people throwing their lives away for a criminal lifestyle. But you can enable them to get help, recover, and redeem themselves. For instance, you’ll catch people addicted to drugs or driving under the influence. Detained by an honest officer, they can get their lives back on track. So, you can show them the benefits of earning their livelihoods via legal means. If treated respectfully, these at-risk criminals might listen to reason and make realistic choices.
- We need women officers
We can’t stress enough that more women should join law enforcement since merely 13% of police officers consist of females, thereby compelling authorities to promote diversity in this field. On the other hand, state/federal agencies have enhanced gender diversity because of which women can choose to join the CIA (25% females). Diversity allows communities to engage with law enforcement agents effectively since women officers are less likely to resort to violence while dealing with people.
- Coworkers become family
You might’ve observed how police officers “stick together” and remains constantly prepared to take the fall collectively for one person. This team solidarity exists among all agencies where officers don’t just protect society but also each other. This connection helps them overcome life-or-death situations by collaborating effectively. While some officers do misuse this bond to get away with crimes, we must not vilify everyone for the crimes of a few since these officers are risking their lives for our safety.
- You can retire early
In law enforcement, especially the police, you can retire early after 20-25 years of service. If you’re entering this field at 40, you’ll retire peacefully with well-adjusted retirement packages by the age of 65 to spend a comfortable life with your folks. This early retirement allows youngsters to become independent to choose another career in their forties. Then they may switch careers or resume their education. Furthermore, this early retirement empowers you to pursue your other dreams as well.
If you are a member of the law enforcement department, or if you have family or friends who are police. You can customize your own police challenge coins for them. Which can be used for membership, recognition, creating connections between team members, and commemorating anniversaries and special events. It also serves as a tribute to the shared experiences of the organization’s members.
- Make your folks proud
People’s confidence in policing has declined in the past few years. In 2017, 57% of Americans were confident about the police’s role in making their lives better. But Gallup revealed last year that now 48% of Americans trusted the police. A career in law enforcement will make your family/friends glad and proud, especially if they’re Brooklyn Nine-Nine fans since an officer is respected as the sworn servant of the nation. Law enforcement agents represent the will to sacrifice yourself for others.
- Become a problem-solver
Hunting down evildoers and outsmarting hardened officers seem exciting. But problem-solving constitutes the summary of a law enforcement agent’s workday. From conflicts emerging at your workplace to resolving disagreements on the street, you’ll have to help both parties reach joint decisions. It’ll improve your public dealing skills while making you an excellent communicator. These soft skills contribute to personal development, thus letting you become a better version of yourself.
- You won’t get bored
Other careers are seldom more exciting than serving the country as an officer. Whatever you watch on television about CIA/FBI careers isn’t fictional. In law enforcement, adrenaline-pumping ventures accompany you daily. You must prepare yourself for exhilarating happenings in these jobs by honing your observation and critical-thinking capabilities. In addition, you’ll never find your career monotonous and lackluster. That’s why we consider this career ideal for youngsters always looking for adventures.
- Switch to something better
If you wish to acquire a career in criminal justice, starting from law enforcement seems proper. Who doesn’t want to join the secret service one day? Civilians often find it challenging to realize this dream if they’ve reached their forties. However, uniformed officers can easily switch careers or transition to another department. Thus, you’re empowered to create the sort of future you want for yourself. We suggest you pursue a career in criminal justice and become a servant of the nation with your skills.
Conclusion
We’ve all fantasized about becoming a police officer one day. Statistics show that these fantasies aren’t as uncommon as you might’ve imagined. According to some reports, 5% of boys want to become police officers. Moreover, 20% of children wishing to join the forces are girls. These fantasies have inspired our writers to invent characters ranging from Hank Schrader to Joe Swanson. They’re still motivating several youngsters to pursue a career in law enforcement. You won’t just save people’s lives but also make folks feel protected in different communities. With handsome salaries, you’ll spend your time tracking down criminals and purging drugs/violence with adventures harkening and your heart palpitating with thrill.
