Law Enforcement
Brandon Aguirre period 10
Career Details
Median wages (2011)$26.07 hourly, $54,230 annual
Employment (2010)664,000 employees
Projected growth (2010-2020) Slower than average (3% to 9%)
Projected job openings (2010-2020)249,400
Top industries (2010)Government
Equipment
Police Equipment
K9 Unit
Units for Police Officers
Police Officer
Aiming weapon
Education Needed
Skills Required
- maintaining law and order
- collecting evidence
- building relationships with local communities to help fight crime
- conducting investigations
Some police officers specialize in a particular area of law enforcement, such as chemical and microscopic analysis, training and firearms instruction, or fingerprint identification. Others work with special units, such as horseback, bicycle or motorcycle, the canine corps, special weapons and tactics (SWAT), or emergency response teams.
Job Outlook/Growth
Advancement Opportunities or Related Jobs
police agencies are 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.