Police Officer
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Police and DetectivesCreated by the U.S. Department of Labor, this career profile introduces you to the training, work qualifications, employment data, and job outlook for police officers and detectives, including advancement and salaries. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find links to important professional organizations in the field, or click on detailed earnings data and learn more about this career in law enforcement.
Emergency Response and Research InstituteKnown as EmergencyNet, this site offers a navigational menu that consists of a police operations archive and other emergency departments, such as terrorist attack. Go to the general police articles in the police archive, or access airline safety and security, law enforcement links, homeland security news, and departments on gangs and drugs.
Princeton Review: Police OfficerFind out about a day in the life of a police officer at this page, as well as links to information on facts and figures about the career, majors that might be useful in advancing your position as a police officer, and what you can expect to earn in the field as a person just starting out and after several years. Links at the left of the page will take you to further information on salary, job outlook, and training information.
Occupational Titles
Police Officer
Border Guard
Border Patrol
Border Police
Cadet
City Constable
City Marshal
Community Service Patrol Officer
Complaint Evaluation Officer
Constable
Cop
County Sheriff
Customs Patrol Officer
Deputy Sheriff
Detective Sergeant
Drug Enforcement Agent
Guard, Immigration
Harbor Patrol Police
Highway Patrol Officer
Law Enforcement Officer
Marshal
Military Police
Motorcycle Police
Mounted Police
Officer
Park Officer, Police Or Patrol
Park Ranger
Patrol Driver
Patrol Officer
Patrol Sergeant
Patrolman
Peace Officer
Pilot Highway Patrol
Pilot, Highway Patrol
Police Cadet
Police Inspector
Police Patrol Officer
Police Sergeant
Police Worker
Policeman
Policewoman
Protective Officer
Public Safety Officer
Ranger
Safety Patrol Officer
Security Police
Sheriff
State Highway Police Officer
State Patrol Officer
State Trooper
State-Highway Police Officer
Town Marshal
Traffic Officer
Training Sergeant
Trooper
Under Sheriff
Uniform Patrol Police Officer
Accredited Academic Programs
Princeton Review: College Majors, Police OfficerSeveral college majors may be appropriate as precursors to a career as a police officer. Find a list of them at this site, click on your selections, and be taken to contact information and websites for schools and programs you are interested in, including those in criminal justice, criminology, and forensic psychology.
Professional Organizations
American Federation of PoliceThe departments at this page include the National Association of Chiefs of Police, the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum, and the American Federation of Police and Concerned Citizens. Programs, services, and public safety initiatives for each organization are discussed at each site.
Federal Bureau of InvestigationsThe Federal Bureau of Investigation has an FBI headquarters website that you can access here, as well as separate sites for New York, Little Rock, and Louisville. Find quick facts about this law enforcement organization, what they investigate, the national security branch, training of officers, and a job application site.
Fraternal Order of PoliceThis organization is known as the voice of U.S. law enforcement and provides a host of benefits to its members. If you are a student, and considering a career as a police officer, you will want to familiarize yourself with this organization and what the benefits it has to offer law enforcement officials.
International Union of Police AssociationThis union provides police news, legislative and political updates that affect law enforcement professionals and details on current benefits for members, including savings, insurance, health, and educational services.
U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityIf you are interested in a career in law enforcement, you will want to be familiar with the Department of Homeland Security and its subdivisions, including first response, and information on prevention, protection, and preparedness for the country and its citizens. Click on “Job Seekers” to find an extensive collection of links to homeland security careers.
United States Marshals OfficeClick on the fact sheets here to learn about the different services that U.S. Marshals perform, including judicial security, operations support, fugitive control, and witness security. This is the nation’s main fugitive-finding department, and you can see photos and a slide show of everyday duties here. The career opportunities link connects you to local district contacts and a background questionnaire, so you can see if this could be a career for you
Job Opportunity Sources
Homeland Security CareersThis site offers multiple links to career resources for law enforcement professionals interested in homeland security, as well as information on the application process, benefits, fellowship programs, and student employment opportunities.
Indeed.com: Police OfficerThousands of county and city police officer positions around the U.S. are collected at this database, which actually hosts numerous other job repositories, such as LawEnforcementJobs.com. Listings are also collected from many municipal employers.
National Law Enforcement Recruiters’ AssociationAt this page, you can find out more about an organization that represents all 50 states at all levels of public safety. The goal of the organization is to attract qualified candidates. Click on the applicants’ link to find details on police training, jobs, test preparation, and police salary.
Publications
Police MagazineAn online community for police is available here, with top channels, news, blogs, forums, and archives accessible from the left side of the page. Dig deeper into the site, and you will find techniques that street cops use, departments on gangs, firearms, and advice for aspiring officers, as well as methods and issues that are important to tactical officers.
Online Forums & Blogs
Law Enforcement ForumJoin this free national and international community, and you can have access and post topics privately with other members of this law enforcement discussion. Respond to polls, upload content, and access answers to many questions about the jobs and lives of law enforcement professionals.
Police Magazine ForumsYou can discuss the latest issues in law enforcement available from Police magazine here, with talks available across general issues and breaking news, firearms, recruitment, training, gangs, and investigations.
Career Videos
Police Patrol Officers Job DescriptionWatch a video about the job of police and patrol officers and learn about enforcing any laws and protecting public safety. The rigorous academic and psychological exams officer need, and the routine nature of the job, patience, paperwork, and other job aspects are discussed. Educational requirements are also introduced.
