{"id":6184,"date":"2019-10-29T10:05:33","date_gmt":"2019-10-29T14:05:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=6184"},"modified":"2024-12-17T17:17:22","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T22:17:22","slug":"types-of-police-officers-you-can-become","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/types-of-police-officers-you-can-become\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Types of Police Officers You Can Become Today"},"content":{"rendered":"

When there\u2019s danger, most people run in the opposite direction. Some, however, run to help. Those brave individuals who protect and serve on a daily basis are known as law enforcement or police officers.<\/p>\n

As citizens, we know to honor our police, and we appreciate all that they do to keep us safe. Some of us may even desire to join the force and become a protector, too. Right now, you may be considering a career as a police officer. But did you know that there are many types of police officers in the field? Police officers work in all different settings, departments, and specialties \u2013 all of which are important and respected roles. Before diving into your career, take time to explore these options.<\/p>\n

Here are 10 types of police officers you can choose to become today.<\/p>\n

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  1. Municipal uniformed police<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    You\u2019re likely most familiar with this type of police officers. Uniformed police patrolling the streets of our towns and cities provide a large range of services. They respond to distress calls, patrol traffic, offer security for large events, detail construction work, and investigate criminal activity.<\/p>\n

    The role of a uniformed police officer on the municipal level requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but many more departments today are requiring a postsecondary degree. A criminal justice school<\/a>, such as the one at Goodwin College, can prepare you for this demanding and rewarding job. Professors are police officers themselves, so the program provides expert knowledge from leaders with intimate knowledge of the field.<\/p>\n

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    1. Detectives<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Police detectives may work in uniform or undercover, depending on their assignment. Within their jurisdiction, detectives explore crime scenes and work to piece together evidence in order to solve a crime. They work with witnesses and suspects, interviewing them as part of their investigation. Becoming a police detective typically requires previous work as a uniformed police officer. Some departments may also require additional education and testing in order to reach detective level.<\/p>\n

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      1. Sheriffs<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Sheriffs typically perform similar duties to that of police chiefs, except police sheriffs are elected to their position. Another key difference with sheriffs is that they operate on a county-level. So, they oversee operations of uniformed police officers of an entire county, not just one city or town.<\/p>\n

        Sheriffs often work as uniformed police officers and\/or deputies before gaining enough experience to be elected by their communities.<\/p>\n

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        1. State Troopers<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          State police, often referred to as state troopers, patrol highway safety. They also assist police departments on the local level, working within cities and towns as needed to keep communities safe.<\/p>\n

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          1. Federal Investigators<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Federal Investigators uphold the law on the federal level. There are many law enforcement agencies at the federal level, and most require a bachelor\u2019s degree in a related field (such as public safety<\/a>) before applying for a job. Some of the most well-known areas within federal law enforcement includes:<\/p>\n