DIM Career Requirements

Gabe Vera

Criminal Justice

Police Patrol Officers

Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations. Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.

Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.

Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved. Render aid to accident victims and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries. Testify in court to present evidence or act as witness in traffic and criminal cases.

Work Environment of a Police Officer

Police and detective work can be demanding, stressful, and dangerous. Police officers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Working around the clock in shifts is common.

Significant Points
Police are typically trained to deal with felonies, which can range from petty theft and assault through murder, rape, domestic disputes, kidnapping, hostage taking, theft of national defense information and materials, theft of office equipment, drug trafficking, assault on Government facilities, arson and bomb threats, crowd control, and other conditions involving violations of law and threats to human life.

Qualifications
Earn at least a high school diploma or GED, and know that a college degree will give you an advantage in the job market Demonstrate your physical fitness for the job through agility, strength and endurance tests

Pass a criminal history check

Pass the civil service exam, which tests your problem-solving abilities, general knowledge and aptitude for the job Impress people with your interview, where youll demonstrate why you are a viable, trustworthy candidate for a job protecting the public Complete police academy training, where you will study subjects like policing tactics, crime scene processing, police ethics, and proper use and care of firearms

Employment
At least 21 years of age before day one of Basic Training. You must be a resident and have been for a minimum of one year from the day you apply.

Job Outlook
Employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 5 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations. Continued interest for public safety will lead to new openings for officers; however, jobs may be competitive, depending on location.

Wages
The median annual wage for police and detectives was $56,980

Summary
I want to become a Police Patrol Officer because I love criminal justice and I want to do good for the world.

Police Officer Career Information

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4hYSA5jLqo

Citations
N.p.. Web. 6 Mar 2014. <http://jobdescriptions.careerplanner.com/Police-Patrol-Officers.cfm>.