Application Requirements
Like most other law enforcement agencies, state law
enforcement agencies have very specific standards and criteria that are
required to be met before a person can be hired as a police officer. First, the applicant must be a United States
citizen and is usually required to b a resident of the jurisdiction of the law enforcement agency. Most state law enforcement agencies require at least a high school diploma or GED, but many prefer to hire applicants that have field related college degrees, such as a
college degree in criminal justice or criminology.
Because operating an emergency vehicle is
almost always a significant part of a job as a police officer, it is required
that an applicant possess a current, valid driver’s license that is free of
previous major traffic violations such as DUI charges and driving with a
suspended license charges. While there
are typically many other requirement and standards that vary from agency to
agency, the above listed standards are the most basic and most often required.
Compensation and Benefits
Many consider a career with a state government agency to be
superior over jobs with county or local government agencies. In fact, many people choose occupations in
state government over private sector careers because of the compensation and
benefits packages alone. State
government jobs are generally stable with a fair amount of job security.
Also, the ability to move within the state
government for other positions enhances the career opportunities for state
employees. A police officer that works
for state law enforcement agencies usually enjoys the additional benefit of
collective bargaining agreements with labor unions.
The labor unions are generally responsible
for negotiating wages and benefits associated with a police officers labor
contract. Police officers that are
employed by state law enforcement agencies often find that the compensation and
benefits packages are superior to that of other careers.
Career Objectives
Working as a police officer in state law enforcement
agencies can offer many opportunities for advancement and skill development
that can be carried over to other law enforcement related jobs or
positions. It is important to realize,
however, that some positions within state law enforcement agencies are highly
sought after with great competition .
For the average police officer, the specific achievement goals and
objectives that that are personally set must be considered when selecting the
agency or field of specialty.
Choosing a career in law enforcement is a noble and
satisfying decision. Many have found
that careers in state law enforcement agencies are superior over other jobs in
law enforcement.
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