When people hear the phrase “law enforcement,” a general police officer usually comes to mind. Truly, however, there are many different law enforcement careers for those who are interested. Different people bring different talents to the job, so broadening your horizons may help you discover the career that matches your personality perfectly.
12 Law Enforcement Careers You Should Think About
If you are interested in this field, following are some of the law enforcement careers that just may have your name written on them. Some of these jobs do require general police training, but others are a field of their own.
1. Criminal Profiler: They build profiles of criminals based on their characteristics.
Average Salary: $65,000 to $100,000
2. Parole Officer/Probation Officer: Parole officers work with inmates prior to their release to help them get acclimated to life and also help them maintain a positive lifestyle afterward. Probation officers have similar responsibilities, but their focus is on released prisoners who are still on probation.
Average Salary: $52,000/$29,000
3. Game Warden: A game warden is a conservation officer who protects wildlife animals and the environment.
Average Salary: $59,000
4. Park Ranger: A park ranger is similar to a game warden, but the focus is on enforcing park rules and protecting land. In some cases, a game warden may carry an authorized gun, but a park ranger generally only has non-lethal weapons.
Average Salary: $32,000 to $79,000
5. Customs Agent/Border Patrol Agent: While they may have different specific territories and requirements, both individuals are responsible for securing borders, waterways, and land from terrorist and other types of threats.
Average Salary: $40,000 to $70,000
6. Private Investigator: Private investigators can be hired by private citizens or public agencies for various research purposes, such as finding a missing person, identifying a possible criminal act, or in some cases even catching a cheating spouse.
Average Salary: $23,000 to $67,000
7. Military Police Officer: They fulfill similar duties as a general police officer, but for various branches of the military.
Average Salary: $50,000
8. Sociologist: A sociologist is a scientist who studies relationship patterns, especially as it relates to everyday society. A master’s degree is typically required for a career in this field.
Average Salary: $80,000
9. Bounty Hunter: A bounty hunter is hired to find a defendant who skips bail.
Average Salary: $77,000, depending on jurisdiction and time spent
10. Security Officer/Security Guard: Both secure properties and people by patrolling premises. Some people use the terms interchangeably, but in general security officers tend to have more responsibilities and autonomy.
Average Salary: $25,500
11. Crime Scene Investigator/Forensic Scientist: These individuals find and examine evidence found at crime scenes.
Average Salary: $61,000
12. Bailiff: A bailiff is responsible for maintaining structure and order within a courtroom. The bailiff also assists the judge as needed, such as by providing documents for cases.
Average Salary: $32,000 to $54,000
Tags: Bailiff, Border Patrol, Bounty Hunter, Criminal Profiler, Forensic Scientist, Game Warden, Law Enforcement Jobs, Park Ranger, Parole Officer, Private Investigator