Policer officers are entrusted with protecting the public from dangers in the community, from criminals to traffic accidents to property and domestic disputes to missing persons cases. Police are employed by county, state and city governments and work in rural, urban and suburban environments. In a typical day, a police officer will be dispatched with a partner to patrol his or her assigned area. During the patrol, the police officer may investigate an ongoing case, provide assistance to traffic accidents and direct traffic, get dispatched to answer a 911 call and more. In addition to being out on the streets, police officers are also responsible for a lot of paperwork, including filling out traffic reports and complaints, writing tickets and issuing fines, and preparing for court. Police officers are expected to be able to communicate effectively and work with all kinds of people. They need to be able to be seen as trustworthy, cooperative and helpful officers by the public and those living in the neighborhoods they patrol, and they must be able to work with attorneys, judges, detectives, federal officers, and anyone else involved in an investigation. Police officers often find themselves in unpleasant and/or dangerous situations because of their work and have to deal with potentially violent and uncooperative citizens. This aspect of the job requires that police officers, in addition to their academy training, must be level headed, fair and patient.
The average salary of a police officer depends on the government agency he or she works for — city, county or state — and the geographic location in which he or she works. The starting salary range for a police officer in Los Angeles is between
$54,475 and $73,142, but a police officer working in a much smaller town will earn less. Police officers are paid based on experience, so the more years that you put in with the department, the more likely you will be promoted to the next pay grade. The average salary for police officers in 2006 was between $35,600 and $59,880. Police officers should also be eligible for government benefits as well as special police officer benefits, like a retirement savings plan, education assistance for children, financial assistance for the officer’s family in the event of his or her death, life insurance, health insurance, paid time off and more.
Police officers must have a high school diploma and need to have passed their academy training program and exam. A higher graduate degree can help an officer get promoted to detective status faster or can give him or her a better chance of securing a law enforcement position with the federal government.
Top 10 Criminal Justice Colleges
Search our rankings of the 10 top criminal justice colleges in the US below and request free information packets directly from the top criminal justice degree programs for your needs.
1.
University of Phoenix -
Master's Degree. University of Phoenix provides highly rated resources that fosters independent learning and enables the student for success. University of Phoenix graduates have shown a history of success by having long careers in the field of Criminal Justice.
2.
Everest University Online -
Master's Degree. With a career-oriented focus, a student graduating with a M.S. in Criminal Justice from Everest University Online will have the skills necessary to pursue numerous careers upon graduation.
3.
Walden University -
Master's Degree. At Walden University, the Master's Degree in Criminal Justice degree plan can be completed completely online and at the convenience of the student. Walden University is the premiere online college for students interested in pursuing a degree in the legal and justice field.
4.
Colorado Technical University -
Master's Degree. The university's Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare individuals for roles in the emerging administrative and leadership sectors in the criminal justice system. Students are offered flexible courses online, allowing them to pursue this prestigious degree while maintaining other priorities in their lives as well.
5.
Kaplan University -
Master's Degree. The wide variety of courses and flexible time schedules make Kaplan University a top rated Masters in Criminal Justice school with the following options: Master’s of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Law, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Global Issues in Criminal Justice.
6.
Capella University -
Master's Degree. Capella University Online’s top ranked job placement statistics make it a top choice by any student who wants a future in criminal justice. A Masters of Science in Public Safety - Criminal Justice, is offered.
7.
Saint Joesph's University -
Master's Degree. Saint Joesph's University Master's in Criminal Justice program is at the forefront of education in providing a dynamic curriculum to every student. Saint Joesph's makes it easy to obtain a Criminal Justice degree online affordably and from the comfort of home.
8.
Virginia College -
Master's Degree - At Virginia College, students are equipped with proper skills and training before graduation in order to succeed in their career of choice. Their Master's in Criminal Justice degree will prepare students for mid to upper-level management positions in the legal field.
9.
University of Cincinnati -
Master's Degree - This highly regarded criminal justice department prepares the student with a well respected faculty, a quick degree plan, and the choice to move on to get a Doctorate. Options include M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice, M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice (1 Year Program).
10.
Bowling Green State University -
Master's Degree. Bowling Green State University’s Criminal Justice school provides students with excellent academic training and experience. The department offers both a Masters of Science (MS) degree in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelors of Science (BS) degree in Criminal Justice.
11.
South University -
Master's Degree. The South University Masters in Criminal Justice department allows you the option of specializing in Homeland Security. The school offers two masters options: Masters of Science( M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security.
