Career as a Police Officer
Many people desire and thrive to make their community crime free and organized. However, very few end up working entirely for this cause. One such community of people who work night and day to establish a safe neighborhood is the police department. Police officers enforce law and order in you city, investigate crime, seize criminals and perform other such operations which are of human benefit.
Here are some answers to your queries which deal with careers in the field of police department in Missouri-
Requirements: For becoming a police officer or detective you require at least a high school diploma. Most police and detectives must graduate from training academy and complete on-the-job training. Apart from these educational backgrounds there are some criteria which are essential that include- you should be a US citizen, be above 21 years of age, have a driver’s license and meet certain specifications of physical qualifications. Candidates must have to undergo tests and interviews to get selected as a police officer. Military experience, knowledge of foreign language and non-conviction records adds up to the possibility of getting selected. After getting selected, the candidate has to undergo training where he is taught to use firearms, self-defense techniques, risk assessment, role play etc along with education related to criminal psychology, constitutional laws, civil rights and various types of investigation methods.
Payment: As per May 2011 records of Bureau of Labor Statistics, a police officer had an average annual wages of around $56,260. As the job profile is 24 hour-a-day job, an officer has to work for 40 hours a week and gets paid for overtime. Almost all police officers enjoy benefits like insurance, paid vacations, sick leaves, allowances for uniforms etc. Many police officers work for local governments but are likely to get promoted and serve state as well as federal governments which can increase the salary associated with the job.
The job opportunity in police department is growing and is expected to grow by 7% in USA in coming years. In 2010, police officers employed were 794,300 which are expected to go up to 853,100 by 2020. In Missouri, there were 12,170 police officers as on May 2011with annual wages of around $42,260.
If you are aspiring to become a police officer and want to increase your chances to have this occupation, you can start applying for certificate courses in criminal justice/ police science/ law enforcement administration which are offered in
- Metropolitan Community College- Blue River Missouri
- Moberly Area Community College
- Three Rivers Community College (<1 year certificate and associate degree)
- Saint Louis Community College (associate degree)
- Mineral Area College-Park Hills Missouri (also offers associate degree).
The certificate courses have a duration of 1- <2 years depending upon the training period associated with every college/university.
Crowder College- Neosho, Jefferson College- Hillsboro and East Central College- Union are some other colleges which offer associate degree in the same field. College of the Ozarks- Point Lookout and Drury University- Springfield also offer bachelor’s degree.
The careers related to law and order often provide a good platform for people who are dedicated to community betterment and safety of neighborhood.