The Everything Guide To Careers In Law Enforcement: A Complete Handbook to an Exciting And Rewarding Life of Service

by Paul D Bagley

Overview

There is no more challenging and rewarding career than law enforcement, but so few know where to start in order to break into this exciting field.

Written by a seasoned law enforcement professional, The Everything Guide to Careers in Law Enforcement will help you navigate the application, hiring, and training process. This unique comprehensive handbook covers all aspects of job options available - from local and state police to National Park Rangers and Homeland Security officers.

Inside, you'll find:

• Candidate requirements
• Desired qualities and education for applicants
• Where and how to apply to different agencies
• The future of law enforcement in the twenty-first century

If you're curious about this rewarding yet unsung field, The Everything Guide to Careers in Law Enforcement is the accessible and essential guide you need to get started on your way to a fulfilling career!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781598690774
Publisher:	Adams Media
Publication date:	01/19/2007
Series:	Everything�
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

Table of Contents

Top Ten Reasons to Read this Book     x
Acknowledgments     xi
Introduction     xii
Overview of Law Enforcement in the United States     1
The Essence of Law Enforcement     1
Law Enforcement Officer Defined     3
Responsibilities of the Job     4
Liabilities (Civil and Criminal)     5
The Ever-Changing Standard of Care     7
Understanding the Fundamentals     8
Types of Law Enforcement Careers Available Today     9
Benefits of a Career in Law Enforcement     13
Tangible Benefits: Compensation     13
Expectations for Working Conditions     17
Law Enforcement Equipment     18
Unionized Versus Non-Unionized Jobs     20
Intangible Benefits: Altruism and the Cop's Credo     21
Self-Esteem and Unit Pride     25
Police Agencies     29
Local Departments     29
Small Departments     30
Large Departments     31
County Departments     33
State Agencies     35
Highway Patrol and Enforcement     37
Fire Marshal     38
Fish and Game Officer     39
MarinePatrol     39
Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Enforcement     41
Road Tolls and Tax Enforcement     43
Primary Federal Enforcement Agencies     45
An Overlapping Network     45
Department of Justice     46
Department of Homeland Security     50
City of Washington, DC Agencies     54
United States Regulatory and Independent Agencies     58
Candidate Requirements for the Career Field     65
Basic Educational Requirements     65
Public Speaking Skills     67
Medical and Physical Fitness Standards     68
Required Abilities     70
Mental and Psychological Profile     71
Minimum Licensing Requirements     74
Strengths to Help You Get the Job     77
Multilingual Capabilities     77
Technical Skills     79
Superior Communications Ability     81
Experience in Fields Other Than Law Enforcement     82
People Skills     83
Presentation Skills     84
Advanced Degrees     85
Preparing to Apply     91
Crafting an Honest Resume     91
Writing a Cover Letter      94
Physical Conditioning     96
Psychological Preparation     97
Preparing for the Background Investigation     99
Preparing Family and Friends     100
The Wait     101
Finding the Agency for You     103
Choosing the Agency That Matches Your Skill Set     103
Doing Your Homework-Researching the Agency in Advance     105
Understanding Agency-Specific Hiring Practices     107
Knowing the Point of Contact Before Applying     109
Reasonable Follow-Up Procedures     110
The Interview Process     113
Punctuality     113
Dress and Deportment     114
Eye Contact     117
Finding Your Strongest Voice     118
Respect and Deference     120
Minding Your Manners     121
Oral Boards     123
Overview of the Oral Board     123
Purposes of the Oral Board Process     124
The Makeup of the Board     127
Role-Playing and Scenarios     128
Staying Calm Under Adverse Conditions     132
The Testing Process     135
Criminal Records Check     135
Motor Vehicle Records Check      137
Written Examinations     138
Medical Examinations     140
Drug Screening     141
Physical Fitness and Agility Tests     143
Psychological Testing     144
Polygraph Examination     145
Personality Profiling     147
Initial Training     151
Agency-Specific Procedures and Policies     151
Knowing the Turf-Walking and Driving the Beat     155
Initiation at the Academy     157
Firearms Training     159
Driving School     162
Training with Specialized Equipment and Procedures     163
Writing a Comprehensive Report     165
In-Service Training-Becoming Better at Your Job     167
Becoming Familiar with Those You Serve     167
In-Service Training Schools and Seminars     170
Continuing Education Outside of Law Enforcement     171
Paying Close Attention to Detail     173
Keeping the Public Informed     174
Protecting the Home Front     177
Separating the Career and the Family     177
Pursuing Life Outside of the Job     179
Separating the Family of the Offender From the Crime     180
Reserving Sufficient Time for Family     182
Maintaining Peace of Mind     183
Taking Time Off     184
Keeping the Agency Honorable     187
Maintaining the Tradition of the Agency     187
Being Representative     188
Personal Observance of the Law     189
Equal Enforcement-Showing Respect to Offenders     190
Keeping the Agency in Order     190
Those You Protect and Those You Pursue     191
Comparing Agencies     193
Visiting Other Agencies     193
Ride-Along Programs     195
Offering Other Agencies a View of Your Agency     196
Seminars, Training Courses, and Social Events     199
General Comparisons     202
Twenty-First Century Careers     203
Modern Technology     203
Constant Personal Improvement     205
Diversity of Jobs in the Field     205
The Next Generation     207
Where to Apply for Law Enforcement Careers     209
Basic Recruitment Requirements by State     273
General Physical Fitness Requirements for U.S. Police Academies     277
Primary Federal Agencies     279
Study Materials for Applicants      281
Index     283