Jobs to Consider when Filling Out a Law Enforcement Application

Uniformed Officers

This position in law enforcement deals with keeping the peace within society. The main jobs of the uniformed officer are to do the following:

• Participate in regular patrols.
• Respond to 911 calls.
• Be a visible presence in the neighborhood to keep residents and businesses safe.

The majority of a uniformed officer's time is not as exciting as cop shows may make it appear. From filing paperwork and directing traffic to investigating small crimes and even responding to accidents, the daily job of a uniformed officer can vary and not always provide the thrills you may expect.
However, uniformed officers are a valuable asset to their community. Community policing is an aspect of the job that is rarely highlighted, but it is important because it involves building trust and developing personal relationships with the citizens within their jurisdiction.

Sheriffs and Sheriff Deputies

The job of these criminal justice professionals is to enforce county laws. The sheriff of a county is usually elected; in some cases, he or she may be appointed by the governing authority. This is why this law enforcement position is generally considered a highly political position.
The sheriff is not a field position. Instead, he or she is tasked with supervising the county police department, which includes sheriff deputies, clerks, etc. The sheriff deputies are the ones out and about patrolling county roads and investigating crimes that are within the county's jurisdiction.

Special Investigators

Television shows usually depict this particular law enforcement position as the "plain-clothes cop." Special investigators, also referred to as police detectives, generally attain this position after working as a uniformed officer for several years and moving up the ranks.

The special investigators responsibilities include the following:

• Interviewing witnesses
• Collecting evidence at the scene of the crime
• Investigating leads that are relevant to cases assigned

Most special investigators only work on a few cases at a time. This lightened workload allows them the necessary time and space to thoroughly investigate the case and see it through all the way to a conviction. Special investigators are subpoenaed to testify in court.

Sworn Law Enforcement Officers

Individuals referred to as sworn law enforcement officers may not work the streets or actively pursue the arrest of a suspect, but they have taken an oath to abide by California's criminal code and the United States Constitution. These men and women are given the authority to carry police- or agency-issued firearms and they have the authority to make arrests.

Federal Law Enforcement

Some individuals are less interested in policing on the local level and opt to join federal law enforcement agencies. Agencies that fall under federal jurisdiction include the following:

• United States Marshals' Service
• Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

These jobs have various educational, physical, and security clearance requirements. Most individuals that pursue this line of law enforcement work start from the bottom and make their way through the ranks. Being a uniformed police officer with a local precinct is not a requirement.
As you can see, there are many different paths to a successful law enforcement career. Before you turn in your LAPD application, take your time to learn as much as you can about all the opportunities.