Law Enforcement
According to the U.S. Department of Justice minority representation in local police and sheriffs’ offices has been increasing steadily. While the total percent of minorities in law enforcement jobs is still relatively low, between 18 and 25% it is much better than it was just as recently as the 1980s. Many community colleges now offer law enforcement programs for correctional officers as well as academic programs that compliment the training required by local law enforcement agencies.
The careers in law enforcement continue to expand as the nation’s prison population rises.
Some of the law enforcement jobs to consider include city police officer, state police officer, corrections officer, sheriff’s deputy, special agent in the FBI, or corrections officer. For those looking for more authority police chief and county sheriff are long-term possibilities. However, these positions require extensive experience.
I have many friends, of all races, that work in law enforcement. Some of the minority officers I know say they sought out law enforcement jobs because they wanted to give back to their community. They wanted it to be better than it was and they wanted to be part of the reason it became a better place to live. I’ve always thought this was one of the best reasons to become a police officer and think if this was the gold standard for entrance into the world of law enforcement, the world would be a better place.
Why do you want to go into law enforcement?
Photo Credit: DaveF3138
Fri, Nov 27, 2009
Continuing Education