Police officers, detectives and special agents maintain law and order, and are responsible for enforcing statutes, laws, and regulations.

Correctional officers are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested, are awaiting trial or other hearing, or who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to serve time in a jail, reformatory, or penitentiary. They maintain security and observe inmate conduct and behavior to prevent disturbances and escapes.

Private detectives and investigators assist attorneys, businesses and the public with a variety of problems. Their services include protecting businesses and their employees, customers and guests from theft, vandalism and disorder, as well as gathering evidence for a trials, tracing debtors and conducting background investigations.

Security officers and guards protect property, maintain security, and enforce regulations for entry and conduct in the establishments at which they work.

 

Police, correctional, investigative and security work can be very dangerous and stressful. In addition to the obvious dangers of confrontations with criminals, the need to be constantly alert and ready to deal appropriately with any situation can be very stressful. Shift work is necessary because law enforcement and security protection must be provided around the clock.

 

Personal characteristics such as honesty, judgment, integrity, and a sense of responsibility are especially important in law enforcement work. Police and security officers should enjoy working with people and meeting the public. Becuase law enforcement can be very strenuous, physical fitness and stamina are important. Emotional stability, a calm temperament and the ability to make quick, level-headed decisions are essential in emergency situations.

 

Competition is expected to remain keen for the higher paying jobs with State and Federal agencies and police departments in more affluent areas. Persons having college training in police science, military experience or both should have the best opportunities. Opportunities will be best in those urban communities whose departments offer relatively low salaries and where the crime rate is relatively high.

Increasing public concern about the spread of crime and illegal drugs—resulting in more police making more arrests and getting more convictions—and the adoption of mandatory sentencing guidelines calling for longer sentences and reduced parole for inmates will spur demand for correctional officers. Expansion and new construction of correctional facilities also are expected to create many new jobs for correctional officers, although State and local government budgetary constraints could affect the rate at which new facilities are built and staffed.

Increased demand for private detectives and investigators is expected to be generated by fear of crime, increased litigation, and the need to protect confidential information and property of all kinds. Additional private investigators will be needed by law firms to meet the needs for criminal defense and civil litigation among companies and individuals. Greater corporate financial activity worldwide will increase the demand for investigators to control internal and external financial losses, as well as to find out what competitors are doing and to prevent industrial spying.

Increased concern about crime, vandalism, and terrorism will heighten the need for security in and around homes, plants, stores, offices and recreation areas. Demand for guards will also grow as private security firms increasingly perform duties—such as monitoring crowds at airports and providing security in courts—formerly handled by government police officers and marshals.