Law Enforcement

Police and sheriff’s patrol officers are the most common type of police and detectives, and they have general law enforcement duties. They wear uniforms that allow the public to easily recognize them as police officers. They have regular patrols and also respond to emergency and nonemergency calls. During patrols, officers observe people and activities to ensure order and safety. Some police officers work only on a specific type of crime, such as narcotics. Police duties include the following:

Respond to emergency and nonemergency calls.
Patrol assigned areas, observing people and activities.
Conduct traffic stops and issue citations.
Obtain and serve warrants for arrests, searches, and other purposes.
Arrest people suspected of committing crimes.
Collect and secure evidence from crime scenes.
Write detailed reports and fill out forms.
Prepare cases for legal proceedings and testify in court.

Other officers, especially those working in large departments, may work in special units, such as horseback, motorcycle, or special weapons and tactics (SWAT). Typically, officers must work as patrol officers for a certain number of years before they are appointed to a special unit. Transit and railroad police patrol train yards and transportation hubs, such as subway stations. They protect property, employees, and passengers from crimes such as thefts and robberies. They remove trespassers from railroad and transit properties and check IDs of people who try to enter secure areas.

Required Education

Police and detective applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some federal agencies and police departments may require that applicants have completed college coursework or a college degree. Many community colleges and 4-year colleges and universities offer programs in law enforcement and criminal justice. Further, knowledge of a foreign language such as Spanish is an asset. Many applicants for entry-level police jobs have completed some college coursework, and a significant number are college graduates. Common fields of degree include security and protective service and social science.

Candidates for law enforcement appointment usually attend a training academy before becoming an officer. Training includes classroom instruction in state and local laws and constitutional law, civil rights, and police ethics. Recruits also receive training and supervised experience in subjects such as patrol, traffic control, firearm use, self-defense, first aid, and emergency response.

Some police departments have cadet programs for people interested in a career in law enforcement who do not yet meet age requirements for becoming an officer. These cadets do clerical work and attend classes until they reach the minimum age requirement and can apply for a position with the regular force. Applicants may have to pass physical exams of vision, hearing, strength, and agility, as well as written exams. Candidates typically go through a series of interviews and may be asked to take polygraph (lie detector) and drug tests.

Law Enforcement Certification

Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certificate: The POST certificate is a fundamental requirement for law enforcement officers in many states, ensuring they meet the minimum training and competency standards necessary to serve in their roles. This comprehensive certification covers a range of topics including legal procedures, use of force, crisis intervention, and ethics.

Police officers who are authorized to carry firearms while on duty may seek a weapons certification. This training ensures officers are proficient in the safe handling, operation, and marksmanship of their issued weapons. It covers firearm safety rules, shooting stances, aiming techniques, and scenario-based training to simulate real-world shooting situations. Officers must regularly undergo requalification tests to maintain their firearms certification.

CPR and First Aid Certification is essential for law enforcement in order to respond effectively to medical emergencies they may encounter while on duty. This training covers techniques for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), treating wounds, managing fractures, and providing basic life support until professional medical help arrives. Officers must renew this certification periodically to ensure they maintain their proficiency in life-saving techniques.

Police Training

This excerpt from the documentary 'Shots Fired' offers a rare look inside police training in Utah, and explores several scenarios.

Proper Use of Force

Constables Keith Martin and Derek Thompson put on a "use of force" demonstration at Algonquin College to address some of the concerns over such tactics being used on persons being arrested.

A Day In The Life

The El Monte Police Department is proud to bring you 'A Day in The Life,' featuring Officer Sergio Machado. This intimate look gives you a perspective preparing for and working a police shift.

Police Documentary

An up-close look at police reform efforts in Newark, NJ. With gripping, on-the-ground access, this film examines the difficult relationship between the police and the community of Newark.

Law Enforcement Academy

Criminal Procedure

Overview of Criminal Law: Elements of criminal offenses and classifications.
Search and Seizure: Fourth Amendment rights and procedures.
Arrest Procedures: Legal grounds for arrest and custody protocols.
Interrogation and Miranda Rights: Fifth and Sixth Amendment protections.
Courtroom Testimony: Techniques for effective courtroom testimony.

Police Tactics and Firearms

Defensive Tactics: Techniques for self-defense and suspect control.
Firearms Safety and Handling: Principles of firearm safety and marksmanship.
Use of Force: Policies and guidelines for the use of force.
Scenario-Based Training: Practical exercises in simulated law enforcement scenarios.
Emergency Response: Techniques for responding to critical incidents.

Investigative Techniques

Crime Scene Management: Procedures for securing and processing crime scenes.
Evidence Collection and Preservation: Methods for collecting and preserving evidence.
Interview and Interrogation: Techniques for conducting interviews and interrogations.
Surveillance Techniques: Methods for covert observation and surveillance.
Forensic Science Basics: Introduction to forensic evidence and analysis.

DUI Enforcement

Traffic Laws and Enforcement: Enforcement of traffic regulations and safety laws.
DUI Detection and Enforcement: Techniques for detecting and apprehending impaired drivers.
Traffic Incident Management: Responding to traffic accidents and emergencies.
Vehicle Stops: Procedures and safety considerations during vehicle stops.
Traffic Control Techniques: Managing traffic flow and ensuring public safety.

Legal Issues

Use of Force Laws: Legal standards and implications of use of force.
Civil Liability: Liability issues and risk management in law enforcement.
Police Procedures: Policies and procedures governing police conduct.
Legal Updates and Case Law: Recent legal decisions impacting law enforcement.
Ethical Dilemmas: Handling ethical challenges in law enforcement.

Crisis Management

Emergency Preparedness: Planning and response to natural and man-made disasters.
Crisis Negotiation: Techniques for resolving crises through communication.
Hostage Situations: Procedures and tactics for responding to hostage incidents.
Critical Incident Management: Coordination and response in high-stress situations.
Disaster Recovery: Recovery and restoration efforts following emergencies.

CPR and First Aid

Basic life support: techniques and emergency medical response.
Emergency Medical Procedures: Responding to medical emergencies in the field.
Mental Health Crisis Intervention: Techniques for de-escalating and managing crisis situations.
Substance Abuse Crisis Response: Handling incidents involving substance abuse crises.
Victim Assistance: Providing support and resources to crime victims and witnesses.

Officer Specialization

Ask yourself if you can see yourself as a law enforcement professional, having daily contact with the public. Some situational awareness is called for, as police encounters are dangerous by nature. While classes and internships will prepare you well, certain innate qualities that you bring to bear will help you succeed.

Police Specialties

Detectives are responsible for investigating crimes that have occurred within their jurisdiction. They gather evidence, interview witnesses and suspects, and analyze information to piece together what happened. Detectives may specialize further in areas such as homicide, robbery, sexual assault, or fraud investigations.

K-9 Units consist of police officers partnered with specially trained dogs. These dogs are trained in various skills, including tracking suspects, searching for drugs or explosives, apprehending suspects, and detecting cadavers. K-9 units are invaluable in situations where their heightened senses assist officers.

SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) teams handle high-risk situations that are beyond the scope of regular patrol officers. These situations may include hostage rescues, armed standoffs, barricaded suspects, counter-terrorism operations, and high-risk warrants. SWAT officers undergo rigorous training in firearms, tactics, hostage negotiation, and crisis management.

Cybercrime units are tasked with investigating crimes such as hacking, identity theft, online fraud, cyberbullying, and child exploitation. Officers in this specialization have expertise in digital forensics, computer science, and cyber law enforcement techniques.

Narcotics units conduct undercover operations, surveillance, and controlled drug buys to gather intelligence on drug trafficking networks. They execute search warrants, make arrests, and seize illegal drugs, firearms, and assets obtained through drug trafficking. Narcotics officers often work closely with the DEA and FBI.