If you’re after a career that’s exciting, fast-paced, and makes a real difference to the community, a role in law enforcement may be the answer. Not only do those in law enforcement put their own safety in jeopardy to protect and serve the public, but they’re also an important part of society to make the planet a safer place for us all to live in. A career in law enforcement isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if you believe you have what it takes or you’re keen to learn more, here are some reasons why this field may be the perfect career choice for you.

You Can Do Great Things

One of the advantages of a law enforcement career is the ability to do great things. While your duties can actually save lives, there are other compelling reasons to step into this field. Alongside emergency service professionals such as doctors, nurses, and firefighters, working in policing as a federal agent or another field often means the duties you carry out can save people’s lives in all kinds of ways. This may include saving a victim from physical harm or taking down a criminal who would otherwise have gone out to hurt others. So, a huge part of your job will be to protect the public and keep the community safe.

You’ll Make a Positive Impact

If you decide a law enforcement career is right for you, prepare to make a positive impact like no other. While every industry and field serve a purpose in society, if you care about your community and want to help those in need, working in law enforcement may be the answer. Many law enforcement professionals decide to operate in or around the area they live in. This can make your role even more meaningful, especially when you can have a positive influence on the people around you who you know and have grown up with. Even if you step into a law enforcement role that doesn’t require you to be on the front line and actively saving lives, the work you undertake will play a part in making the community a more safe, pleasant, and secure place to live in.

You Will Never Get Bored

While some people are more than happy to work an office job and be behind a screen all day performing the same role, others strive for something different. Repetitiveness isn’t common in law enforcement. Whatever position you attain, no two days will be the same. While some days will be slower than others, there will be a lot of responsibility on your shoulders, and you will need to make decisions which could be the difference between locking up a criminal and having them roam free.

If you’re after a career that gets your adrenaline pumping and you like a challenge, it makes sense to go into law enforcement. To keep on track and ensure you’re performing your duties responsibly, there are a plethora of skills you’ll need to master. These include working well under pressure, the ability to make decisions quickly, as well as good observation skills. Other attributes you’ll need to work in law enforcement include teamwork and excellent communication skills.

Attractive Salary and Benefits

For those currently in employment that sees you working hard for minimum wage, there’s bound to come a time when you’re ready for something more rewarding. We all want to live to work, rather than the other way round, so if you’re passionate about helping the community and law enforcement sounds right for you, prepare to scoop up an attractive salary and plenty of benefits.

Even though a job in law enforcement requires you to undertake specialist degrees that can be costly, it will definitely pay off in the long run. The average salary for a police offer is roughly $35,000. However, over time (and with experience) you can command a higher salary. Managerial and leadership roles within law enforcement pay more handsomely. As well as a generous salary, those in a law enforcement role can enjoy fantastic benefits too, such as health insurance, life insurance, and additional pay for overtime and vacations.

Advance Your Career

If you aren’t happy with the idea of working in the same position for years without the opportunity to progress up the ladder, the great news is a role in law enforcement won’t give you this problem. In fact, law enforcement agencies have a structure that’s designed with multiple levels of authority. While you may have to start out at the bottom of the chain, as you gain experience and learn transferable skills, you’ll become qualified to apply for senior roles.

You may decide that you’re after a leadership role in law enforcement. If you want to do just that, consider Wilfrid Laurier University’s BA in policing, which is specifically designed to prepare you for leadership roles within the field. Bear in mind, you will need to be a working or retired police officer to enroll on this course. No matter what your career plans are, you can study for a course that can run alongside your duties. This means if you’re in full-time employment, you can learn online without the worry of having to give up work.

You Can Work Anywhere

Another advantage of working in law enforcement is the freedom to work in a variety of settings. This is great news for individuals who do not want to stay in their hometown their whole life. If you’re after a career that enables you to travel or find flexible employment, law enforcement may be for you. Throughout Canada, law enforcement professionals are in high demand. From the major bustling cities to small, rural towns, you can choose where to work with ease. You can pick from small-town sheriff and police departments to federal agencies, and state agencies. The choice is entirely up to you.

Whatever role in law enforcement sparks your interest, working in this field will provide a fantastic sense of accomplishment. Whether you become a police officer, federal agent, sheriff, or security guard, there is an array of positions available in this field that suit a wide variety of people.

Last Updated on 3 years by George Morgan