In the Air Force:
Security Forces; Security Forces Apprentice, Combat Arms; Security Forces Helper; Security Forces Helper, Military Working Dog Handler; Security Forces Journeyman, Military Working Dog Handler; Security Forces Superintendent; Special Reconnaissance Craftsman; Special Reconnaissance Journeyman; Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Apprentice; Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Helper
In the Army:
CID Special Agent; Cavalry Scout; Combat Engineer; Combat Medic Specialist; Indirect Fire Infantryman; Intelligence Analyst; Military Police; Senior Military Police Sergeant; Special Forces Weapons Sergeant; Unit Supply Specialist
In the Coast Guard:
Boatswain Specialty; Criminal Investigator; Gunner's Mate; Investigations; Investigator; Marine Safety Specialist Response; Marine Science Technician; Maritime Enforcement Specialist; Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist; Port Security Specialist
In the Marine Corps:
Anti-tank Missileman; Basic Military Police and Corrections Marine; Critical Skills Operator; Infantry Unit Leader; Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Unit Leader; Machine Gunner; Military Police Investigator; Military Working Dog Handler; Operations Chief; Rifleman; Traffic Management and Collision Investigator
In the Navy:
Afloat Security Specialist; Boarding Specialist; Dog Handler; Expeditionary Security Specialist; Harbor Security Patrol Leader; Kennel Master; Law Enforcement and Security Officer, Staff; Naval Criminal Investigative Service Operations Specialist; Nuclear Weapons Security Specialist (NWSS); Protective Service Specialist; Strategic Asset Security Specialist
Whether on foot, wheels, or horseback, detectives and police officers are alert for any threat to public safety, ready to respond at a moment’s notice when a need occurs. Police and sheriff’s officers protect lives and property. They respond to emergency and patrol their assigned area for signs of criminal activity. They wear recognizable uniforms, and may conduct searches and arrest suspected criminals. Some officers specialize in one type of crime, such as narcotics. Detectives and criminal investigators, or agents, gather facts and evidence of possible crimes. They conduct interviews, observe the activities of suspects, and participate in raids and arrests. Detectives often wear plain clothes, and usually specialize in investigating one type of crime, such as homicide or fraud. Transit and railroad police patrol railroad yards and transit stations to prevent thefts and protect property. Police and detective work requires patience, and paperwork; officers document every incident in detail, and must be ready to testify in court. Most officers carry law enforcement tools, such as radios, handcuffs, and firearms. Police and detective work can be physically demanding, stressful, and dangerous; injuries are common. Despite working shifts around the clock and dealing with life-threatening situations, officers must stay calm, think clearly, and use good judgment at all times. Most positions require graduation from a law enforcement agency’s training academy and extensive on-the-job training. Police officers and detectives need a license to carry firearms and enforce the law. Typically, candidates must be U.S. citizens, at least 21 years old, and in excellent physical and mental health, with no felony convictions.
What they do:
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.
On the job, you would:
Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.
Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
Safety and Government
law and government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
psychology
geography
Business
customer service
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Social
understanding people's reactions
changing what is done based on other people's actions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Visual Understanding
see hidden patterns
quickly know what you are looking at
Physical Strength
use your lower back and stomach
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.
They do well at jobs that need:
Integrity
Dependability
Self Control
Stress Tolerance
Attention to Detail
Leadership
You might use software like this on the job:
Data base user interface and query software
Database software
Microsoft Access
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Graphics or photo imaging software
Computer aided composite drawing software
SmugMug Flickr
high school diploma/GED or certificate after high school usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
In the military:
see titles from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy.
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