Are you a disciplined person with a sense of truth and justice? Do you uphold the law at all times? Do you have high integrity and honor? Are you respected and looked up to by your peers? Have you often thought of serving your fellow citizen? Then it is likely that a career as a police officer will be right for you.

Police officers do such law enforcement as task as patrolling, providing assistance, directing traffic and investigations. Most large police departments assign specific duties to police officers. In urban areas and some suburbs, police officers are part of a growing trend called community policing. Community police build relationships with members of the community and fight against crime in the area.

Some officers are experts in certain areas of law enforcement including weapons, cyber crime and chemical and biological analysis. Some officers are a part of specific units like motorcycle patrol, harbor police, canine unit, special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team and the special victim’s liaisons unit.

Training and Qualifications

Police officers must be U.S. citizens and be at least twenty. Applicants should have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. They will need to take and pass strenuous physical and personal examinations. The physical examination will include sight, hearing and fitness tests. To be considered for appointment, applicants must also pass a written exam. Education level will also be considered, large departments