Thanks to advances in technology and the need for protection in various communities, law enforcement careers are more prevalent and rewarding than ever. Some type of training is involved for any career in law enforcement. The amount of training and experience required depends on the specific job. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, some of the most popular law enforcement careers in terms of demand include:

• Police officer
• FBI agent
• Marshal
• Forensic scientist
• Customs agent

Education

Any job in law enforcement requires at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some police departments allow interested individuals to ride along with experienced officers in certain situations to get an idea of what’s involved with the job. Most law enforcement positions have physical requirements to ensure that applicants will be able to handle the demands of the job. Each agency has specific requirements with some willing to provide training, while other positions require going through an academy or specialized training facility first.

Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a law enforcement officer earns an average salary of $29,000. Even within this category, salaries vary based on the position held. For instance, a military law enforcement officer earns an estimated salary of $67,000 while an armed bank protection officer or security guard earns around $31,000 annually. Additional law enforcement salaries include:

• FBI agent – $30,000
• Criminal investigator – $55,000
• Marshall – $59,000

Any career in law enforcement requires a commitment. Most positions offer advancement with experience along with benefits. Interested individuals generally begin by contacting the agency or department they would like to be working for to determine how to get started.