Reasons for Choosing a Career in Law Enforcement, Essay Example

The changing tides and times of today’s society surely alarms individuals and communities especially in consideration with the rising rate of crimes. The need for good and trustworthy individuals who can provide their efforts and their skills in handling the chaotic state of the society is now on the rise. Nonetheless, law enforcement is not one of the most glamorous careers for most people because it is a hazardous profession and it is not highly paying. With the increase in crime in most parts of the country, most people will seldom choose a career in law enforcement. However, there are practical benefits for choosing a career in law enforcement. These include gaining respect and a sense of fulfillment, a chance to earn a decent salary, diversity of job options, and job security.

For individuals who consider respect as an important aspect of their career, law enforcement is a suitable career choice. A survey by Gallup as shown that law enforcement is one of the most respected and honored careers by the public. According to the survey, law enforcement officers ranked at position 6 among 22 professions, which was higher than that that of journalists,college professors and the clergy. This is a sign that the public hold law enforcement officers in high esteem.

A career that entails chasing criminals and endangering one’s life is not for every person, bit those already working in the field of law enforcement know that they are doing this for the goodness of the society they exist in.The mere thought of contributing to the development of security and safety in the society is a rather fulfilling purpose that not every profession can provide an individual. A society existing outside the foundations of law enforcement policies would be disorderly; giving those that have less concern for others a chance to do just what they want and oppress people for no reason at all. This is the primary reason why police officers have been cited as the difference between order and chaos. Irrespective of whether one works for the local, state of federal government, the work of law enforcement officers entails protecting lives and property, which is a fulfilling experience.

Another reason for choosing a career in law enforcement is the chance to earn a decent salary. Statistics for the bureau of labor statics show that law enforcement officers earn a respectable salary. In 2012, criminal investigators and detectives took home an annual salary of $77,860, while Sheriffs and patrol officers earned $57, 770. The annual mean salary for secret service agents in 2012 ranged from $43,964 to $74,891. These statistics show that law enforcement officers take home a decent pay, although it may not present a path to riches, it gives an individual to enjoy the fruits of his labor enough to support his needs and that of his loved ones at a rather decent state.

Another important reason for choosing a career in law enforcement is job diversity. Whether a person is interested in working for the federal, state, or local authorities, a person has plenty of career options to choose from to suit his preferences. An individual is not restricted to few career options like other careers. At the federal level, one can decide to be an investigative office r in agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations or the Drug Enforcement Agency. At the state level, one can choose to be state trooper, highway patrol officer, bailiff, or investigative officer. At the local level, career options include being a court clerk, private security officer, corrections officer, or an investigative officer.

Lastly, a career in law enforcement offers an individual a sense of job security that is absent in other careers. An individual gets peace of mind knowing that their job is safe and this affords them the comfort to concentrate on their work. The demand for law enforcement officers is also due to increasing population and the rise in crime at the national and international level. Additionally, even if an officer is laid off, he/she can apply for a job in another agency and they are easily employed.  The fact that it is highly required in growing societies, this kind of profession is indeed purposeful and fulfilling especially that it creates a more defined path towards social development; one that provides the whole community a sense of security as they go about their daily tasks. True, a job in the law enforcement industry may not be easy to handle, nor may it be inviting in many sense. Nevertheless, once a person experiences the value of personal worth that it provides, this profession indeed gives one a better sense of himself; one that would allow him to leave a meaningful legacy.