LAW ENFORCEMENT OCCUPATIONS California Occupational Guide Number 457 Interest Area 4 1995
Many agencies are responsible for interpreting and enforcing federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, as well as protecting people and property. Occupations involved in these functions are covered by this guide.
Basic law enforcement duties include investigating criminal activities, gathering evidence, and making arrests. These involve conducting undercover investigations, establishing contacts with informants, setting up surveillance, and cooperating with other law enforcement agencies.
Federal law enforcement agencies enforce federal laws. These agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), Federal Protective Service (FPS), Naval Investigative Service (NIS), United States Postal Service, United States Marshals Service (USMS), and United States Department of the Treasury.
FBI Agents investigate violations of federal law such as kidnapping, extortion, and bank robbery. They also safeguard the nation's security by investigating subversion, espionage, and sabotage. Special Agents engage in investigative work through interviews, observation of suspects, and analysis of evidence obtained by careful and patient effort.
The Immigration and Naturalization Service has three law enforcement classifications: Criminal Investigator, Deportation Officer, and Immigration Inspector. Criminal Investigators study cases relating to immigration law. To establish facts needed to start deportation proceedings, Investigators will careful check all available information. These Investigators maintain close liaisons with other federal and local law enforcement agencies.
Deportation Officers take charge of persons subject to deportation or who have been requested to voluntarily leave the United States. These immigration officers track deportation proceedings from their inception until the deportee leaves the country. They also assist deportees, so their departures will be as free as possible from hardships. Deportation Officers work closely with foreign consulates and other officials concerned with alien immigration.
Immigration Inspectors, the uniformed arm of INS, prevent the entry of ineligible aliens to the United States. They review and study documents, such as passports, to determine their authenticity and validity. They admit properly documented aliens, as tourists or permanent residents, and advise them of their rights and obligations.
Federal Protective Officers are responsible for protecting federally owned or leased property. They also are responsible for protecting federal officials and foreign dignitaries when the officials or dignitaries are on federal property. The Federal Protective Service consists of Police Officers, Physical Security Specialists, and Criminal Investigators. They have all the powers granted to a sheriff, except serving civil process. They can enforce laws and make arrest on property under the control of the U.S. General Services Administration. They also conduct physical security surveys to find any security problems in federal facilities.
The Naval Investigative Service conducts criminal investigations for the Navy and Marine Corps. They also provide counterintelligence support to these branches of the military. They conduct and provide these services on a global basis. Special Agents perform their duties at military installations. These installations may be on land or sea.
United States Postal Inspectors participate in criminal and civil investigations and audits. They interview complainants, witnesses, and suspects. They also evaluate information obtained from these sources. They prepare reports on the information they obtain and provide testimony in cases that are filed. As sworn personnel, they have the authority to carry firearms and search, restrain, and arrest suspects. Inspectors also perform other duties related to law enforcement.
United States Marshals are responsible for protecting witnesses and employees and families of the court. They also are responsible for the housing and transportation of prisoners. They also apprehend fugitives who have failed to comply with federal court orders. Deputy Marshals also seize and manage property obtained from drug and criminal cases. The Marshal's office also maintains an elite unit that is capable of responding to any national emergency within six hours.
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) Agents investigate violations of federal law involving explosives, firearms, arson, liquor, and tobacco. They prevent and solve bombings and similar acts of violence. They also investigate the illegal possession and use of weapons. They obtain physical evidence against individuals and groups dealing in contraband. They arrest people in cases where federal laws have been violated, as in the unlawful production and sale of liquor and tobacco. ATF Agents work closely with the United States Attorney gathering evidence, preparing cases, and testifying at trials.
United States Customs Agents investigate all cases where the smuggling, transportation, and sale of narcotics and other contraband have been verified.
Special Agents for the IRS investigate charges of criminal and civil violation of federal tax laws, particularly those relating to income, excise, and employment taxes. Agents contact executives, proprietors, and other persons involved in cases under investigation. Upon obtaining sufficient evidence, the Agents recommend prosecution civil penalties.
State and local law enforcement agencies include the California Highway Patrol, State Department of Justice, sheriff and city police departments, and district attorney offices. Assignments and duties within these agencies depend on the size and location of the department.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has jurisdiction over state highways. Highway Patrol Officers interpret and apply provisions of the vehicle code by maintaining the orderly flow of traffic, pursuing reckless drivers, making arrests. They also may subdue violent individuals, give field sobriety tests, assist persons involved in traffic accidents, and testify in court. The CHP has incorporated the former California State Police. In that role, the CHP now guards the governor and other elected officials, as well as State property.
Special Agents for the Department of Justice investigate cases dealing with the violation of the State's narcotic statutes. They conduct criminal investigations, prepare written reports, and gather evidence to be used in court cases. Agents obtain the necessary information by developing sources of information and using and maintaining investigative equipment. They also coordinate their activities with other law enforcement agencies.
Deputy Sheriffs are responsible for protecting life and property, keeping the peace, and preventing crime. In some jurisdictions, select units are entrusted with security for special events. Deputies also provide security for the courts and run county detention and correction facilities. Sheriff detectives investigate crimes and prepare evidence for courtroom presentation. Deputies throughout the State have essentially the same duties. They serve unincorporated areas of counties and cities who contract with the sheriff department for police services.
Police Officers enforce criminal and civil laws. Specific duties are determined by the size of the city in which the officer works. In smaller towns, officers perform many tasks such as traffic control, keeping the peace, and carrying out orders of arrest. In larger cities, work may be specialized, with officers performing selected tasks. The investigation of serious crimes is a complex and involved process with sophisticated methods of analysis and scientific deduction. Officers must be prepared to act as witnesses at trials, either for the defense or for the prosecution.
The duties of a District Attorney's Investigator include interviewing witnesses, defendants, and informants to obtain information that may be used in court. They also may locate witnesses and defendants and testify in court proceedings. Investigators for the District Attorney's Office have the authority to serve warrants, and make arrests of individuals charged for violating local, state, and federal laws.
The self-control and emotional stability of law enforcement personnel are often put to severe tests. They generally contact people during adverse circumstances and deal with people who are suspects in criminal cases.
Both uniformed and plain clothes officers carry out their duties at risk to their personal safety when investigating cases and pursuing or arresting suspects. The risk to personal safety is a factor they must face daily. Adverse weather may add to uncomfortable situations encountered while working in the field.
Some agents are required to travel for the purpose of investigating cases and to protect high ranking government officials or foreign dignitaries.
Law enforcers may belong to various associations and unions. Union membership is more common among local police officers than among federal agents.
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. This information includes employment projections for the following occupations: correctional officers and jailers, criminal investigators, federal, management analysts, police and detective supervisors, police detectives, police patrol officers, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, and United States Marshals.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 107,550 Estimated number of workers in 2005 127,730 Projected Growth 1990-2005 19% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 44,590
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
The demand for Police Officers depends largely on government spending, population growth, and the crime rate. However, opportunities also occur as law enforcers leave the labor force because of retirement or a change in career objective.
Although there are sometimes more applicants for law enforcement occupations than there are openings, many agencies have trouble recruiting qualified candidates. This is, in part, due to a tough screening process that eliminates many applicants.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
For federal employees, salary is determined according to a general schedule (GS). The entry level for federal law enforcement officers of Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Department of Treasury, the Federal Protective Service, and U.S. Marshals Service is at the GS-5 level that starts at a monthly salary of $1,617. Agents working for the Naval Investigative Service begin at the GS-7 ($2,003 per month) level. The entry level for FBI Agent is the GS-10 that starts at $2,699 a month. A starting FBI agent is required to work at least 25 percent overtime, which substantially increases the take-home pay. Inspectors for the U.S. Postal Service start at $2,898 per month.
The salary range for California Department of Justice Special Agents is $2,698 to $4,695 per month. Salaries for law enforcement personnel at local government vary according to community size and the amount of available funds. Pay for Deputy Sheriffs ranges from $1,900 to $4,200 per month. The salary for City Police Officers ranges from about $2,000 to more than $4,300 a month.
Salaries are based on a 40-hour workweek, but officers usually work beyond the normal hours. Officers and agents are also on call when off-duty and can be called to work at any time. They are often required to work on weekends and holidays. Some agencies offer a work schedule where officers work ten hour shifts, four days per week. Work performed beyond the normal hours or on holidays is generally compensated with extra pay.
Excellent medical and retirement plans are available. Paid vacation and sick leave are granted to law enforcers. Law enforcement personnel also may receive some of the following benefits: educational incentives; special training; long term disability pay; shift, assignment, and bilingual ability differential pay; uniform and equipment allowances, and life insurance. Many agencies encourage their personnel to obtain college or advanced degrees. Some employers may help with educational costs, or they may compensate the officer with an increase in pay. Officers who have Police Officers Standard Training (POST) certification may also receive a pay increase.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Jobs in law enforcement are filled through written and oral examinations. These examinations serve to evaluate the experience, education, and personal fitness of the applicant. The questions asked also seek to determine the person's reasoning powers and ability to judge and understand various situations.
The minimum age requirement at most agencies is 21 at the time of appointment. Some agencies also have a maximum age requirement. Citizenship is usually necessary. A thorough background investigation is made on each candidate.
Because of the physical demands that the job entails, law enforcers are expected to be in top physical condition. They must pass medical exams and physical agility tests. A psychological test also must be passed before appointment. Many agencies have minimum corrected and non-corrected vision requirements for their officers. The requirements vary from agency to agency. A valid driver's license is required since driving a car is part of the job.
Federal law enforcement institutions normally want applicants who have completed four years of college. In some instances, three years of responsible experience or a combination of education and experience will suffice. State and local law enforcement agencies usually expect a candidate to possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. Advanced education with related specialties, such as criminal investigation, is highly desirable.
Training is given at national centers for Federal Agents, and at state and local academies for Investigators, Deputy Sheriffs, and Police Officers. Training facilities are governed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training that also determines the minimum standards for the training of the State's police force. Formal training time varies with each agency, but usually is not less than three to four months.
Promotions to higher ranks and administrative positions result from competitive oral and written examinations. This procedure is employed by law enforcement organizations nationally and locally. Seniority and merit are important for advancement. Completion of job-related college classes and training offered by the employer also weigh in favor of law enforcement agents who are candidates for advancement.
Positions in law enforcement with federal, state, and local agencies are filled through civil service examinations. When openings occur, they are advertised in federal, State, county, and city personnel offices. Openings may also be advertised in local newspapers. Some agencies participate in job fairs held at colleges or universities. California's Employment Development Department Job Service offices can help individuals apply for the entry tests.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
General information and employment applications may usually be obtained by writing directly to the agencies or contacting the personnel office.
Security Guards No. 75 Correctional Officers No. 220 Park Rangers No. 232 Deputy Coroners No. 345
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Protective Officer 372.363-010 Community Service Officer, Patrol 372.367-010 Guard, Immigration 372.567-014 Traffic Sergeant 375.137-026 Special Agent 375.167-042 Police Officer I 375.263-014 State-Highway Police Officer 375.263-018 Detective 375.267-010 Detective, Narcotics and Vice 375.267-014 Investigator, Narcotics 375.267-018 Investigator, Vice 375.267-022 Police Inspector I 375.267-026 Police Inspector II 375.267-030 Border Guard 375.363-010 Sheriff, Deputy 377.263-010 Deputy United States Marshall 377.267-010 Bailiff 377.667.010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Management Analysts 219050 Police and Detective Supervisors 610050 Police Detectives 630110 Police Patrol Officers 630140 Correction Officers and Jailers 630170 U.S. Marshals 630260 Criminal Investigators, Federal 630280 Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs 630320
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department, Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group, (916) 262-2162.