Explore Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Careers During National Police Week

This week is National Police Week, a time whenState troopers aren't bound to a particular city or
we honor the men and women who work tocounty. Instead, they are responsible for
keep our streets safe. But did you know justsurveillance at the state level, particularly on
how many different kinds of police officers therehighways and along borders.
are? From state troopers who guard theDetectives
highways to detectives who investigate crimes,Detectives, who often are also referred to as
there are a wide variety of law enforcementspecial agents, are the ones who investigate
positions out there for anyone who's interested incrime scenes, collect evidence, and interview
a criminal justice career. They include:witnesses.
Patrol OfficersFederal Agents
Patrol officers are the law enforcement officialsFederal law enforcement agents work in for a
who serve on the front lines. They patrolnational government organization, such as the FBI
neighborhoods either on foot or in a vehicle toor the DEA. They have jurisdiction to investigate
watch for crime, enforce laws and ordinances,and pursue criminals on a national level.
respond to complaints, and arrest suspects ifGet Started with a Criminal Justice Degree
necessary.While the educational requirements for each of
Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffsthese career paths differ slightly, a great way to
These law enforcement professionals work at theget started is to earn a criminal justice degree. It
county level, are elected to office, and usuallywill not only give you the background you need to
work in a smaller department than urban policesucceed, but also a platform from which you can
officers.grow and advance your career.
State Troopers