Law Enforcement Officer — Police Officer, Sheriff's Deputy, Detective, Transit Police, Fish and Game Warden and Federal Agent Roles, US Agencies

City police departments, county sheriff's offices, state police, transit and campus police, state wildlife agencies and federal agencies such as the FBI and DEA hire law enforcement officers across the United States.

What the work involves

Responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, patrolling, traffic stops, arrests, collecting evidence, writing detailed reports and testifying in court. Detectives and special agents investigate crimes, and fish and game wardens enforce hunting, fishing and boating laws.

Common requirements

• At least a high school diploma or equivalent; some agencies want college credits or a degree
• A minimum age, usually 21 for police officers
• US citizenship for federal agencies and most states and cities
• A written exam, fitness test, medical and psychological screening, drug test and background investigation
• Completion of the agency's training academy

Before you apply

Note: pay, eligibility and hiring rules are set by each agency and by federal and state law — not by JobGader. Read the official job announcement before applying.