Police Officers and Detectives are government employees, whose functions are protecting life and property, preserving the peace, detecting and preventing crime, and maintaining public order through the application of the law.  Police and Detectives are able to spend more time fighting serious crime as routine police duties are increasingly assumed by civilian police department employees and private security personnel.

JOB DUTIES 

Police Officers may:

Patrol an assigned area or beat, prevent crime and make arrests

Investigate accidents and give first aid to victims

Record facts and prepare reports

Arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts

Control traffic

Inspect public establishments to ensure compliance with rules and regulations

Issue traffic tickets

Promote good community relations

Report hazards such as blocked roads or broken street lights

Appear in court to give evidence at hearings or trials

Investigate complaints or reports of fights, noise, trespassing or burglary

Photograph or draw diagrams of crime scenes and interview witnesses

Provide information to assist motorists

Click  here  for Police Officers at work video.

Detectives may:

Investigate crimes by questioning witnesses and examine records

Examine the scene of the crime for clues and evidence

Investigate and observe suspected persons

Arrest suspects and criminals

Prepare assigned cases for court

Testify before a court or grand jury

Investigate known or suspected criminals to detect planned criminal activity

Secure bodies and obtain evidence from them

Prepare and serve search warrants

Block off crime scenes for investigations

Report progress of investigations to commanding officer and maintain files

Coordinate with outside agencies and serve on interagency task forces to combat specific types of crime

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Police Officers and Detectives in small cities have a wider range of duties than those employed in larger cities. In large police departments, Officers are usually assigned to a specific type of duty, such as firearms' identification. However, most are detailed to patrol or traffic duty. Very large cities also have special units such as canine corps, mounted and motorcycle police, and youth aid services. Much of the work is routine and they must keep a log of everything that happens on their shift.

Police Officers & Detectives may specialize in these areas:

375.263-014 POLICE OFFICERS and 375.267-010 DETECTIVES are government employees whose functions are protecting life and property, preserving the peace, detecting and preventing crime, and maintaining public order through the application of the law.

375.263-010 ACCIDENT-PREVENTION-SQUAD POLICE OFFICERS investigate traffic accidents to find the cause, witnesses, and/or victims, and reconstruct the accident using automated equipment and scientific methods. They also provide data for use in legal action or formulation of traffic safety programs.

375.263-018 STATE-HIGHWAY POLICE OFFICERS (also called State Troopers or Highway Patrol Officers) patrol highways and enforce laws and regulations governing the use of highways. Their duties vary with the state in which they work. Departments may investigate narcotics dealing or organized crime. Officers may work in state crime laboratories, intelligence units, or identification and communications systems. Most of them work in the enforcement of traffic laws. They also give information to tourists about restaurants, motels, or local attractions. In small communities and counties without local police or a large sheriff's department, they are the primary law enforcers.

375.267-022 VICE-SQUAD POLICE OFFICERS investigate people and establishments suspected of breaking anti-vice laws and make arrests where necessary.

375.133-010 PRECINCT POLICE SERGEANT

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Police Officers and Detectives work in highly structured organizations. Each Officer is supervised by a person of higher rank. Depending on their assignment, Police Officers and Detectives may work alone, in pairs, or in groups.

Officers may have to work outside for long periods in all kinds of weather.

The work of Police Officers and Detectives is dangerous because they may deal with violent people such as armed robbers and murder suspects. In addition to the stress these conditions create, Police Officers and Detectives are under pressure to abide by court rulings on arrest procedures, search and seizure, and the civil rights of citizens being arrested.

Police Officers and Detectives must also beware of circumstances regarding terrorism. Intervention, prevention, and reaction regarding high profile targets and order control are now a top priority, which in turn have added to the importance of Police Officers and Detectives duties. There has also been increased funding through grants which have been directed to aide port security, infrastructure protection, mass transit and in equipment necessary for preparation of individuals venturing into the law enforcement field.  

Officers usually work an 8-hour day, 5-days per week, which may include Sundays and holidays. Since Police Officers are needed 24 hours per day, they may work evening or night shifts. They are subject to call any time.

Police Officers and Detectives are paid an allowance for uniforms. The departments furnish revolvers or automatics, batons, handcuffs, bullet-resistant jackets, badges, radios, and all related equipment. Some Officers have permission to use police cars during off-duty hours.

Many Police Officers and Detectives belong to associations such as the American Federation of Police. In Detroit, most Police Officers belong to The Detroit Police Officers Association. Those who belong to a union or association pay dues at regular intervals.

You Should Prefer:

• Having business contact with people

• Working for prestige or the esteem of others

• Communicating ideas

You Should Be Able To:

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions

• Communicate information effectively

• Work under stress

• Show good judgment

• Compare information to verifiable data and laws

• Make very quick decisions

• Work effectively as a team member when required

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A patrol car traveling 60 mph is following another car ten miles ahead of it that is traveling at 50 mph. How soon will the patrol car overtake the other car?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Should be able to read and comprehend various kinds of law enforcement terminology and procedures such as, benzidine, reduced phenolph, confirmatory test, precipitin thalein

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written argument in support of the validity and reliability of reviewing a case from the frame of reference of the defense team.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Excellent analytical skills, logic skills, and decision-making skills insuring public safety and enforcing the law.

Police Officers in Michigan must be U. S citizens and have a high school diploma or an equivalent (an associate or bachelor's degree in law enforcement or criminal justice is becoming increasingly important); be at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on the police department; meet physical requirements; have no prior felony convictions; and have a valid driver's or chauffeur's license. Some cities also require residency.

Personal characteristics such as honesty, good judgment, and a sense of responsibility are a necessity. Knowledge of a foreign language is an asset in areas that have concentrations of ethnic populations.

Michigan state law mandates Police Officers to take 562 hours or more of approved on-the-job training in law enforcement, which includes passing written and performance examinations for certification by the  Michigan Commission of Law Enforcement Standards.           

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1300 ENGLISH , 1600 FOREIGN LANGUAGE , 1700 GOVERNMENT , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH , 2700 PHYSICAL EDUCATION , 2800 PUBLIC SPEAKING , 3000 SOCIAL STUDIES , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

028 LAW ENFORCEMENT

Approved vocational education programs in Law Enforcement prepare students in theories, principles, and techniques of developing, administering, and managing services for the safety and protection of people. Trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

091 LAW ENFORCEMENT & CORRECTIONS

Programs in Law Enforcement and Corrections provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment in protective services, local police forces, county sheriff departments, Michigan State Police, the Michigan Department of Corrections, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Courses within this program vary but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. See the Sources of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

You will also find a more extensive list of information sources in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the Supports Menu Items.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at  http://www.myfuture.com .

MILITARY POLICE

The services have their own police forces for many of the same reasons that civilians do: to control traffic, prevent crime, and respond to emergencies. Military police protect lives and property on military bases by enforcing military laws and regulations.

What They Do

Military police perform some or all of the following duties:

• Patrol areas on foot, by car, or by boat

• Interview witnesses, victims, and suspects in the course of investigating crimes

• Collect fingerprints and other evidence

• Arrest and charge criminal suspects

• Train and walk with police dogs

• Testify in court

• Guard entrances and direct traffic

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include government and speech. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in law enforcement and crime prevention

• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations

• Ability to think and react quickly

Physical Demands

Normal color vision, hearing, and a clear speaking voice are usually required to enter this occupation. Some specialties have minimum height requirements.

Work Environment

Military police work both indoors and outdoors. They may work on foot, in cars, or in boats.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 8 to 12 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in police methods. Course content typically includes:

• Military and civil laws and jurisdiction

• Crime and accident investigation procedures

• Evidence collection procedures, including fingerprinting and suspect questioning

• Use of firearms

• Traffic and crowd control procedures

• Arrest and restraint of suspects

• Hand-to-hand defense techniques (judo, karate, etc.)

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Navy offers a certified apprenticeship program for one specialty in this occupation.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian police officers generally work for state, county, or city law enforcement agencies. Some work as security guards for industrial firms, airports, and other businesses and institutions. They perform duties similar to military police.

Opportunities

The military need new military police each year. After job training, military police guard and patrol bases, and direct traffic. With experience, they question crime suspects and collect evidence. They may also supervise other police officers. In time, they may become station chiefs or police superintendents.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Some large cities hire high school graduates who are still in their teens as civilian police cadets or trainees. Postsecondary programs in law enforcement and corrections may offer opportunities and college students may be hired as interns. Others can gain experience as civilian clerical workers in police departments or in the military.  The Michigan law enforcement officers training council, offers pre-employment training to persons in 2- to 4-year colleges. Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. Contact the office of Apprenticeship and Training if you would like more information.

             School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Detective employer

internships

volunteer work with a Detective employer

community service work with an agency

Local Civil Service regulations govern the appointment of Police Officers in most cities. To gain employment you must submit an application; take physical exams; submit to a driver's license, credit, and arrest record check; and possibly take a polygraph examination. The law also states that new applicants must have negative drug test results before they can be accepted for training or be certified. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Wages of Police Officers vary widely based on years of service, rank, and location and size of the community in which they work.

Nationally, the median annual income of Police Officers was $46,436 and Detectives was $54,756 in 2008.  The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008.

Annual salaries of State Police Officers employed by the State of Michigan ranged from $22,049 to $62,536 and those of Detectives from $49,319 to $83,144 (mid 2009).

Annual salaries of Police Officers and Detectives employed by various Michigan cities in early 2009 were:

Most cities provide educational allowances and extra pay for evening or night shift work. Many Officers also receive a cost-of-living allowance and/or longevity pay.  Most Police Officers receive group life and health insurance, paid holidays, vacations, sick leave, and pension plans.  With experience and further training, demonstrated ability, and passing a promotional examination, Police Officers may advance to become Sergeants, lieutenants, and captains. Detectives have a similar career ladder with the possibility of becoming chief of Detectives after lieutenant. A bachelor or higher level degree is helpful for promotion.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 754,800 Police Officers and Detectives were employed in 2006. Employment of Police Officers and Detectives is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. The industry distribution for Police Officers and Detectives looked like this:

Most openings will occur due to replacement of workers who retire, die or transfer to other occupations. Although the nation's population and police protection needs will increase, slow growth in government revenues is expected to limit growth in police employment. Other related factors include the increased use of civilian police department employees in parking enforcement and clerical, administrative, and technical support jobs. In addition, private security firms may increasingly assume some routine police duties such as crowd surveillance at airports and other public places.

There are approximately 19,225 Police Officers and Detectives working in Michigan.

The employment of Police Officers and Detectives in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. There will be an estimated 630 annual openings for Officers with 130 openings due to growth and 500 due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Although Michigan's era of rapid population growth has ended, population is shifting from Detroit to suburban areas and to northern counties of the Lower Peninsula. This shift will result in more out-state employment opportunities for Police Officers.

Most state and local police departments have long waiting lists of qualified applicants and competition is expected to be keen. The outlook should be best for those who have some college training. In addition, government spending does influence hiring of new officers.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth