How to Become a Leader in Law Enforcement
Do you feel called to make the world a better, safer place? A career in law enforcement may be right for you. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota provides a B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership program online, empowering students to take on various law enforcement jobs. Find out here what makes law enforcement so important and how earning a college degree can empower your career.
The Importance of Law Enforcement
The criminal justice system exists to deliver justice for all. It strives to protect victims, convict criminals, and supervise due process of law to ensure legal rights and systems are upheld. Without law enforcement, there is a possibility of havoc, violence, and theft, with no means for victims to seek justice against perpetrators. The justice system makes it possible to keep society safe and to hold people accountable for dangerous or criminal actions.
This system is kept afloat by the professionals who work within it. Law enforcement officers, corrections officers, private security agents, and more all work together to maintain order and build trust between individuals and their communities. Duties of law enforcement workers include:
- Informing the public about policies or procedures
- Investigating suspicious or illegal activities
- Gathering and protecting evidence
- Escorting prisoners and vulnerable individuals
- Preparing incident reports
- Serving court-ordered documents
- Testifying during court cases and proceedings
- Responding to emergency calls
- Making arrests
Not only are law enforcement careers rewarding on a social and emotional level, but they may also be lucrative. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists an average median pay for police officers and detectives of $74,910 per year. With about 4% growth in job openings per year, workers in this industry enjoy job security and stability.
Potential Law Enforcement Jobs
The criminal justice system is broad, encompassing a wide variety of roles. While all play an important part in maintaining law and order, each one specializes in a different area of enforcement. Popular law enforcement career paths include:
Police Officer
Police officers protect the lives and property of the communities they serve. They maintain order and enforce laws on a local, state, or federal level. Their daily duties may include:
- Responding to calls regarding emergencies or suspicious activity
- Patrolling their assigned areas
- Reporting on incidents
- Writing citations
- Making arrests
- Providing evidence in criminal court proceedings
Our criminal justice degree program alone does not qualify anyone to begin work as a police officer, but students who succeed in our program will have a significant advantage in police academy training.
Corrections Officer
Corrections officers supervise individuals who are being held in jails, prisons, and detention centers. They are responsible for monitoring inmate activities, checking them and visitors for weapons or drugs, and inspecting facilities to ensure they meet standards for security and safety. While physically demanding, many corrections officers find their career path rewarding.
Border Patrol Agent
Many people travel in and out of the country every day for business, vacations, and family affairs. Border patrol agents ensure this happens safely. They do surveillance, traffic checks, and baggage examinations to prevent the smuggling of weapons and drugs. They also make sure immigration and nationality laws are enforced, along with leading investigations into fraud and contraband.
Private Investigator
Not all law enforcement occurs at the state, local, or federal levels — private investigators aren’t state or municipal employees. However, they often play a crucial role in legal, financial, and criminal cases, and in locating missing persons. They may aid police officers in resolving cases. They can work for private citizens, attorneys, or businesses to conduct research, interviews, and surveillance.
Private Security
Private law enforcement also extends into security. Private security officers help businesses protect their assets from external threats. They work for corporate offices, retail outlets, and even nonprofit agencies to develop, implement, and enforce security protocols. This helps keep business assets, personnel, and visitors safe, improving peace of mind and the overall health of an organization.
Take Your Career Further With a Criminal Justice Degree
Earning a college degree can help prospective criminal justice workers become leaders in their field. The criminal justice leadership degree program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota expands on foundational law enforcement skills. Students learn and train in a variety of areas, including:
- Decision-making within the law enforcement system
- Ethical leadership and management principles
- Respect for diversity and inclusion
- Critical thinking and self-evaluation
- Resilience and adaptability in challenging situations
- Ethical and professional conduct
Our criminal justice courses are taught by current or recently retired law enforcement professionals, who model ethical leadership in action. Students also can connect with peers and expand their professional networks. Whether they move on to careers as police officers, corrections officers, or private security, they’ll have the tools they need to become leaders in their workplaces. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
To learn more about criminal justice jobs and degree programs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, consult our admission team. Request more information to get started with your enrollment process.
