Law

Alternative Careers in Law Enforcement

Law enforcement is a noble profession. Many well-intentioned people would love to serve and help their communities, but are either not qualified to be police officers, or comfortable shouldering the responsibilities that go with the job. Law enforcement encompasses much more than just officers on the front lines, however. Police departments and other organizations involved in the legal system have many different functions that require support staff at all levels. Here are some careers that those who feel called to serve may consider.

Bail Bonds Officer

It may seem counterintuitive to consider bail bondsman Scranton pa as part of the justice system, but they serve an important function in due process. Arrested individuals are entitled to their rights, and this includes qualifying for bail at a judge’s discretion. While it varies from state to state, there is no formal education requirement to obtain a bail agent license. To do so, you must pass a test showing certain legal knowledge, and bond enforcement laws and guidelines.

Prison Guard

Some people think that all prison guards are police officers. In reality, prisons are guarded by employees of the state, county, or federal jail system. This is obviously a critical role in correctional facilities and vital to our system of justice. Generally, prison guards need to pass background checks and have a few physical requirements and certifications. For many who want to serve, the steady environment is an appealing alternative to police work.

Records Clerk

Ask any police officer how much paperwork is involved in the job. They rarely hesitate to bemoan the detailed reports they (understandably) are required to file. People who are attracted to serve in law enforcement but are perhaps more inclined to careers involving data entry and organization, would be excellent candidates to work as records clerks. All these reports must be organized, filed, and maintained, and many departments face a backlog of actual paperwork that needs to be digitized and entered into their computerized databases. In some cases, a degree may be required, but often a background check and a typing test are the only pre-requisites.

 

Of course, there are support positions associated with lawyers’ offices, first responder dispatch, and various security jobs to name a few. As you can see, law enforcement careers are not limited to officers in the line of duty. If you want to help keep your community safe, one of these options may suit you!