Jobs within the police

Chief of Police

The police chief is the department's senior executive and the public face. The chief has authority over all uniformed officers and civilian workers. The head has operational and budgetary authority over the department. The chief may report to the mayor or the city manager, depending on the city's system of administration.

Officer of the law

Every day, police officers risk their lives to defend the public from crime. Officers monitor neighborhoods by automobile, motorbike, horseback, or foot. They write traffic tickets, guide traffic for special events, and handle traffic signal problems and accidents. When a crime happens on the street, they are usually the first responders. They help other professionals with casework and report writing.

Detectives are sworn peace officers who investigate crimes with the objective of referring cases to prosecutors. Detectives construct together a plausible version of events leading up to and after the commission of a crime using physical and testimonial evidence. A detective's profession, like most other positions in law enforcement, may be quite hazardous at times.

Detective at a Crime Scene

Uniformed police who identify, gather, analyze, and preserve evidence are known as crime scene investigators. When they are summoned to a crime scene, they may encounter some horrible images. They aid investigators in the analysis of evidence. They lessen the possibility that criminal defense counsel may convince a judge to throw out evidence by ensuring that there is a documented chain of evidence custody.

Technician of Evidence

Evidence technologists are civilians with competence in preserving and evaluating evidence given by detectives and investigators. They often operate in laboratories using scientific instruments and procedures, although they will also emerge at crime scenes on occasion. They help solve crimes without having to carry a gun, look for evidence, or make arrests. This might be an enticing option for people who want to be engaged in law enforcement but do not want to be on the front lines.

Advocate for Victims

Victim advocates assist crime victims in dealing with their trauma. They assist them in navigating the criminal justice system. Advocates serve as liaisons between victims and the criminal justice system. They accompany victims to court, assist them in filing paperwork, and arrange for essential assistance. Following a trial, they keep victims informed of crucial developments involving the convicted perpetrator, such as forthcoming parole hearings or appeals.

Officer of School Resources

Police personnel deployed to public schools are known as school resource officers (SROs). They look into complaints of criminal conduct on or around school grounds. They collaborate with school officials to create and execute crime prevention programs. Police departments work out agreements with school districts to supply SROs, and districts normally reimburse the wages and perks that departments pay to SROs.