Law Enforcement Officer
Quick Facts
Median Salary$70,822
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+12.02%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Law Enforcement Officer enforces jurisdictional laws, maintains public safety, and protects property and people in the community. Patrols neighborhoods, responds to emergency calls and crime scenes, watches for traffic and driving violations. Authorized to arrest criminals; prepares cases and testifies in court.
Core Tasks:
- Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
- Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
- Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
- Locate and seize contraband, undeclared merchandise, and vehicles, aircraft, or boats that contain such merchandise.
- Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers.
- Institute civil and criminal prosecutions and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of those in violation of immigration or customs laws.
- Testify regarding decisions at immigration appeals or in federal court.
- Record and report job-related activities, findings, transactions, violations, discrepancies, and decisions.
- Determine duty and taxes to be paid on goods.
- Collect samples of merchandise for examination, appraisal, or testing.
What to expect as a Law Enforcement Officer
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
56% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Law Enforcement Officer related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
3147 openings for Law Enforcement Officers
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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