Many skilled professionals work in police departments
Each and every day, communities rely on law enforcement agencies to keep their cities and towns orderly and safe. Uniformed patrol officers may be the most visible employees of police departments, but there are many individuals who work in concert to keep communities safe and precincts running smoothly. The following are some of the essential personnel who serve in local police departments across the country.
• Dispatcher/telecommunicator: This may be the first person individuals speak with during an emergency situation. Dispatchers typically work on the phone in police departments or from remote call centers. They patch information through to law enforcement so that officers can respond to situations.
• Civilian investigators: Some departments employ civilian detectives to strengthen their investigative services. They work primarily from desks within the police department. These investigators will look into a wide range of low-level crimes like traffic incidents, burglaries and financial crimes. Sworn officers are able to devote their time elsewhere in the field as a result.
• Police technician: A technician is an entry-level position who assists sworn personnel in follow-up investigations. Technicians also may perform other tasks, including working on paperwork or filing incident reports.
• Officer/detective: The broadest rank in the police department belongs to those who are police officers, patrol officers and police detectives. These people respond to emergencies and non-emergency calls, patrol areas, obtain warrants, and perform many other duties, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Information technology specialists: Those with IT experience can work in police departments with video surveillance, in-car mobile data terminals, wireless communications, and global mapping technology to assist with crime prevention. Some IT professionals enter cybercrime detective units to help solve crimes related to computers and the internet.
• Victim advocates: These people help victims of crime cope with trauma and may work in the services department of a police force. They typically inform victims of their legal rights, including their right to protection.
• Sheriff: According to Indeed, a sheriff is an elected official authorized by the state to enforce laws at a county level. They cover areas that are wider than those covered by local police departments. Sheriffs also may manage local jails and ensure security in these areas.
• Evidence custodian: This is the person who oversees evidence and is responsible for cataloging and securing it safely in storage.
• Crime scene technician: The technician is a forensic expert who works with law enforcement to collect evidence found at crime scenes to help solve crimes.
• Additional officials: Police departments follow a hierarchy of rank advancement. Above officers one will find corporals, sergeants, lieutenants, captains, a deputy police chief, and a chief of police. Higher ranks may manage other officers, monitor budgets and programs, enforce policies, and serve as the public face of local police departments.
Various professionals work at police departments across the country.