In effect, officers are on duty twenty-four hours a day. Those interested in this work must have at least a high school diploma. High school students thinking of a police career should learn how to type, do clerical work, and use a computer. An associate degree, or better yet a bachelor's degree, in criminal justice or law enforcement is becoming increasingly important. All recruits undergo state-mandated academy trining and serve a probationary period of three months to one year.
Police academies give recruits eight weeks to nine months of intense training.
The opportunity for public service through law enforcement work is attractive to many. The job is challenging and involves much personal responsibility. Furthermore, in many agencies, law enforcement officers may retire with a pension after 20 or 25 years of service, allowing them to pursue a second career while still in their 40s. Because of relatively attractive salaries and benefits, the number of qualified candidates exceeds the number of job openings in Federal law enforcement agencies and in most State, local, and special police departments resulting in increased hiring standards and selectivity by employers. Competition is expected to remain keen for the higher paying jobs with State and Federal agencies and police departments in more affluent areas.