PoliceLink

Projected Law Enforcement Earnings Guide

PoliceLink — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:28:00 -0800

You've heard that your base salary is largely determined by your education level - but did you ever wonder exactly how much education matters? If you've got enough smarts, it shouldn't matter whether or not you have formal training - right?

Wrong. At least, it might not be so simple. As job scarcity continues to drive more competition to each open position, Uncle Sam is hiring more employees with strong educational backgrounds. Because employees with formal training are increasingly preferred, the relationship between compensation and education is becoming even more prominent across different sectors of the economy.

Why Degrees Matter

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• Depending on industry and specialty, pay increase per degree will range from 10% - 82%

• Return on investment of tuition within 3 to 5 years

Many law enforcement agencies now require at least some college credits before even considering an applicant for a position. Agencies that have more lax requirements will sometimes offer pay differentials to employees who have obtained a degree, with the differential being more the higher level of degree.

Promotions are also becoming more competitive, with educational background being taken into account for all leaderships positions within agencies. A prospective sergeant may now be expected to have at least an Associate's degree while a candidate for chief of police may be expected to hold a Master's degree or even a Doctorate degree.

Median Salary by Degree/Major Subject - Job: Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer (United States)

Compare your salary: Get a free Salary Report

An Important Message from the Editor of PoliceLink

Chris Cosgriff, Editor | PoliceLink.com — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:45:00 -0800

In today's uncertain economic times, you - like many others - are probably focusing on saving more and spending less. You may be anxious about your job security, salary and employment opportunities. Over the years, I've found the best way to combat stress is to put together a plan and stick to it.

Here at PoliceLink we are 100% focused on helping you achieve your career goals. We were acquired by Monster.com a year ago because of our unique insight into the law enforcement community, and we continue to provide our members with the essential resources they need to successfully manage their careers.

During the next few weeks we'll be sending you important information on how to survive and even excel in a tight job market. In addition to terrific career guides, industry news and job profiles, we've also recently added $39,250 in new scholarship listings so you can get help paying for your degree.

We want you to consider PoliceLink your career partner and hope you find the new resources helpful. Please don't hesitate to contact me directly if you have questions or suggestions about additional resources we can provide you with.

Sincerely,

Chris Cosgriff

Editor, PoliceLink

Request LEO Verification on PoliceLink

PoliceLink — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:18:00 -0700

The purpose of PoliceLink's LEO-only forums is to provide verified active and retired law enforcement personnel with a secure location to discuss police-sensitive topics and to network with other members who are confirmed law enforcement officers.

*1. Who can access the restricted areas?*

PoliceLink members with the following status are eligible to request access to restricted areas:

Active or retired local, state, federal, tribal or railroad law enforcement officer
Active or retired corrections officer, detention officer, jailer, etc.
Active duty military police
Any other active duty person who is considered a "peace officer" under their state's laws
Former (non-retired) law enforcement officers who are employed by a government-run law enforcement academy
Under extremely limited circumstances, other former law enforcement personnel who demonstrate a compelling need

*2. Who is not eligible for requesting access?*

Non-sworn personnel of any type are not eligible to request restricted access. This includes, but is not limited to:

Dispatchers, crossing guards, and other civilian police employees
TSA screeners and non-sworn TSA employees
Security officers
Civilians
Employees of private corrections agencies or private prisons

*3. How do I request access to restricted areas?*

If you meet the criteria in Section 1, "click here to request access to the restricted areas.":http://policelink.monster.com/account/verified_status_new

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*4. How will others know I am a verified law enforcement officer?*

Once your request is approved, a gold star will be added to your profile and will appear next to all of your discussion postings and comments throughout the site.

*5. How do I know which forums and discussions are restricted?*

The same gold star that appears on your profile will also appear next to any forums, discussions, or groups that are restricted to LEOs.

*6. I see discussion postings in restricted areas by non-LEOs. How did that happen?*

Prior to September 18, 2008, all discussion boards were open to the public. Several of these public boards were converted to LEO-only boards at that time. Any discussions or postings that previously existed in the converted boards were not removed and will remain, however, those who originally made them will not be able to make additional postings in the restricted forums or read any responses to their original post.

*7. How do I request verification if I am a retired law enforcement officer?*

If you are a retired law enforcement, or do not have a department email address, you can submit your request for LEO verification by downloading faxing in "this request form.":http://policelink.monster.com/nfs/policelink/static/policelink_verification_request.pdf

Searching for Police Jobs on PoliceLink

PoliceLink — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0700

PoliceLink's job search capabilities offer a lot more value to those searching for police jobs than might be noticed at a first glance. We can help you find exactly the jobs you are looking for - this article will help you get the most out of your search for police jobs.

Seven Secrets: Power Job Searching Awaits

We can help you find the agencies hiring the fastest, connect you with people who work there, and help you get prepared to interview for the jobs you want.

Reading through these seven steps could be the key to your next job.

1. We've Got Experts

2. Take Advantage of Groups

3. Agency Reviews

4. The Best Jobs, Employers, and Agencies

5. Career Resources

6. A Fun, Insightful Way to Gauge Your Skills

7. Education Resources

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We've Got Experts - Care to Meet Them?

On PoliceLink.com, you’ve got people. It may be hidden, but our Network Connections feature could be the most powerful help to your job search.

Did you know that when you search for police jobs on our site, you'll find PoliceLink members who work for the agencies you are looking to get hired at?

You can add these people to your friends network, send them messages to learn about their careers, or invite them to join you in a group based on your common interests.

h3. Free Police Job Posting on PoliceLink

Since adding free job postings to the list of services PoliceLink provides to users, we've given our members a unique chance to access law enforcement recruiters _before_ other job listings attract other applicants. Learning how to take advantage of this service might get you a long way towards getting hired.

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Be Proactive: Take Advantage of Groups

Using online social networks is an increasingly effective way to personally get in touch with those who will be the first to know about job openings and emerging career paths - of course, we're talking about active and retired law enforcement officers (LEOs).

Joining PoliceLink’s groups allows you to band together with others, enabling you to turn online networking into real-life connections.

If you aren't finding the group you're looking for on our site, create your own, and invite others to join.

And staying in touch could uncover some job information that could make all the difference.

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Agency Reviews: Where Do You Want to Work?

Our Department Reviews come from thousands of current and former officers who have rated their agencies.

Once you're registered on our site, the agencies that are closest to your location will display first.

You can also search for specific law enforcement agencies and departments using the agency review search tool.

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The Best Jobs, Employers, and Agencies

Our Government Job Search Guide presents many different angles on where the best employment opportunities are. Some of the angles we have focused on are:

• Which agencies are hiring fastest?

• Which states pay the best?

• What are the most exciting law enforcement jobs?

• Where are the best locations to find police work?

Our Careers Homepage hosts many more articles which attempt to inspire you to think about searching for government jobs differently.

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Career Resources

While searching for jobs, you'll probably have questions about what to do next. Once you find a job you like, what's the best way to apply? Should you attend a job fair? What will your pay level be?

Our Become a Cop guides attempt to provide answers to these questions, and many more.

We’ve got dozens of helpful articles to help you at every stage of your career journey. Browse through this section to find the most useful tips to help you ace your interview, deal with other steps in the job search process, and much more.

If you're just getting started with your search for government jobs, our exclusive Ten Steps to Joining the Force guide is highly recommended.

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Quizzes: An Insightful Way to Gauge Your Skills

We've compiled a set of mini-quizzes to help you discover where your true passion lies in law enforcement work. Our most popular quiz, "Would You Pass the Police Exam?":http://policelink.monster.com/quizzes/show/17 is a real practice exam written by a former police chief and current director of a major law enforcement academy.

We have several more "career-oriented quizzes,":http://policelink.monster.com/quizzes as well as some fun quizzes to kill the time.

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Education Resources

Any website which covers the government industry will inform you that many government jobs require you to earn a certain college degree or obtain a security clearance in order to become eligible for hire. But PoliceLink is one of the only websites which provide specific information about law enforcement career profiles, or how to success as a federal agent.

Use the Become a Cop School Finder to help you find the degree you need to qualify for the government job you want.

Official ODMP Line of Duty Death Announcements

PoliceLink — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:27:00 -0700

"The Officer Down Memorial Page, Inc.,":http://www.odmp.org has partnered with PoliceLink to provide members with official ODMP Line of Duty Death notifications.

The notices are delivered directly to your e-mail address to quickly alert you or your department whenever a law enforcement officer in the United States or Canada is killed in the line of duty. All notices include links to the fallen officers' memorials as well as expanded news coverage of every incident.

You must be a PoliceLink member in order to receive the official ODMP LODD notifications. If you are not yet a PoliceLink member, "click here to create an account":http://policelink.monster.com/register?referral=odmp and to be automatically subscribed to receive the notifications.

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If you are already a PoliceLink member, you can subscribe to official notifications by:

1. "Visiting your profile":http://policelink.monster.com/account/edit_settings

2. Open the "Subscriptions" tab

3. Checking the "Line of Duty Death Notifications" option

Special Agent

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:32:00 -0700

Investigates alleged or suspected criminal violations of federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution: Analyzes charge, complaint, or allegation of law violation to identify issues involved and types of evidence needed. Assists in determining scope, timing, and direction of investigation. Develops and uses informants to get leads to information. Obtains evidence or establishes facts by interviewing, observing, and interrogating suspects and witnesses and analyzing records. Examines records to detect links in chain of evidence or information. Uses cameras and photostatic machines to record evidence and documents. Verifies information obtained to establish accuracy and authenticity of facts and evidence. Maintains surveillances and performs undercover assignments. Presents findings in clear, logical, impartial, and properly documented reports. Reports critical information to and coordinates activities with other offices or agencies when applicable. Testifies before grand juries. Serves subpoenas or other official papers. May lead or coordinate work of other SPECIAL AGENTS. May obtain and use search and arrest warrants. May serve on full-time, detail, or rotational protection assignments. May carry firearms and make arrests. May be designated according to agency worked for as Special Agent, FBI (government ser.); Special Agent, IRS (government ser.); Special Agent, Secret Service (government ser.).

Search the PoliceLink job search network for "Special Agent Positions":http://policelink.monster.com/careers/search/search?q=Special+Agent

Correctional Officer and Jailer

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:32:00 -0700

Correctional Officers and Jailers Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institution in accordance with established regulations and procedures. A Correctional Officer may guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. This Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions. Monitor conduct of prisoners, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, in order to prevent escape or violence.

Search the PoliceLink job search network for "Correctional Officer/Jailer Positions":http://policelink.monster.com/careers/search/search?q=Correctional+Officer%2FJailer

Free Business Cards for PoliceLink Members!

PoliceLink — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:59:00 -0700

Many departments require officers to provide their own business cards, at their own expense. To help out our members who must pay for their own cards, PoliceLink has partnered with VistaPrint to provide free business cards to all of our members.

You can pick from a library of templates or design your own card, choose the contact information you want to include and have your business cards in just a few days!

Printing is free, pay only for shipping and processing.

PoliceLink Agency Reviews

PoliceLink — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:05:00 -0800

Now you can get the real scoop on employers from your trusted friends in the law enforcement community through our new Employer Review feature.

*+How it Works:+*

First add specific details about your employer, then rate an employer on five attributes: Leadership, Culture, Pay, Stability and Advancement. You can also offer advice to prospective employees and explain your rationale as to why you rated your employer the way you did..

You can make your review anonymous, allowing you to provide the most honest evaluation.

*+Get Started:*+

Log on and rate your employer or see which police department is best reviewed.

"Complete your first employer review":http://policelink.monster.com/employers

Detective / Investigator

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 11:08:00 -0700

Detective and investigators are responsible for responding to all major crime scenes to evaluate, process, photograph, document, collect and preserve evidence.

They perform follow up and ongoing investigations on serious and complex crimes not handled by patrol officers. They will consult with their counterparts in other agencies and will participate on task forces regarding cross-jurisdictional crimes. There may be opportunity for traveling to locations through the state or country to conduct investigations or to make arrests on active investigations.

Search the PoliceLink job search network for "Investigator Positions":http://policelink.monster.com/careers/search/search?q=Investigator

Patrol Officer

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 11:07:00 -0700

Patrol officers perform general policing work on an assigned shift. Their primary duties involve protection of life and property, responding to reports calls from citizens, investigating crimes, and enforcing laws.

Officers work under the direct supervision of a higher ranking officer and must adhere to all general orders, rules, and regulations. They will be exposed to dangerous situations and encounter life threatening incidents.

Search the PoliceLink job search network for "Patrol Officer Positions":http://policelink.monster.com/careers/search/search?q=Patrol+Officer

Police Officer / Deputy Sheriff

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 11:04:00 -0700

Police officers and deputy sheriffs work in partnership with the public and organizations to reduce crime and fear of crime. They are citizen-focused, responding to the needs of individuals and communities. Using the latest technology, police officers and deputy sheriffs are trained to manage information and intelligence in order to secure successful court prosecutions.

Search for "police officer":http://policelink.monster.com/careers/search/search?q=Police+Officer and "deputy sheriff":http://policelink.monster.com/careers/search/search?q=deputy+sheriff positions in the PoliceLink Career Center now.

Crime Scene Investigator

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 11:03:00 -0700

Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCOs), or Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs), work with police in the investigation of serious crime. Usually they are civilians, although sometimes they may be police officers in uniform or plain clothes. The crimes can vary in seriousness from burglary and vehicle crime, to murder and rape.

Crime Scene Investigators are among the first to arrive at a crime scene, for they must look for, retrieve, record and investigate finger and palm prints and other forensic evidence, including DNA samples, at crime scenes and from recovered stolen property. They then use the appropriate methods to collect and preserve the evidence, no matter how difficult the circumstances. They also take photographs at the crime scenes to help in the later identification and conviction of the offenders. They also decide whether assistance from specialists, including forensic scientists, is needed.

Following a visit to a crime scene, the investigator must produce accurate written records and diagrams of where each item of evidence was located and the position in which it was found. They are responsible for maintaining and updating systems with details of recovered evidence. Sometimes, Crime Scene Investigators may need to interview victims of crime or to attend court in order to give evidence. They are often required to attend post mortems.

Search the PoliceLink job search network for "Crime Scene Investigator Positions":http://policelink.monster.com/careers/search/search?q=Crime+Scene+Investigator