What kind of shifts do police work

However, there is a magic number of officers that must be staffed each day. So you might find it tough to get everything you seek early on, but know this does get better should you stick it out. If the number of officers working on a particular day falls short due to officers calling in sick, the department will give out overtime to officers that want to work on their day off to fill in the gap.

Maintaining ample staffing is paramount each and every day. Keeping up with family and friends may become slightly difficult as you work strange and long hours.

However, make sure you communicate your situation with those closest to you so that they understand what you are going through. Be prepared to miss out on birthdays, St. But get on the front foot and asked your closest to celebrate with you on a time that works for everyone. Your significant other may get a little miffed at times, especially if they are a traditional worker.

Loneliness might settle in with your spouse being home alone at night while their partner goes and works the night shift. Again, accomodate each other and maximise the time you do have together. Treasure the moments just sitting on the couch, whilst enjoying each others company.

To wrap up, it is fair to say that for some, the schedule works. The pay, gratification, other officers you work with and the job do outweigh the negative aspects of the randomness associated with scheduling. It is important to remember that as you become a more seasoned officer and gain seniority within the department, you are more likely to get the exact shift that you want and that best suits your life. You might be forced to work that dreaded shift for six months, a year, or a few years, but be sure to stick it out.

The smile that bring to their face, goes beyond missing the odd day socializing. Hey there! Together with my husband Daniel, we run The Other Shift.

Our sole aim is to help shift workers and those on unusual schedules find balance between work and life. Read more about us and our story here. Your email address will not be published. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

Are your current staff scheduling methods causing you headaches? Scheduling software that allows for tracking all of these metrics can be really helpful here. Click here to download our buying guide. Before making such a change, many factors must be considered. NEXT: Fighting fatal fatigue in law enforcement. Ron Vande Weerd has 32 years of experience in law enforcement retiring as a lieutenant from the Mason City Police Department in northern Iowa.

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They patrol courthouses, guard juries, or escort defendants. They may also serve as bailiffs to provide security in city and county courts.

California Highway Patrol Officers patrol State highways to enforce provisions of the vehicle code. They maintain the orderly flow of traffic especially in hazardous conditions such as heavy fog and major accidents , pursue reckless drivers, issue speeding tickets, conduct field sobriety tests, make arrests, assist persons involved in traffic accidents and breakdowns, and respond to and investigate accidents.

They also provide protective security for the governor, other elected officials, and State property. Border Patrol and Customs Agents protect more than 8, miles of international land and water boundaries.

They prevent the smuggling of undocumented foreign nationals into the U. Police work can be dangerous and stressful. In addition to the obvious dangers of confrontations with criminals, Officers need to be constantly alert and ready to deal appropriately with a number of other threatening situations. They deal with crime and social issues on a daily basis.

Many Officers witness death and suffering resulting from accidents and criminal behavior. Some may travel to protect government officials and foreign dignitaries, or transport prisoners and witnesses. They work varied, prolonged, and irregular shifts. They may work alone, with a partner, or as part of a team.

They may work night patrol and often work on weekends and holidays. In addition, Officers are often required to be on-call. Some agencies offer a work schedule where Officers work hour shifts, four days a week. Work performed beyond the normal hours is compensated with overtime pay.

Many of the unions are organized at the city, county, State, and federal levels. Social occupations involve helping or providing service to others and many realistic occupations require working outside. People who would enjoy this type of work are results-oriented and value achievement.

An Officer can expect a base salary; however, the salary may be increased for overtime. Total earnings for local, State, and special police frequently exceed the stated salary because of payments for overtime, which can be significant. The salary of federal law enforcement workers is determined according to a General Service GS pay scale for law enforcement occupations.

This is higher than the regular GS level for federal employees because of the dangerous nature of the job. Federal Agents start out at a GS level and also receive locality pay. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.

They usually include:. More opportunities are expected in local and special police departments than in federal and State law enforcement agencies. Because of attractive salaries and benefit packages, there is a larger supply of qualified applicants than there are jobs in federal and State law enforcement agencies, resulting in increased hiring standards and selectivity by employers.

Stiff competition exists for higher paying jobs with State and federal agencies in more affluent areas. Applicants with college education should have the best opportunities.

A more security-conscious society and concern about drug and gang-related crimes contribute to the increasing demand for police services. However, employment growth may be hindered by reductions in Federal hiring grants to local police departments. On the other hand, expectations from community drug and gang-free neighborhoods and lower-crime rates may increase the size of departments.

In California, the number of Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers is expected to grow slower than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers are expected to increase by 3. In the Sacramento Metro Area, the number of Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers is expected to grow slower than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers are expected to increase by 1. Graduates then must complete an on-the-job probationary period with a law enforcement agency to earn a POST Basic Certificate.

To be eligible for POST training you must:. An extensive background investigation is conducted for each candidate. Applicants must have a satisfactory record as a law-abiding citizen and maintain good credit. Use of drugs can disqualify an applicant. The U. Customs and Border Protection requires either substantial work experience, a four-year degree, or a combination of education and experience.

Local law enforcement agencies require a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, some college classes are desirable. Training is given at national centers for Federal Agents. Academy training time varies with each agency.