Women in Law Enforcement Careers Job & Salary Information, Resources, and Expert Advice

Law Enforcement Careers for Women

Though some women in law enforcement might choose to work as police officers or detectives, there are many more careers in the world of law enforcement that might prove enticing. Here are some of the positions that need more women among the ranks, along with salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Police Officer

  Patrol officers are those law enforcement officials most commonly known by the public. They handle patrols in their assigned areas, which might include everything from maintaining a simple police presence to responding to emergency calls to assisting with larger-scale issues, such as a crime scene. They might conduct searches and perform arrests as warranted. Some might work in special divisions, such as narcotics, and others might have specialized patrols, such as those who use horses, bikes or motorcycles to patrol small, more congested areas.

  
  

  • Salary

    $61,050 (May 2017 average)

  • Education Requirements

    High school diploma or equivalent is the minimum to enter on-the-job training; those who want to move up in the ranks or join federal enforcement agencies will need a bachelor's degree or higher.

  • Common Traits

    Excellent communication and leadership skills, physical strength and stamina, empathy, good judgment and perceptiveness

  • Job outlook

    Growing by 7% from 2016 to 2026

• Detective

  These law enforcement officers work to figure out what happened in a particular crime and who the perpetrators were. Their work includes securing and collecting evidence from crime scenes and related areas, writing reports, examining records, interviewing suspects, participating in arrests and appearing in court in relation to a variety of cases under their purview. They might work in one particular department, such as homicide or fraud.

  
  

  • Salary

    $79,970 (May 2017 average)

  • Education Requirements

    High school diploma or equivalent is the minimum; some places require a bachelor's degree. Detectives often work their way up from patrol officers or similar positions.

  • Common Traits

    Great communication skills in both speaking and writing, interview skills, perceptiveness and good judgment, solid organizational skills

  • Job outlook

    Growing by 5% from 2016 to 2026

• Private Investigator

  Also known as private detectives, private investigators work to find information about a variety of matters, including legal, personal and financial. Their work might require them to work in the field, conducting interviews and performing surveillance, or they might work in an office, conducting much of their research via phone or computer. They might work unusual or long hours, depending upon the particular case. Some might specialize in a particular area, such as finding missing persons or conducting in-depth background checks.

  
  

  • Salary

    $50,700 (May 2017 average)

  • Education Requirements

    High school diploma or equivalent is required; much of the work is learned through on-the-job training. Most states require private investigators to be licensed.

  • Common Traits

    Very close attention to detail, patients, resourcefulness, persistence, good decision-making skills and excellent communication and inquisitiveness.

  • Job Growth

    Growing by 11 percent from 2016 to 2026.

• Probation Officer

  Sometimes called community supervision officers, these professionals work closely with the court system to supervise those who have been placed on probation. Their duties include meeting frequently with the probationer, helping them find the proper rehabilitation services, writing reports that detail how well their treatment plans are working, and helping ensure the probationer is not a danger to themselves or others. They might also oversee drug testing, ensure psychological counseling, and help track those under electronic monitoring. A probation officer usually chooses to work exclusively with either adults or juveniles.

  
  

  • Salary

    $51,410 (May 2017 average)

  • Education Requirements

    Though requirements vary by jurisdiction, most positions require a bachelor's degree, valid driver's license, and passing competency exams, drug testing and a background check.

  • Common Traits

    Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills, excellent written and verbal communication, strong organizational skills and significant emotional stability

  • Job Growth

    Growing by 6 percent from 2016 to 2026

• Forensic Science Technician

  When working at crime scenes, forensic science technicians analyze crime scenes and properly collect evidence, document everything through written word, photographs and sketches, record their observations, catalog and preserve evidence, and sometimes reconstruct crime scenes to figure out what happened. In a laboratory, forensic science technicians use high-tech equipment to analyze evidence, explore possible links between suspects and the crime scene, consult with experts in specialized fields and report their findings to the appropriate individuals.

  
  

  • Salary

    $57,850 (May 2017 average)

  • Education Requirements

    A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a field of natural science is required; some jobs have higher requirements. On the job training is typical.

  • Common Traits

    Very close attention to detail, strong math and science skills, the ability to think critically and solve problems, and strong verbal and written communication skills

  • Job Growth

    17 percent growth from 2016 to 2026

• Security Guard

  Also known as security officers, security guards protect property, enforce rules and deter criminal activity from occurring on that property. Some might work in an office where they are assigned to monitor a wealth of surveillance equipment; others might walk around a property and look for any signs of problems. They might control building or ground access, screen those who want access to a particular facility, write reports, conduct security checks as needed and respond to emergencies. Some might even work “undercover” as a plainclothes guard on a particular type of property, such as a shopping mall, to capture evidence of criminal activity.

  
  

  • Salary

    $26,900 (May 2017 average)

  • Education Requirements

    High school diploma or equivalent. Most states require registration, especially if carrying a firearm while on the job.

  • Common Traits

    Excellent observation skills, patience with long shifts, good judgment and quick thinking, good communication skills and the ability to stay calm in an emergency situation

  • Job Growth

    Growth of 6 percent from 2016 to 2026

• Emergency Management Director

  When natural disasters or other emergencies affect a wide swath of the community, emergency management directors swing into action. Their work consists of a huge variety of moving parts, including assessing hazards and planning responses, organizing training programs for emergency personnel, meeting with public officials, managing resources available to them, reviewing emergency plans, maintaining facilities and equipment necessary for emergency operations, and putting it all into work when a disaster or other emergency arises.

  
  

  • Salary

    $72,760 (May 2017 average)

  • Education Requirements

    A bachelor's degree is the minimum, as well as years of experience in disaster planning, emergency response or public administration

  • Common Traits

    Strong leadership skills, the ability to make quick decisions, critical thinking, strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication, especially in a tense and fast-moving situation.

  • Job Growth

    8 percent growth from 2016 to 2026

• Fire Inspector

  Examining buildings to ensure they are up to fire safety codes is one of the important jobs of the fire inspector. Fire inspectors search for fire hazards, tests fire mitigation equipment and installations, review and create emergency evacuation plans, seek out infractions of the fire code (particularly in public buildings) and review building plans with developers. They also work to educate the public about fire safety, maintain files related to fire incidents, and monitor controlled burns, among other duties that keep the public as safe as possible.

  
  

  • Salary

    $56,670 (May 2017 average)

  • Education Requirements

    Though some employers prefer those who have earned an associate or bachelor's degree, experience as a firefighter or EMT is also a good way to get a foot in the door.

  • Common Traits

    Communication and critical thinking skills are a must, especially in a fire emergency; they must also pay close attention to detail and have the physical strength and stamina to handle moving debris at a fire scene if necessary.

  • Job Growth

    Growth of 10% from 2016 to 2026.

• Fish and Game Warden

  These law enforcement officials enforce the laws surrounding hunting, fishing and recreational areas. In addition to their typical patrol of various hunting and fishing areas, they might also investigate reporting incidents, conduct search and rescue operations, and educate the public on a variety of laws and regulations surrounding wildlife and the world's natural, wild areas. In smaller areas, a single fish and game warden might handle everything; in larger areas, there could be many wardens and park rangers working together to keep the area, and everyone in it, safe and secure.

  
  

  • Salary

    $56,410 (May 2017 average)

  • Education Requirements

    In most cases, applicants must have a bachelor's degree.

  • Common Traits

    Excellent speaking skills, reading comprehension, good judgment and decision-making, critical thinking, the ability to actively listen to others, and the ability to monitor a situation closely in order to make decisions quickly

  • Job Growth

    Up to 4 percent growth from 2016 to 2026