Law enforcement officers work to protect the public and prevent the commission of crime. Law enforcement officers include police officers, detectives, sheriffs, state troopers, and federal agents such as FBI, Homeland Security, and Drug Enforcement Agency specialists. They are typically employed by the federal, state, or local government. Educational background for law enforcement workers varies depending on position, and most receive extensive on-the-job training once hired. Employment in the field of law enforcement is expected to increase by 11 percent by 2016.
*Law enforcement agencies may require additional training.