Key takeaways
- If you want a career in law enforcement, there are several jobs in law enforcement that are not police.
- Law enforcement is a broad field encompassing several organizations and institutions engaged in ensuring compliance with the law.
- If you want investigative jobs without being a cop, you can become a private investigator.
- Becoming an FBI Agent is also an excellent option for a law enforcement career, and it is a financially rewarding career option.
- You can also become a Special Agent in the Drug Enforcement Agency if you are looking for rewarding career opportunities in law enforcement.
- Other options include Border Patrol Agent, Corrections Officer, Intelligence Analyst, and more.
Interested in a law enforcement career but prefer jobs in law enforcement that are not police? Understandable! Not everyone is a fan of late-night patrols, high-speed car chases, reading criminals the Miranda warning, and so on. There are several jobs that you can pursue in the field of law enforcement, helping put away criminals without having to become part of the police force.
In this guide, we take you through the ins and outs of a career in law enforcement without being a cop. Here you will also find job descriptions and salary details, so you can choose the right career for you.
What is law enforcement?
Law enforcement is the field that ensures the adherence to and compliance with the laws and legal regulations. Given that the legal system is vast, the field of law enforcement is quite broad. It includes a variety of operations, institutions and organizations, all of which undertake several roles and tasks to ensure compliance with the law.
The end goal of law enforcement is to ensure public safety, safeguard people, their property, and their rights. The several agencies involved in law enforcement are responsible for crime prevention, crime response, crime investigation, court proceedings, and even criminal justice administration. Though policing is a dominant employment arena in the field, it is not the only job you can pursue. There are several other non-policing jobs in law enforcement.
You may also be interested in: How to get a homeland security degree?
List of jobs in law enforcement that are not police
Whether you are looking for investigative jobs without being a cop or simply hoping to explore available options and determine earning potential for different roles, this section covers it all. Not only will you find a list of jobs you can pursue in law enforcement, but also get insights into what jobs in the field entail and the skills you need to have.
FBI Agent
Average salary: $142,000 per annum
The role of an FBI Agent is probably one that is glamorized the most often, especially in movies. If you, too, want to shine a badge and say “Agent so and so FBI,” then why not consider becoming one? What makes joining the FBI even more attractive is that within the organization, there are several job roles you can undertake. You can either become an FBI Profiler, FBI Agent, an Intelligence Analyst, or a Special Agent. There are plenty of roles you can explore. However, knowing which role you want to apply for is beneficial, as the FBI has different eligibility criteria for different roles. Moreover, you will need to meet certain physical fitness requirements.
Here are the basic eligibility and hiring criteria you must meet to join the FBI:
- Be a citizen of the United States
- A clear public record with no felony convictions
- Must have a clean drug record – must adhere to the FBI’s drug policy in particular
- Pass a urine test
- Agree to get one and clear the background investigation
- Must be paying all loan repayments on time – if applicable
- Must have filed and paid all required taxes
- Must be on top of child support and any other payments you are obligated to pay as per court orders. – if applicable
- Bachelor’s degree in criminology, criminal justice, or forensic science.
Once and if you meet all the above-mentioned requirements, you will be called in for multiple tests, meetings, and will be required to clear the physical fitness exam multiple times. Moreover, you should have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field if you want to become a Special Agent, such as an FBI Profiler.
Related: How to become an FBI Profiler?
Private Investigator
Average salary: $84,000 per annum
If you are interested in pursuing a career chasing down criminals but do not want to join a law enforcement agency, consider becoming a private investigator. Private investigators evaluate crime scenes, collect evidence, chase leads, and do their best to catch criminals with irrefutable proof so they can get the punishment they deserve.
Private investigators are generally hired to locate missing people, or aid corporate investigations. They do not have the resources that those connected with law enforcement agencies do. Other tasks and responsibilities private investigators undertake, depending on the case, include gathering evidence, trailing suspects, running background checks, process serving, finding missing persons, conducting fraud investigations, and so on.
To become a private investigator, a high school diploma is a sufficient educational qualification. However, some sort of field training and possessing a license for a firearm can prove beneficial. If you are looking for investigative jobs without being a cop, this is the role for you.
Crime Scene Investigator
Average salary: $59,849 per year.
Crime Scene Investigators are the first on the scene when the complaint is made. They collect evidence and transport it to the lab before it gets contaminated as detectives, police officers, and others enter the crime scene. Becoming a crime scene investigator is another option for those looking for investigative jobs without being a cop. You can even explore a crime scene investigation degree online if this is the career path that appeals to you the most.
The main responsibilities of a crime scene investigator are to comb through the crime scene, find, and collect any DNA, liquid, powder, or other substance they may find. They then transport it to the lab for testing where they may or may not have an active role, depending on their preferences. Moreover, Crime Scene Investigators testify in court as expert witnesses when needed.
Related: How much do crime scene investigators make an hour?
Correctional Officer
Average salary: $56,632 per year
Correctional officers are responsible for the detainment, security, and control of incarcerated criminals held in correctional facilities. These include jails, prisons, detention centers, and even psychiatric facilities for criminals.
As a correctional officer, you will be in charge of maintaining order in said facilities. Moreover, this includes ensuring each inmate is safe. To do that, you may need to place some inmates under surveillance or take additional security measures for others.
The job isn’t particularly glamorous, but it provides the opportunity to ensure that criminals are safely locked away and are serving their punishment as ordered by the court. It may be the ideal job for those who are passionate about actual justice administration.
Intelligence Analyst
Average salary: $73,566 per annum
Intelligence analysts are in charge of gathering and analyzing evidence and data to find patterns. The primary task of an analyst is to find proof of wrongdoing through data analysis and provision of actionable insights. They use their expert knowledge to support criminal investigations and may even be called to serve as an expert witness.
Additionally, they are in charge of threat assessments. If a complaint comes in for harassment, stalking, or life endangerment, it is the job of an intelligence analyst to conduct a thorough analysis of all the evidence presented and determine whether a threat is present or not, and how extensive or severe it is if present.
Moreover, intelligence analysts are in charge of report writing and documenting evidence, and their research or analysis methodology. They also take part in risk mitigation activities, policy development, strategizing, and more. As an intelligence analyst, you will be called upon for a variety of tasks, especially those where an analysis of the evidence is in question.
Drug Enforcement Agent
Average salary: $119,000 per annum
Drug Enforcement Agents (DEA) are responsible for ensuring compliance with laws related to drug use. They control what drugs are available and play an essential role in determining which drugs are safe to use. Moreover, they prevent the production, distribution, purchase, use, and abuse of banned substances such as heroin, cocaine, and so on.
To keep banned substances from the streets, DEA Agents take on a variety of roles and responsibilities. Those working the field may even need to go undercover to bust drug cartels or find drug dealers. It is the ideal job for those who want to keep hallucinogenic substances out of reach, especially from vulnerable young adults. If that sounds like something you are passionate about, this is the job for you.
Becoming a Drug Enforcement Agent is not as easy. The eligibility criteria are just as lengthy as those of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the selection process is just as extensive. However, it is a rewarding field, financially and otherwise, so do consider it if you think you can handle the role.
Border Patrol Agent
Average salary: $90,000 per annum
Border patrol agents protect the United States borders across the land and the sea. Their main tasks and responsibilities include preventing illegal immigrants from crossing borders, preventing illegal trade transactions taking place, ensuring no banned substances come into the United States. Moreover, they cooperate with law enforcement agencies to protect against terrorism.
Border patrol is a high-stakes job, as a moment’s lapse can result in the transportation of drugs, weapons of mass destruction, and terrorists across the border. It is also a job with tough working conditions. The United States is a vast country with borders spanning the sea, the desert, forests, and rocky terrain. In some areas, agents have to patrol on foot or horseback, which is not easy, as duty hours are long.
Additional roles and responsibilities include investigating security breaches, working with other organizations such as the Drug Enforcement Agency or Anti-Terrorism Organizations. Additionally, Border Patrol Agents are in charge of apprehension and detention of suspects and criminals, performing regular checks, and more.
Related: Top-rated crime and investigation jobs in the USA
Pursue careers in law enforcement without being a cop- It’s easy!
Don’t want to be a cop, don’t be a cop! But that doesn’t mean you cannot be a part of law enforcement. You can go into the FBI, DEA, Corrections, or become a private investigator if you want investigative jobs without being a cop. There are plenty of options, and several of them are financially rewarding as well. However, since the eligibility criteria are different for different roles, make sure you do your research on the required skills and education before choosing a path.
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