Posts Tagged ‘types of agencies’

Mar 1320

Inside Natural Resources Law Enforcement Agencies

The official first day of spring has many of us thinking about the warmer weather ahead and spending more time outdoors, so let’s take a look at a branch of law enforcement that is dedicated to conserving and protecting our parks, forests, waterways, recreation areas, and other outdoor spaces.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics Census of Law Enforcement Agencies (2008), there are 246 natural resources law enforcement agencies in the U.S. employing nearly 15,000 full-time sworn personnel.

Natural Resource or Conservation Officers are fully certified law enforcement officers, but their jobs include unique duties that set them apart from other law enforcement positions:

  • Fish and wildlife conservation – officers enforce a variety of environmental laws pertaining to pollution, fishing, poaching, and land and water usage.
  • Law enforcement services for parks – officers provide a patrol presence in parks or conservation areas where they may check hunting, fishing, or boating permits; investigate accidents or crimes; and respond to the public’s questions and concerns.
  • Search and Rescue – officers are trained on ground, water, and air searches and are on call to respond should a person go missing.
  • Public Safety Education – through special training events and one on one interaction, officers educate the public on boating, hiking, hunting, snow mobiling, and other recreational safety precautions.

What does it take?

Most natural resource agencies require that officers complete the standard state police academy requirements followed by an additional training academy specific to natural resource issues including topics like sport and commercial fisheries enforcement; watercraft operation and accident investigation; state park and site regulations; endangered species protection; and applicable U.S. Fish & Wildlife laws.

Special knowledge or requirements may include a test of swimming abilities; knowledge of local fish, game, and environmental issues; or experience with recreational vehicles.

What is it like?

For an inside look at a career in natural resources and conservation law enforcement, visit our new Discover Policing You Tube Playlist Recruitment: Natural Resources Law Enforcement:


Mar 1315

Law Enforcement Agencies Come in All Sizes

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is hiring entry-level officers.

Did you know that at 36,023 sworn officers, NYPD is the largest local law enforcement agency in the country?

Law enforcement agencies come in all shapes and sizes. Take a look at a few fun facts about law enforcement agency size from the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ most recent Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies (2008):

  • There are a total of 17,985 state and local law enforcement agencies in the United States employing 765,000 sworn officers.
  • 7% of those agencies employ more than 100 full-time officers, and those 7% employ 64% of all sworn officers.
  • Less than 1% of agencies employ more than 1000 full-time officers
  • 49% employ fewer than 10 full-time officers.
  • 30% employ fewer than 5 full-time officers.
  • 12% employ just 1 full-time officer or have only part-time officers.

Large and small agencies both offer their own unique career opportunities. Visit the Career Center to find the right fit for you.

Dec 1211

Inside Transit Police Agencies

The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) in Washington, D.C. is hiring entry-level officers. Let’s take a look inside this unique policing environment.

According to the Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies (2008) there are 18 state and local law enforcement agencies with mass transit/railroad-related jurisdictions in the U.S. employing more than 3,500 full-time sworn personnel.  The largest transit police departments by number of full time sworn personnel are:

Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York –694 full-time sworn

Maryland Transportation Authority–456 full-time sworn

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority–442 full-time sworn

Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)–309 full-time sworn

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)–256 full-time sworn

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)–256 full-time sworn

Not included in this analysis but relevant to this discussion are regional and nationwide railroad agencies, for example Amtrak Police, BNSF Railway Police, and CSX Police.

Transit officers generally receive law enforcement commissions for the state in which the transit agency operates and have jurisdiction over the agency’s property and environs.  But every agency is different, for example, Metro Transit police officers obtain law enforcement officer certification in two states (Virginia and Maryland) and the District of Columbia.  New Jersey Transit police officers have statewide jurisdiction and authority, the officers in country with that distinction.

While transit police perform the same law enforcement and public safety functions as traditional municipal police agencies, the public transportation environment is unique.  Here are some key elements that set transit police agencies apart from their local counterparts.

Customer service orientation. While arguably every police agency stresses the importance of customer service, transit agencies are in the service business.  Interacting with and assisting passengers is a daily activity.

Inter-agency collaboration.  Most transit systems crisscross jurisdictions. Officers must be able to forge relationships with other agencies to share resources and information.

A homeland security-focus.  Given the high threat potential of transit systems, there is an increased emphasis on anti-terrorism and homeland security related issues and training.  Infrastructure protection is a prime responsibility of all officers.

Management and coordination of special events.   Most transit agencies serve large metropolitan areas. The ability to move large numbers of people safely and efficiently is key.

For details on current opportunities with the Metro Transit Police Department, see their listing on the Discover Policing career center or visit their website.