The patrol field encompasses a diverse range of roles, from law enforcement to security and even wildlife conservation. This guide will break down the different types of patrol positions, outlining their responsibilities, salary expectations, and career progression opportunities.
Typical Positions & Responsibilities:
- Police Officer: Responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing laws, responding to emergencies, investigating crimes, and providing community services.
- Security Guard: Ensures the safety and security of people and property by patrolling assigned areas, monitoring surveillance systems, responding to incidents, and deterring crime.
- Wildlife Officer: Enforces wildlife laws and regulations, conducts patrols to monitor wildlife populations, investigates illegal activities, and educates the public about conservation.
- Private Investigator: Conducts investigations for individuals, businesses, and law firms, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing reports.
- Transportation Security Officer: Screens passengers and baggage at airports, trains, and other transportation hubs to ensure safety and security.
Average Salary:
Salaries in the patrol field vary significantly depending on the position, experience, location, and employer.
- Police Officer: $50,000 - $80,000 per year
- Security Guard: $25,000 - $45,000 per year
- Wildlife Officer: $40,000 - $65,000 per year
- Private Investigator: $45,000 - $75,000 per year
- Transportation Security Officer: $35,000 - $55,000 per year
General Search Strategies:
- Online Job Boards: Utilize websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and government job sites (e.g., USAJOBS) to search for open positions.
- Networking: Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and reach out to people in your network for potential opportunities.
- Targeted Applications: Identify specific companies you are interested in and tailor your applications to their unique needs.
- Specialized Agencies: Consider working with recruitment agencies that focus on the patrol field.
Skills & Degree Requirements:
- Law Enforcement: Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a physical fitness test, background check, and psychological evaluation. Some agencies may require a college degree or specialized training.
- Security: Often requires a high school diploma, security guard license, and passing a background check.
- Wildlife Officer: Usually requires a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, natural resources management, or a related field, as well as a state-issued wildlife officer certification.
- Private Investigator: May require a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant work experience, and a state-issued private investigator license.
- Transportation Security Officer: Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, passing a background check, and completing a TSA training program.
Tailoring Applications:
- Keywords: Use relevant keywords from the job description throughout your resume and cover letter.
- Focus on Skills: Highlight skills that match the specific requirements of the position, such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and physical fitness.
- Quantify Accomplishments: Provide specific examples of your achievements and quantify your impact whenever possible.
- Tailor Your Cover Letter: Address your specific interest in the role and the company, explaining why you are the right fit.
Preparing for Interviews:
- Research the Company: Learn about the organization's mission, values, and recent news to demonstrate your genuine interest.
- Practice STAR Method: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and provide specific examples of your experiences.
- Ask Thoughtful Questions: Prepare questions to ask the interviewer to show your engagement and curiosity.
- Dress Appropriately: Dress professionally to make a positive first impression.
Career Path:
- Law Enforcement: Patrol Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Chief of Police
- Security: Security Guard, Supervisor, Security Manager, Chief Security Officer
- Wildlife Officer: Wildlife Officer, Wildlife Biologist, Game Warden, Conservation Officer
- Private Investigator: Private Investigator, Senior Investigator, Lead Investigator, Partner
- Transportation Security Officer: Transportation Security Officer, Team Leader, Supervisor, Operations Manager
Top Companies in the Patrol Field:
- Law Enforcement: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Marshals Service, Department of Homeland Security, local police departments.
- Security: G4S, Securitas, Allied Universal, Pinkerton, private security firms.
- Wildlife: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state wildlife agencies, environmental organizations.
- Private Investigation: Kroll, AlixPartners, FTI Consulting, private investigation agencies.
- Transportation Security: Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
This guide provides a basic overview of the patrol field. Remember to conduct thorough research and network with professionals to discover the specific opportunities and career paths that best align with your interests and goals.
Highlighting a variety of positions across the US, this job search presents 37+ jobs in cities such as Washington, DC, Washington DC, DC, El Paso, TX, Twentynine Palms, CA, Camp Springs, MD, San Francisco, CA, Clallam County, WA, Barstow, CA, Atlanta, GA and Bridgeport, CA.
Most job opportunities can be found in the East Coast, celebrated for its humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. The region offers an array of seasonal activities and a strong job market, especially in healthcare, education, and technology.
| # |
Key Locations |
Total |
| 1 |
Washington, DC |
14 |
| 2 |
Washington DC, DC |
6 |
| 3 |
El Paso, TX |
4 |
| 4 |
Twentynine Palms, CA |
3 |
| 5 |
Camp Springs, MD |
2 |
| 6 |
San Francisco, CA |
2 |
| 7 |
Clallam County, WA |
2 |
| 8 |
Barstow, CA |
2 |
| 9 |
Atlanta, GA |
1 |
| 10 |
Bridgeport, CA |
1 |
This job search spans various federal agencies, private organizations, and universities across the United States, offering a wide range of positions.
The roles span several categories, including Law Enforcement (51 jobs), Government (2 jobs), and ( jobs).
Overall, this job search presents diverse opportunities with varying salaries and location benefits, allowing you to choose the best fit for your career goals and lifestyle.