4 answers
Myles
Student
Vacaville
3
Questions
Asked
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What jobs in law enforcement, have a mix of physical and mental labor?
If there's an in between in law enforcement where I can be physical and dormant doing computer work will fit my style of work perfectly. I like to have a balance between the two, so I'm not lacking heavily in one department than the other.
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4 answers
Kevin Czora
Law enforcement
26
Answers
Amherst, New York
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
I worked in a department where, as a detective, I had the freedom to assist road patrol in their day-to-day activities. I frequently went on calls such as burglary-in-progress, domestics, warrant arrests, etc. This kept me in the "physical" function of policing. Assisting patrol also served as a benefit to build relations between patrol and investigations.
As an investigator, much of my day was spent at my office working serious felony cases. Phone calls, computer searches, and interviews are all parts of investigative work.
When investigating crimes, I also did all of the crime scene processing (forensics, photography, etc). Often it would be physical work, such as climbing ladders, crawling in attics/crawl spaces, etc. In addition to this, some homicide investigations required me to be at work for 24hrs or more (one had me up for 38 hrs), which is physically demanding.
So in summary, from my personal/professional experience, yes, there is the possibility to combine the two. Best of luck!
As an investigator, much of my day was spent at my office working serious felony cases. Phone calls, computer searches, and interviews are all parts of investigative work.
When investigating crimes, I also did all of the crime scene processing (forensics, photography, etc). Often it would be physical work, such as climbing ladders, crawling in attics/crawl spaces, etc. In addition to this, some homicide investigations required me to be at work for 24hrs or more (one had me up for 38 hrs), which is physically demanding.
So in summary, from my personal/professional experience, yes, there is the possibility to combine the two. Best of luck!
Pat O'Brien
consulting for government
4
Answers
Alexandria, Virginia
Updated
Pat’s Answer
With the digital age we are living in, law enforcement need a wide variety of technical, computer and data skills. This can be data science and computer programming to analyze vast data to develop leads, it could be cyber security and related skills to combat online and cyber enabled crime, it could be technical skills to support the radios, communications and other operational technology used by law enforcement - or it could be science and technical skills to support crime labs in DNA, fingerprint, material analysis and other forensics.
Sam Hahn
Data Analytics
1
Answer
Alexandria, Virginia
Updated
Sam’s Answer
Great question Myles!
Law enforcement as a field is always changing to meet the needs of the communities that they serve.
Computing skills are only going to be more and more in demand as Law Enforcement agencies continue to change and update the ways they identify suspects, gather evidence, build cases, and solve crimes.
As a career, Law Enforcement is a challenging and rewarding mix of physical work, real-time problem solving, street smarts, and analytical skills.
Of course, Law Enforcement is a pretty broad umbrella, encompassing tons of different agencies and departments; each has different opportunities to grow and use your skill set.
-Specialized Units:
Many departments (especially in larger cities) will have units that work specifically with technology, either as support for other parts of the department, or within a unit itself. Identifying and tracking suspects phones, using cameras and other surveillance equipment, monitoring social media of suspects, and reviewing digital evidence.
-Detective:
Detectives will often have to split their time between responding to crime scenes, conducting on-scene investigations, and working back at the station to build cases. As part of building a strong case, digital evidence can play an enormous roll. All of us leave digital breadcrumbs; from our phones, our browsing history, online posts, connected devices. And criminal suspects are no different. Detectives will have the physical work of responding on scene to figure out what types of evidence might be present, and office work going through that evidence.
-Officer:
Officers can make use of their car-mounted computers to help discover identities of suspects who may be trying to give a fake name, see what kinds of calls have been associated with a particular address, help confirm someone's wanted status, and loads more.
-Federal Agencies:
Federal cases are like local cases on steroids! Where a case that is built by a detective at a local agency might last months, a federal case can take years to build! All that work involves tons of interviews, evidence gathering, analysis, and patience.
It is important to remember:
Law Enforcement is what you make it!
Some old-school officers never turn on a computer (or don't know how to) but do great work.
Some new officers know tons about social media, computers and technology and also do great work.
Motivation, determination, creativity, and a strong desire to help people are going to make you a great police officer. How you choose to do that; be it with computer skills, staying in good physical shape, being good at talking to people -- that is totally up to you.
Get in where you fit in. Find a niche where you can flex your skills and the sky is the limit.
Best of luck!
Law enforcement as a field is always changing to meet the needs of the communities that they serve.
Computing skills are only going to be more and more in demand as Law Enforcement agencies continue to change and update the ways they identify suspects, gather evidence, build cases, and solve crimes.
As a career, Law Enforcement is a challenging and rewarding mix of physical work, real-time problem solving, street smarts, and analytical skills.
Of course, Law Enforcement is a pretty broad umbrella, encompassing tons of different agencies and departments; each has different opportunities to grow and use your skill set.
-Specialized Units:
Many departments (especially in larger cities) will have units that work specifically with technology, either as support for other parts of the department, or within a unit itself. Identifying and tracking suspects phones, using cameras and other surveillance equipment, monitoring social media of suspects, and reviewing digital evidence.
-Detective:
Detectives will often have to split their time between responding to crime scenes, conducting on-scene investigations, and working back at the station to build cases. As part of building a strong case, digital evidence can play an enormous roll. All of us leave digital breadcrumbs; from our phones, our browsing history, online posts, connected devices. And criminal suspects are no different. Detectives will have the physical work of responding on scene to figure out what types of evidence might be present, and office work going through that evidence.
-Officer:
Officers can make use of their car-mounted computers to help discover identities of suspects who may be trying to give a fake name, see what kinds of calls have been associated with a particular address, help confirm someone's wanted status, and loads more.
-Federal Agencies:
Federal cases are like local cases on steroids! Where a case that is built by a detective at a local agency might last months, a federal case can take years to build! All that work involves tons of interviews, evidence gathering, analysis, and patience.
It is important to remember:
Law Enforcement is what you make it!
Some old-school officers never turn on a computer (or don't know how to) but do great work.
Some new officers know tons about social media, computers and technology and also do great work.
Motivation, determination, creativity, and a strong desire to help people are going to make you a great police officer. How you choose to do that; be it with computer skills, staying in good physical shape, being good at talking to people -- that is totally up to you.
Get in where you fit in. Find a niche where you can flex your skills and the sky is the limit.
Best of luck!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Myles, in the law enforcement sector, there are many roles that mix physical work and mental tasks, perfect for those who want a balance. One such job is a police detective or investigator. Detectives do physically demanding work such as searching places, catching suspects, and securing crime scenes. They also use their brains to examine evidence, talk to witnesses, and solve tricky cases. This job needs both physical strength and sharp thinking, as detectives have to adjust to changing situations while using investigative methods and working with others to collect information and build cases.
Another job that mixes physical work with computer tasks is a crime scene investigator (CSI) or forensic technician. These people collect, process, and study evidence from crime scenes. This may include physically hard tasks like lifting heavy things, as well as careful attention to detail when recording and studying evidence. Forensic technicians also often use special software and databases to keep track of and study evidence, so they need good computer and data skills. This job is a unique mix of hands-on work and technical study, letting people do both physical and mental work while helping with criminal investigations.
Also, Myles, there are special roles like SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) teams or tactical units that are great for people who want a balance of physical and mental challenges. SWAT team members do tough physical training to stay fit and learn tactical skills like handling guns and close combat, but they also use strategic thinking and problem-solving during high-pressure situations. Plus, SWAT teams often use advanced tech and ways to collect information, including computer tools and analysis to help make tactical decisions and plan missions.
In summary, Myles, you should know that a career in law enforcement gives many chances for people who want a balance of physical and mental work. Whether as a detective, crime scene investigator, or SWAT team member, these jobs need physical strength, sharp thinking, and good tech skills. This lets people work in exciting and challenging places while making a real difference to public safety and criminal justice.
Another job that mixes physical work with computer tasks is a crime scene investigator (CSI) or forensic technician. These people collect, process, and study evidence from crime scenes. This may include physically hard tasks like lifting heavy things, as well as careful attention to detail when recording and studying evidence. Forensic technicians also often use special software and databases to keep track of and study evidence, so they need good computer and data skills. This job is a unique mix of hands-on work and technical study, letting people do both physical and mental work while helping with criminal investigations.
Also, Myles, there are special roles like SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) teams or tactical units that are great for people who want a balance of physical and mental challenges. SWAT team members do tough physical training to stay fit and learn tactical skills like handling guns and close combat, but they also use strategic thinking and problem-solving during high-pressure situations. Plus, SWAT teams often use advanced tech and ways to collect information, including computer tools and analysis to help make tactical decisions and plan missions.
In summary, Myles, you should know that a career in law enforcement gives many chances for people who want a balance of physical and mental work. Whether as a detective, crime scene investigator, or SWAT team member, these jobs need physical strength, sharp thinking, and good tech skills. This lets people work in exciting and challenging places while making a real difference to public safety and criminal justice.