Local, State, or Federal Law Enforcement, which is the best career path?

When an applicant applies with a local police department such as the Los Angeles Police Department, they know that they will be working in the City of Los Angeles. However, if an applicant applies for a position with a state agency such as the State Troopers, they may not know what area of the state they will be assigned to. There is also the possibility of being transferred or promoted to another part of the state. The same is true for federal law enforcement positions. Usually applicants applying for federal law enforcement jobs are required to sign “mobility agreements” which mean the applicant is willing to relocate to any post of duty to serve the needs of the agency.

With federal agencies and some state agencies there can be the opportunity to transfer to another agency without starting off as a new recruit. There can also be differences in the pay and benefits between local and federal law enforcement positions. Therefore, in deciding upon local, state, or federal, applicants should take into consideration their flexibility with where they are willing to work.