Criminal law as a field of study entails the general procedural measures present, when prosecuting an individual(s) or group entity in a court of law. It pertains to the body of law, which relates to crime and criminal activities, with the greater aim of regulating social order and conduct. This is attained by way of proscribing various measures in the event of threat and harm, or otherwise the endangering of the moral welfare, safety and health of people. Thus, it is inclusive of punishments meted out on individuals who, and group-entities which violate such rules, through imprisonment and/ or fines (penalties). Crime entails any omission and commission (of an act), which is in violation of prescribed public laws, rules and regulations present.
Criminal liability, through interpreted differently, as influenced by the regional arena and national jurisprudence, is basically founded on – the Moral Penal Code. In relation to the aforementioned, and by extension to American criminal justice, is the crucial input of the United State’s Capitol Police Department. Its primary function entails the security and protection of the American National Congress, thereby enabling congress perform its constitutional mandate in a safe and conducive environment. Thus, it is upon this force to protect not only the capitol complex, but also all staff present, from any form of disruption and crime (LII, 2010). Above all, it also enforces both state and federal laws, in addition to all other regulations and rules pertinent to the greater enforcement of social order.
Educational Requirements
Police officers are required to possess some basic education requirements. This is due to the nature of their work i.e. the writing of reports, questioning of individuals, taking charge of crime scenes and official filing of paperwork, aside from their core duty. This is further augmented by their individual and group skill-sets and experience gained, thereby enhancing their overall efficiency and effectiveness. Regarding their academic/ educational requirements, there is need for a GED certificate and/ or a high school diploma. It is required so as to determine an individual’s competence level. It further provides crucial information concerning his/ her IQ. Candidates are additionally required to pass the POST examination (Police Officer Selection Test). This, tests them on basic knowledge and capacity in reading, English grammar and Mathematics.
Starting salary
The positions present, from the initial stage progressively forward, determine the starting salary for each officer. Three positions, namely – Private, Private (w/training) and Private First Class, have their competitive salary benefits. The private benefits from an initial pay of $55, 653 up to $59,746 annually, from step one going through five. The private w/training benefits from an annual pay of $57, 604 to $63, 693, through the same steps aforementioned. The Private First Class gets a higher portion, with an initial benefit of $61, 551 to $67, 638 up to the fifth step. The aforementioned service steps are themselves subject to yearly increments for a time-period of 10 years. In addition, other benefits include: - vision, health and dental care insurance, in addition to assistance programs and flexible spending accounts. Overall, members are covered under the American Congressional retirement scheme (U.S. Department of Justice, 2013).
Opportunities for mobility
A successful candidate upon completion of the aforementioned physical, medical and psychological tests commences to the various categories of officers as aforementioned, gradually rising from the Private, to the Private (w/training) and to the senior office of Private First Class. This is through the aforementioned service steps, which go hand in hand with wage increments. Sick leave, holidays and vacations are also included, though proper documentation and certification is required in advance. Patrol vehicles are provided, in addition to bicycles and motorcycles, all of which aid in the greater dispensation of overall social policing and security provision.
Job description
It will entail the making of patrols within the state, during the day and night, using patrol cars. This will therefore entail one’s competency in driving. This is in addition to protecting the capitol complex and all individuals around it, the workforce, American citizens and visitors who often trip to such places. There is also the aspect of report writing in addition to one’s physical presence in court, during the time of testifying. At crime scenes, officers are required to take charge, as well as stopping and subsequently questioning individuals around. By guarding federal buildings, as well as all equipment of government, focus is directed towards urban crime prevention, with dignitaries’ protection being enhanced in the process. This is all aimed at providing maximum homeland security, not only to American citizens, but all populations present within the state.
Skills required
In addition is the need to pass the PRT (Physical Readiness Test), especially due to the tiresome and strenuous nature of work the department engages in. This is instrumental in determining those who can be able to undergo through the rigorous training program present. In addition will be the conduct of searches, both residential and vehicle; with this requiring a search warrant. In addition will be the need of the individual under suspect, to be present as his/ her civil rights must be upheld as stated under the American Constitution. Above all the aforementioned, will be the need for proficiency in the utility of firearms. This is vital due to the very nature of the job itself, as the officer will at various moments, dealing with armed criminals. It enhances the officer’s overall capacity of conducting counter resistance measures, critical in minimizing damage and fatalities. In addition it enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of state patrol (Adelman, 2002).
Information about the specific job positions is presented via the USAJOBS Website, under the category of U.S. Capitol Police. It provides specific information, concerning a given job description, in addition to the various requirements needed for qualification. Additionally is the presence of other stipulations, clauses and standards requisite for a candidate to qualify for a position within the force. The website provides information of how to register, the requirements, job categorization and remuneration perks, amongst other fundamentals of the given job positions. Through utility of internet-based connectivity, communication is enhanced, providing for quick and reliable feedback not only on queries asked, but also general concerns raised.
Job Market status
According to the provisions entailed in the USAJOBS Website, as well as the police department’s specific website, the job market status of a U.S. Capitol Police officer is ranked well amongst the elite federal agencies present. This is due to the very delicate nature of their job, especially as influenced by the presence of Congress within the state. With this being the law-making body of American politics, their safety and wellbeing, in addition to auxiliary staff present, is fundamentally under the hands of the department. Additionally is the fact that this force is tasked with protecting officers and members of congress and their families within the United States and outside, when present in its possessions and territories.
Working Conditions
Working conditions are good, as they entail duties which are flexible, either during the day or night. Furtherance is the aspect of partnerships, where officials partner in groups of two or more, depending on the job assignment and role-play. Officers who own vehicles are also liable to receiving a subsidy of $245, as part of their personal commuting costs. There is unlimited access to the department’s gym, in addition to accessing a personal consultant and trainer during an officer’s training sessions. The aforementioned pay-grades are adequate according to federal employee standards, with the potential of increments over time. This is informed by an individual’s progression through the hierarchy of the force, from private up to the level of Chief of Police (Wilson, 1983).
My Plan B to the dream job
My plan B, with regard to attaining the aforementioned position, would be to complete and further my studies, as currently doing. Being a former Marine Advanced infantry man, if I do not successfully apply and get recruited, I will deviate slightly and try my luck in the Corrections Department. My aim is to be a corrections officer in either the State of North Carolina or New Jersey, with current plans already underway. Currently I am in the process of attaining a position within the State of New Jersey Corrections Department, having been pre-selected, with regard to the hiring process. However, due to my studies, I have had to put this on hold, after which I intend to pursue this process to the end. This would enhance my social policing skills, the handling of various situations and the making of right judgments, with regard to the prevailing contexts.
I may also opt to also pursue such skills as enhancing my multi-lingual capacity, defense and disarming techniques gained from martial arts, as well as contributing time and effort in local community policing. This would give me first-hand experience of what entails service to the nation, as provided for by existing American policing forces. By joining any of the other existing institutions, agencies and organizations which are related to public safety and order, I hope to gain not only knowledge, but also experience and new skill-sets.
Conclusion
A job opportunity and future career as a U.S. Capitol Police officer is a prestigious government position which is vital in the provision of enhanced security within the Capital building’s environment. Furtherance is its crucial input, with regard to providing security and the protection of individuals and property within the greater State of Washington D.C. Due to the nature of work entailed within the department, great care is focused in only choosing the most qualified of candidates for various positions present. Physical fitness, mental balance, American citizenship and basic education levels are requirements for successful application and consideration. Furtherance is the aspect of possessing a driving license, and having proficiency in the handling of arms, all of which influence overall job efficiency and effectiveness.
References
Adelman, S. E. (2002). U.S. v. Knights: Supreme Court rules on searches of probationers by police. The Journal of the American Probation and Parole Association: Perspectives, 26(3), 39-43.
LII (19 Aug. 2010) Criminal Law: An Overview. The Legal Information Institute (LII) Cornell University Law School. Retrieved from: http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/criminal_law
U.S. Department of Justice (2013). Office of Justice Programs. Washington, D.C.: National Institute of Justice.
Wilson, J. Q. (1983). Thinking About Crime (Revised Ed.). NY, New York: Basic Books.
