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They do, however, stay in constant touch with their communications centers to report to superior officers
and to receive new or revised orders. Since the State Police operate around the clock, officers are subject
to rotating shifts usually consisting of a 5-day, 40-hour workweek, including weekends and holidays. In
addition, they are on call at all times and may work for extended periods during emergencies. Certain
aspects of this work are dangerous. State Police Officers risk serious injury or death from high-speed
pursuits and from the apprehension of criminals who may be armed and dangerous.
Fringe benefits that State Police Officers receive usually include paid vacation, sick leave, and
holidays; overtime pay; life, medical, and disability insurance; uniform allowances; tuition-refund
programs; and retirement pension.
Training and Promotion Opportunities
As is the case with nearly all law enforcement positions, prospective State Police Officers do not achieve
permanent status until they have successfully completed the probationary period that follows training.
Probation may last from six months to a year depending on the state. During the probationary period, the
new officer gets valuable experience at the side of a veteran officer.
Advancement opportunities in State Police agencies are based on merit, and promotional examinations
are scheduled periodically. All qualified personnel can compete for promotional opportunities, and the
first level of advancement is to Sergeant. Thereafter, qualified officers may advance through experience
and education to the positions of First Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Inspector, Deputy
Superintendent, and Superintendent.
Federal Positions
Federal law enforcement positions are diverse in their job descriptions and in the demands they make of
people who fill them. While there is a great deal of overlap among some federal agencies, as well as with
state and local law enforcement agencies, there are also real differences between the jobs in the different
agencies.
The advancement route also varies from federal agency to federal agency. In some agencies,
advancement is simply to more responsible work and supervisory duties within the same job title. In other
agencies, a person may advance to a different job title, perhaps with more exciting duties. The
distinguishing features of each position are highlighted by italics in each of the following job descriptions.
BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND FIREARMS INSPECTOR
Duties of the Job
An important part of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) law enforcement effort is
its inspection force. BATF Inspectors are constantly alert to the possibility of fraud, negligence, or other
illegal activities. When evidence of criminal activities is uncovered, they turn it over to BATF Special
Agents responsible for criminal investigations. Although BATF Inspectors are not criminal investigators,
they frequently work with BATF Special Agents who conduct criminal investigations for the Bureau. The
Federal Alcohol Administration Act, for example, governs the production, storage, processing, packag-
ing, labeling, importation, exportation, distribution, and advertising of distilled spirits, beer, and wine.
Other regulations similar to these apply to tobacco products, firearms, and explosives and to the use of
distilled spirits for scientific, medical, and industrial purposes.
