City police officers perform a range of daily law enforcement duties, maintaining regular patrols and responding to calls for service. Depending on the area, city police officers may establish a personal relationship with citizens of local neighborhoods. This is often referred to as "community policing."

Training for city and municipal law enforcement positions varies by location. Local ordinances, state laws, and other basic topics are typically covered over 12 to 14 weeks at the local police academy. In areas where there is keen job competition, career training in criminal justice may be preferred or required by hiring managers.

Police Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that police job prospects at the city/municipal level are expected to be excellent for qualified applicants. The BLS additionally notes that applicants with military experience or college training in police science will find the best opportunities.

Police officers saw median annual earnings of $47,190 at the local level in 2006, according to the BLS. Supervisors earned $68,670, and local detectives and criminal investigators were paid $52,520. While no career training program can guarantee a particular career or salary, formal law enforcement training can help your resume stand out from the group, and help you compete with others who may have prior experience or training.