Many Americans realize they owe their safety to the police, fire departments, legal profession, and jailers. In some cities, the police are called "our finest," and the firefighters are called "our bravest." But the truth is that often these jobs are done with infrequent "thank you’s" from the community. For police, fire, and corrections workers, there are often good retirement and health benefits. But the pay is not high, considering the risk and importance of the work.

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Police and sheriff's patrol officers and detectives and criminal investigators have duties that range from controlling traffic to preventing and investigating crimes. They maintain order; enforce laws and ordinances; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; give evidence in court; serve legal documents for the court system; and apprehend, arrest, and process prisoners. State and local correctional officers guard inmates in jails, prisons, or juvenile detention institutions. Bailiffs keep order in courts. Law enforcement work also is potentially dangerous. The injury and fatality rates among law officers are higher than in many occupations, reflecting risks taken in apprehending suspected criminals and responding to various emergency situations such as traffic accidents. Many officers are subject to call anytime their services are needed and are expected to intervene whenever they observe a crime, even if off duty.

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