The public depends on law enforcement officers to protect the lives and property of civilians. Whether working at the federal level, serving on a SWAT team or solving crimes as a detective, law enforcement officers serve as the first and last line of defense against any criminal action. Help keep the streets safe by putting the bad guys behind bars.

Law enforcement jobs offer highly competitive salaries, action and the reward of serving your community. Here’s a list of PoliceLink’s top dream jobs – with a job description, average salary, education requirements and growth outlook for each position.

• Patrol Officer

• Detective

• SWAT Operator

• CSI

• Air Marshal

• US Marshal

• Corporal

• Highway Patrol

• Sergeant

• Police Lieutenant

• Police Captain

Jump start your chances of landing your law enforcement dream job by first obtaining a desirable degree.