It is not particularly difficult to become a parking enforcement officer, but you must have completed high school or have earned an equivalent qualification to do so. You’ll need basic math and communication skills, as well as the ability to stay organized. You may need a valid driver’s license to work as a parking enforcement officer in some areas, as you may need to drive a variety of vehicles to patrol parking lots. A working knowledge of local parking laws and regulations is a plus, but you can learn these things on the job as well.
If you’re still in high school, you should talk to your guidance counselor about pursuing a career as a parking enforcement officer. If you are still in high school, your guidance counselor may be able to set you up with a training program; if you are not, you can consult a career counselor or simply inquire about such positions at a local law enforcement station or office. If you want to work as a parking enforcement officer, be prepared to go through some training in either case.
You’ll most likely begin with an entry-level position, which means you’ll likely spend several days, weeks, or months shadowing a more experienced parking enforcement officer who can teach you the skills you’ll need on the job. You’ll need to learn how to fill out paperwork correctly, track vehicles, chalk tires, read meters and collect money from them, and drive a variety of patrol vehicles. In some cases, you may be required to pass exams to demonstrate your readiness for the position.
To stay employed as a parking enforcement officer, you may need to undergo re-certification on a regular basis, or you may need to advance to the next level of certification within a certain time frame. While this position does not pay well, it is an excellent introduction to law enforcement, and if you decide to pursue a career in law enforcement as a police officer, you will have gained valuable work experience as well as important connections within the law enforcement community. It’s important to remember that as a parking enforcement officer, you won’t be carrying weapons in most cases; you’ll need to go through special training to get that certification.