It is quite known that a lot of the jobs that serve the public are underpaid. Teachers, firefighters and police officers are known for receiving low paychecks. People do not go into these fields for the money. They usually go into these fields because they want to make a difference and they want to help others. So police officers in America are underpaid. You may see police officers take on extra jobs doing security work in order to make more money.
They may also take on other shifts at the department. However, there are ways to be promoted to other places in the department and that is one way they can make more money. If you are interested in becoming a police officer, then you should consider the pay.