Police Officer
Criminal Justice & Protective Services
Perform the duties of police and public security officers, including patrol and investigative activities, traffic control, crowd control and public relations, witness interviewing, evidence collection and management, basic crime prevention methods, weapon and equipment operation and maintenance, report preparation and other routine law enforcement responsibilities.
What Police Officers Do
Perform the duties of police and public security officers, including patrol and investigative activities, traffic control, crowd control and public relations, witness interviewing, evidence collection and management, basic crime prevention methods, weapon and equipment operation and maintenance, report preparation and other routine law enforcement responsibilities.
Common Tasks
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
- 1Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as criminal law, defensive policing, and investigation techniques.
- 2Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- 3Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- 4Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- 5Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Types of Police Officers
Work Environment
Locations
- • Police departments and sheriff's offices
- • City streets and neighborhoods (patrol areas)
- • Courthouses and detention facilities
- • Crime scenes and investigation sites
- • Community events and public venues
Schedule
Most roles use rotating shifts that can include nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call hours, with periods of moderate time pressure.
Physical Demands
Work involves a mix of sitting for reports and driving with frequent standing and walking, plus occasional running, lifting, and physical restraint. You must be able to wear and operate duty gear and tolerate long periods on your feet when needed.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 895,500 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Communities continue to need public safety services, including traffic enforcement, emergency response, and investigative support. Retirements and turnover can also create steady openings even when overall employment growth is modest.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Strong sense of public service and community impact
- • Good pay and benefits in many agencies
- • Variety of assignments (patrol, investigations, court security)
- • Clear advancement paths with experience and testing
- • Transferable skills in security and investigations
Cons
- • High-stress situations and exposure to traumatic events
- • Risk of injury and confrontations
- • Shift work and unpredictable hours
- • Extensive paperwork and strict procedures
- • Public scrutiny and accountability pressures
Common Questions About the Police Officer Trade
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