In the police force, there was no typical day. There was always a new case or new problems to deal with.
CAREER
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$64,610
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+3.1% (slower than the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Do
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.
Other Job Titles Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers May Have
Deputy, Deputy Sheriff, Patrol Officer, Police Officer
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.
- Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
- Render aid to accident victims and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
- Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (40%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Associate's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Criminal Justice/Police Science
Certification / License
Police Officer Certification
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Having genuine interest in what you do.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
