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Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers

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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.

Sample of reported job titles: Deputy, Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Sheriff (Generalist)-Bailiff, Law Enforcement Officer, Patrol Officer, Peace Officer, Police Officer, Police Patrol Officer, Public Safety Officer, State Trooper

Also see: Customs and Border Protection Officers

View report: Summary  Details  Custom  My Next MoveEasy Read  My Next Move for VeteransVeterans  Mi Próximo PasoEspañol

Tasks  |  Technology Skills  |  Tools Used  |  Knowledge  |  Skills  |  Abilities  |  Work Activities  |  Detailed Work Activities  |  Work Context  |  Job Zone  |  Credentials  |  Interests  |  Work Styles  |  Work Values  |  Related Occupations  |  Wages & Employment  |  Job Openings  |  Additional Information

Tasks

  • Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.See more occupations related to this task.
  • 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.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Render aid to accident victims and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.See more occupations related to this task.
  • Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.See more occupations related to this task.

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Technology Skills

  • Data base user interface and query software — Database software Hot technology ; Microsoft Access Hot technology ; National Crime Information Center NCIC database; Spillman Technologies Records ManagementSee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Electronic mail software — Email software; Microsoft Outlook Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Graphics or photo imaging software — Computer aided composite drawing software; DesignWare 3D EyeWitness; SmartDraw.com SmartDraw Legal; SmugMug Flickr Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.
  • Spreadsheet software — IBM Lotus 1-2-3; Microsoft Excel Hot technologySee more occupations related to this technology.

Hot technology Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

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Tools Used

  • Handcuffs — Metal handcuffs; Plastic handcuffsSee more occupations related to this tool.
  • Handguns — Electroshock weapons; Semiautomatic pistols; Service revolversSee more occupations related to this tool.
  • Police vehicles — Police bicycles; Police motorcycles; Police patrol carsSee more occupations related to this tool.
  • Surveillance video or audio recorders — Audio recording equipment; Digital voice recordersSee more occupations related to this tool.
  • Two way radios — Base station radios; Police car radiosSee more occupations related to this tool.

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Knowledge

  • Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Law and Government — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.See more occupations related to this knowledge.
  • Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.See more occupations related to this knowledge.

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Skills

  • Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.See more occupations related to this skill.
  • Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.See more occupations related to this skill.

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Abilities

  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.See more occupations related to this ability.
  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.See more occupations related to this ability.

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Work Activities

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Detailed Work Activities

  • Apprehend criminal suspects.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Maintain public order or security.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Prepare investigation or incident reports.See more occupations related to this activity.
  • Administer first aid.See more occupations related to this activity.

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Work Context

  • Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Deal With External Customers — How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Frequency of Decision Making — How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?See more occupations related to this work context.
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?See more occupations related to this work context.

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Job Zone

Title Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree.
Related Experience Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
SVP Range (6.0 to < 7.0)

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Credentials

Find Training Find Certifications Find Licenses Apprenticeship.gov

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Interests

Interest code: ERS   Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.

  • Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.See more occupations related to this interest.
  • Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.See more occupations related to this interest.

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Work Styles

  • Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.See more occupations related to this work style.
  • Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.See more occupations related to this work style.

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Work Values

  • Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.See more occupations related to this work value.
  • Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.See more occupations related to this work value.

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Related Occupations

33-1011.00 First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
33-1012.00 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
33-3012.00 Correctional Officers and Jailers
33-3021.00 Detectives and Criminal Investigators
33-3052.00 Transit and Railroad Police

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Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2020) $31.51 hourly, $65,540 annual
State wages
 
Local wages
  
Employment (2020) 671,200 employees
Projected growth (2020-2030) Average (5% to 10%) Average (5% to 10%)
Projected job openings (2020-2030) 57,600
State trends
 
Top industries (2020)
Government

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data external site and 2020-2030 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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Job Openings on the Web

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Sources of Additional Information

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

  • American Association of State Troopers external site
  • APCO International external site
  • Fraternal Order of Police external site
  • International Association of Chiefs of Police external site
  • National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies external site
  • National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition external site
  • National Sheriffs’ Association external site
  • National Tactical Officers Association external site
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook: Police and detectives external site
  • The International Union of Police Associations external site

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This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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