Police Officer

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Work Tasks

• Control traffic by directing it, stopping people who do not follow traffic laws, and watching for stolen cars
• Prevent and investigate crimes by getting evidence and doing interviews
• Arrest people who break laws
• Report to police headquarters, write reports, and testify in court when their arrests result in legal action
• Work for city, county, state, or federal police agencies
• Work with patrol cars, motorcycles, helicopters, horses, dogs, motorboats, daily reports, court summonses, clerical forms, computers, cell phones, firearms, and handcuffs

Salary, Size & Growth

• $52,000 average per year ($25.00 per hour)
• A large occupation (759,500 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.8% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A high school diploma; must be a U.S. Citizen, 20 or older, and pass a written test
• Employers Prefer: A 2-year degree or higher in law enforcement; federal agencies require a 4-year degree; experience in related work
• Skills/Courses: Training will be provided in patrol, traffic control, firearms, self-defense, first aid, emergency response, laws and civil rights, and investigating accidents.