Police Patrol Officers
Did You Know:*
- Police work can be dangerous and stressful.
- Education requirements range from a high school diploma to a college degree or higher.
- Job opportunities in most local police departments will be favorable for qualified individuals, while competition is expected for jobs in state and federal agencies.
- Bilingual applicants with college training in police science or with military police experience will have the best opportunities.
Industry Areas
- Local Government (excluding schools and hospitals)
- State Government (excluding schools and hospitals)
- Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation)
Day-to-Day Tasks*
- 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.
- Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
Overall Kind of Work*
Police officers and detectives protect lives and property. Law enforcement officer's duties depend on the size and type of their organizations. Police and detectives pursue and apprehend individua...
Work Environment*
Civilian
Police and detective work can be very dangerous and stressful. Police officers and detectives have one of the highest rates of on-the-job injury and illness. In addition to the obvious dangers of ...
Military
Law enforcement and security specialists in the military work both indoors and outdoors depending on their assignment. They may work outdoors while conducting investigations or patrolling facilities.
Workweek Breakdown
The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.
- 3.28% (0-20 Hours)
- 0.98% (21-34 Hours)
- 0.65% (35-39 Hours)
- 74.42% (40 Hours)
- 9.12% (41-49 Hours)
- 11.55% (Over 50 Hours)
This data also pertains to Police Patrol Officers(33-3051)
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People: 
Things:
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills: 
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure:
Business Breakdown
The different sectors people in this career currently work in.
- 0.15% (Private For-Profit)
- 84.04% (State and Local Govt)
- 15.81% (Federal Government)
This data also pertains to Police Officers
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
50,418 Police Patrol Officers in the military