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 (OES Designation)
- State Government (OES Designation)
- 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
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.
Status
What is the difference between enlisted and officer?
Enlisted:Enlisted members enter the Military with a high school diploma (in some cases a GED), at a minimum. They are employed in almost every type of military career, often in hands-on roles.
Officers: Officers either enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater or served previously as enlisted members, and are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require intensive training.
Officer
Enlisted
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
51,346 Police Patrol Officers in the military
Service Branches
Law Enforcement and Security Specialists work in the following services:
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: