- Home
- My Career Path
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Also called : Deputy, Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Sheriff (Generalist)-Bailiff, Law Enforcement Officer, Patrol Officer, Peace Officer, Police Officer, Police Patrol Officer, Public Safety Officer, State Trooper
What they 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.
On the job, one would
- 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.
- Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
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.
- Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- 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.
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.
- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Negotiation
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
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.
- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
- Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
TECHNOLOGY
- Data base user interface and query software
- Electronic mail software
- Geographic information system
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Helpdesk or call center software
- Internet browser software
- Map creation software
- Office suite software
- Operating system software
- Presentation software
- Process mapping and design software
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Preparation
Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
Training in vocational schools or an Associate deg
- Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
- Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.