Occupation Details
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
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.
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Interests
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.
Social
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
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.
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.
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.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$55,540.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$84,410.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$100,940.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
60,080
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
68,680
+860 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
5,739
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
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.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
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.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
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.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Persuasion
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
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.
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.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- 35 millimeter cameras
- All terrain vehicles ATV
- Audio recording equipment
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Base station radios
- Biohazard suits
- Blood collection kits
- Body armor
- Breathalyzers
- Bulletproof vests
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR face shields
- Crime scene rulers
- Crime scene tape measures
- Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA collection kits
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Digital video cameras
- Digital voice recorders
- Distance measuring wheels
- Drug testing kits
- Electroshock weapons
- Equipment transport trailers
- Explosive detectors
- Filter masks
- Fingerprint evidence kits
- Fingerprint scanners
- First aid kits
- Global positioning system GPS receivers
- Handguns
- Hearing protectors
Technology
- Computer aided composite drawing software
- Computer aided dispatch software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Crime mapping software
- Database software
- DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
- ESRI ArcView
- Email software
- IBM Lotus 1-2-3
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visio
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- operate cameras
- operate emergency fire or rescue equipment
- use two-way radio or mobile phone
- operate navigation technology or equipment
- use firearms
- use firearms
- testify in court for accident and criminal cases
- maintain records, reports, or files
- manage detailed records or files in law enforcement setting
- manage detailed records or files in law enforcement setting
- prepare reports
- prepare reports
- analyze existing evidence or facts
- direct human or vehicle traffic
- direct human or vehicle traffic
- apply appropriate physical restraint
- apply appropriate physical restraint
- ride horses during law enforcement work
- ride horses during law enforcement work
- judge terrain conditions for vehicle or equipment operation
- compile biological data for criminal investigations
- compile biological data for criminal investigations
- conduct legal searches or investigations
- conduct legal searches or investigations
- investigate complaints, disturbances, or violations
- investigate complaints, disturbances, or violations
- adhere to government aviation regulations
- ensure correct grammar, punctuation, or spelling
- oversee work progress to verify safety or conformance to standards
- oversee work progress to verify safety or conformance to standards
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
- review facts to determine if criminal act or statue violation is involved
- monitor inmate activity
- monitor aircraft operation to detect problems
- sustain attention in air traffic emergencies
- patrol or guard area or premises
- patrol or guard area or premises
- monitor traffic conditions or motorists
- manage community relations for law enforcement agency
- cooperate with court personnel or other law enforcement agencies
- cooperate with court personnel or other law enforcement agencies
- use arrest, search, or seizure legal statutes
- use arrest, search, or seizure legal statutes
- use emergency medical procedures
- use hazardous materials information
- follow infectious materials procedures
- use intervention techniques
- use interviewing procedures
- use interviewing procedures
- use local or regional geographical knowledge to transportation
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use traffic control procedures
- follow traffic laws
- use visual flight procedures
- use aircraft safety regulations
- follow aviation emergency procedures
- follow police or emergency radio regulations
- maintain firearms proficiency
- maintain firearms proficiency
- use first aid procedures
- use first aid procedures
- use conflict resolution techniques
- use knowledge of geographic coordinates
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- follow law enforcement methods or procedures
- follow law enforcement methods or procedures
- use rescue procedures
- use surveillance techniques
- communicate details in protective services settings
- communicate details in protective services settings
- make public presentations on law enforcement issues
- make public presentations on law enforcement issues
- make presentations
- make presentations
- serve or issue summonses or subpoenas
- serve arrest, search or seizure warrants
- relay information to proper officials
- maintain flight records or logs
- maintain production or work records
- prepare records of prisoner bookings or status
- drive automobile, van, or light truck
- operate helicopters
- operate vehicles in law enforcement or security setting
- operate vehicles in law enforcement or security setting
- pilot aircraft
- identify firearms or weapons
- identify firearms or weapons
- recognize physical or emotional abuse
- recognize public safety hazards
- recognize public safety hazards
- locate persons ( skip tracing )
- make decisions
- reach conclusions quickly in law enforcement situations
- respond to in-flight data
- read maps
- read maps
- read navigation charts
- gather physical evidence
- gather physical evidence
- interview crime witnesses or victims to obtain descriptive information
- enforce laws, ordinances, or regulations
- enforce laws, ordinances, or regulations
- issue citation or warning for violation of laws
- issue citation or warning for violation of laws
- apprehend or arrest suspect or perpetrator of criminal act
- apprehend or arrest suspect or perpetrator of criminal act
- escort prisoners, defendants or individuals needing protection
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
- Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
- Testify in court to present evidence or act as witness in traffic and criminal cases.
- Process prisoners, and prepare and maintain records of prisoner bookings and prisoner status during booking and pre-trial process.
- Monitor traffic to ensure motorists observe traffic regulations and exhibit safe driving procedures.
- Relay complaint and emergency-request information to appropriate agency dispatchers.
- Drive vehicles or patrol specific areas to detect law violators, issue citations, and make arrests.
- Execute arrest warrants, locating and taking persons into custody.
- Patrol and guard courthouses, grand jury rooms, or assigned areas to provide security, enforce laws, maintain order, and arrest violators.
- Photograph or draw diagrams of crime or accident scenes and interview principals and eyewitnesses.
- Evaluate complaint and emergency-request information to determine response requirements.
- Patrol specific area on foot, horseback, or motorized conveyance, responding promptly to calls for assistance.
- Verify that the proper legal charges have been made against law offenders.
- Investigate traffic accidents and other accidents to determine causes and to determine if a crime has been committed.
- Supervise law enforcement staff, such as jail staff, officers, and deputy sheriffs.
- Transport or escort prisoners and defendants en route to courtrooms, prisons or jails, attorneys' offices, or medical facilities.
- Direct traffic flow and reroute traffic in case of emergencies.
- Question individuals entering secured areas to determine their business, directing and rerouting individuals as necessary.
- Notify patrol units to take violators into custody or to provide needed assistance or medical aid.
- Place people in protective custody.
- Serve statements of claims, subpoenas, summonses, jury summonses, orders to pay alimony, and other court orders.
- Inform citizens of community services and recommend options to facilitate longer-term problem resolution.
- Locate and confiscate real or personal property, as directed by court order.
- Provide road information to assist motorists.
- Conduct community programs for all ages concerning topics such as drugs and violence.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Law Enforcement and Security Officers
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MoreLaw Enforcement and Security Specialists
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MorePolice and detectives
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn More