Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
What is a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers are responsible for enforcing laws, preventing crime, and maintaining public safety within their assigned areas. They patrol neighborhoods, respond to emergency calls, investigate suspicious activities, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws. These officers work to protect lives and property by conducting routine patrols, issuing citations for violations, and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies when needed. Additionally, they gather evidence, write reports, and may also be involved in community outreach programs to foster relationships between the police and the communities they serve. Their job can be physically demanding and often involves dealing with high-stress situations, requiring a strong sense of ethics, integrity, and a commitment to serving the public. In many cases, these officers undergo extensive training to prepare them for various scenarios they may encounter while on duty.
Tasks
- 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 survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
- Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
Technology Skills
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Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
- Microsoft Access
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
- Spillman Technologies Records Management
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- Computer aided composite drawing software
- DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
- SmugMug Flickr
- The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
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Spreadsheet software
- IBM Lotus 1-2-3
- Microsoft Excel
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools Used
- Police vehicles
- Handguns
- Two way radios
- Handcuffs
- Surveillance video or audio recorders
Knowledge
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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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.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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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.
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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.
Skills
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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.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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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.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Detailed Work Activities
- Apprehend criminal suspects.
- Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.
- Maintain public order or security.
- Prepare investigation or incident reports.
- Administer first aid.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$45200.0 - $111700.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.