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Police Officers

Overview

Police officers perform many duties relating to public safety. Their responsibilities include not only preserving the peace, preventing criminal acts, enforcing the law, investigating crimes, and arresting those who violate the law but also directing traffic, community relations work, and controlling crowds at public events. Police officers are employed at the federal, state, county, and city level.

State police officers patrol highways and enforce the laws and regulations that govern the use of those highways, in addition to performing general police work. Police officers are under oath to uphold the law 24 hours a day. There are approximately 665,280 police and sheriff's patrol officers employed in the United States.

Salary Range

$25,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma

Certification/License

None

Outlook

About as Fast as the Average
Personality Traits

Conventional

Helpful

Problem-Solving

Career Ladder
Chief of Police

Deputy Chief of Police

Police Officer II

Police Officer I