Police Officer

Your Fit

Income

$72K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

3.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Police Officer?

Police Officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for maintaining public safety, preventing crime, and enforcing laws. They work to protect the lives and property of the communities they serve.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Police Officer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Police Officer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$45K per year	$55K per year	$72K per year	$92K per year	$112K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $24K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Police Officer do?

Work environment

Police Officers work in various environments, from urban to rural areas. Their work involves patrolling, responding to emergency calls, and working closely with the community. The job can be physically demanding and stressful, often requiring work outside of standard office hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Quick task list

Patrols assigned areas to prevent and detect crimes.
Enforces local, state, and federal laws.
Responds to emergencies and provides first aid.
Investigates crimes and gathers evidence.
Testifies in court and maintains detailed reports.
Works with the community to address safety concerns.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Criminal Investigations: Specializing in investigating crimes, gathering evidence, and working on cases.
Traffic Enforcement: Focusing on enforcing traffic laws, investigating traffic accidents, and promoting road safety.
Community Policing: Building relationships with community members to solve local problems.
K-9 Unit: Working with trained police dogs in various operations, including search and rescue.
SWAT: Specialized in high-risk operations requiring advanced training in tactics and weaponry.

Description

Police Officers play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of the communities they serve. Their duties vary widely, from patrolling neighborhoods and responding to emergency calls to conducting criminal investigations and engaging in community outreach. Officers must be prepared to handle stressful and potentially dangerous situations while upholding the law and maintaining public trust.

Effective communication skills are essential, as officers frequently interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and in various circumstances, from conflict resolution to community engagement. The ability to assess situations quickly, make sound judgments under pressure, and work as part of a team are crucial aspects of the job.

Becoming a Police Officer requires a strong commitment to public service, a high level of integrity, and the willingness to face challenging situations. The career offers opportunities for advancement and specialization, and ongoing training is a key component of professional development in this field.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a positive impact on the community and enhancing public safety.
Solving complex problems and bringing justice to victims.
Working in a team environment and building camaraderie with fellow officers.

You might make a good Police Officer if you are...

Committed to upholding the law and serving your community.
Able to remain calm and make decisions under pressure.
Physically fit and able to handle challenging situations.
An effective communicator, capable of de-escalating conflicts.
A team player who values integrity and accountability.

Pros:

Rewarding career with a direct impact on community safety.
Opportunities for career advancement and specialization.
Strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork.

Cons:

High-stress environment with potential exposure to danger.
Irregular working hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Emotional challenges associated with exposure to crime and accidents.

How to become a Police Officer

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by training at a police academy. Some departments may require some college education or a college degree, amounting to 2-4 years of post-secondary education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Criminal Justice to understand the basics of law enforcement.
Psychology to better understand human behavior.
Physical Education to maintain fitness and physical readiness.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in team sports to develop teamwork and physical fitness.
Volunteering in community service projects.
Joining debate or public speaking clubs to enhance communication skills.

Preparation after high school

Attend a police academy for formal training.
Pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field for advanced opportunities.
Gain experience in roles that require responsibility and decision-making.

More resources

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) - Offers resources and training information for law enforcement officers.
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund - Provides information on law enforcement careers and honors fallen officers.
PoliceOne - A comprehensive resource for current law enforcement news, training, and equipment.
Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) - Offers support and advocacy for law enforcement officers.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.