Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer Salary

Police officers can work at a local, state, or federal agency. They work indoors and outdoors, day or night.

A police officer makes sure that the rules of the road are followed. This could entail writing a ticket for a speeding infraction or apprehending someone impaired by drugs or alcohol. In an emergency, the sheriff's patrol officer will help to bring order to the community.

An officer's primary job is to enforce the law. They constantly look for activities that could disrupt the peace. Once a police officer has observed a suspicious or illegal activity, they will then question the suspicious persons, and, if need be, issue an arrest. If a crime has been committed, the police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crime. They will collect evidence, interview witnesses, and try to figure out what has taken place. An officer is expected to fill out paperwork in order to keep detailed records of the crime. Another part of an officer's job is to execute arrest warrants.

To become a sheriff's patrol officer, a person would have to go through training. While some departments require a two-year college degree, many only require specialized training administered through the local department.

Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer Tasks