33-3051.00Apprenticeship

Police & 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.

Career Cluster:Public Service & Safety
Job Family:Protective Service
Job Zone:Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Industry:Government
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Technology Tools

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Key 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.
  • Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
  • 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.
  • Patrol and guard courthouses, grand jury rooms, or assigned areas to provide security, enforce laws, maintain order, and arrest violators.
  • Evaluate complaint and emergency-request information to determine response requirements.
  • Photograph or draw diagrams of crime or accident scenes and interview principals and eyewitnesses.
  • Execute arrest warrants, locating and taking persons into custody.
  • Patrol specific area on foot, horseback, or motorized conveyance, responding promptly to calls for assistance.
  • Investigate traffic accidents and other accidents to determine causes and to determine if a crime has been committed.
  • Verify that the proper legal charges have been made against law offenders.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Place people in protective custody.
  • 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.

Skills

Speaking
72%
Social Perceptiveness
72%
Active Listening
72%
Active Learning
69%
Critical Thinking
69%
Coordination
66%
Reading Comprehension
66%
Persuasion
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
Service Orientation
63%
Monitoring
63%
Negotiation
60%
Time Management
56%
Writing
56%
Complex Problem Solving
56%
Instructing
53%
Management of Personnel Resources
44%
Operations Monitoring
41%
Learning Strategies
41%
Systems Analysis
38%
Operation and Control
35%
Systems Evaluation
35%
Mathematics
31%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Troubleshooting
19%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Quality Control Analysis
19%
Technology Design
16%
Programming
13%
Science
10%
Equipment Selection
6%
Operations Analysis
3%
Equipment Maintenance
3%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Law and Government
96%
Public Safety and Security
96%
English Language
82%
Psychology
77%
Customer and Personal Service
75%
Education and Training
69%
Telecommunications
62%
Administration and Management
62%
Administrative
61%
Computers and Electronics
60%
Communications and Media
58%
Transportation
53%
Geography
51%
Sociology and Anthropology
50%
Therapy and Counseling
49%
Personnel and Human Resources
45%
Mathematics
35%
Foreign Language
29%
Chemistry
28%
Philosophy and Theology
27%
Medicine and Dentistry
27%
Economics and Accounting
27%
Mechanical
21%
Physics
21%
Engineering and Technology
18%
Production and Processing
18%
History and Archeology
17%
Design
17%
Biology
17%
Sales and Marketing
14%
Building and Construction
8%
Fine Arts
4%
Food Production
4%

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Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
88%
Oral Comprehension
88%
Deductive Reasoning
81%
Inductive Reasoning
81%
Oral Expression
78%
Speech Clarity
72%
Written Comprehension
72%
Near Vision
69%
Information Ordering
69%
Far Vision
66%
Speech Recognition
66%
Flexibility of Closure
63%
Written Expression
63%
Category Flexibility
60%
Trunk Strength
60%
Static Strength
56%
Explosive Strength
56%
Multilimb Coordination
56%
Speed of Closure
56%
Selective Attention
56%
Reaction Time
53%
Dynamic Strength
53%
Response Orientation
53%
Perceptual Speed
53%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
50%
Fluency of Ideas
50%
Time Sharing
50%
Memorization
50%
Originality
50%
Auditory Attention
47%
Stamina
47%
Spatial Orientation
47%
Rate Control
47%
Manual Dexterity
47%
Sound Localization
44%
Hearing Sensitivity
44%
Extent Flexibility
44%
Depth Perception
44%
Gross Body Coordination
44%
Visual Color Discrimination
44%
Visualization
41%
Finger Dexterity
41%
Peripheral Vision
41%
Speed of Limb Movement
41%
Control Precision
41%
Glare Sensitivity
41%
Gross Body Equilibrium
41%
Night Vision
38%
Wrist-Finger Speed
35%
Number Facility
35%
Mathematical Reasoning
31%
Dynamic Flexibility
13%

Work Activities

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
94%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
92%
Getting Information
92%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
89%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
88%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
87%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
87%
Documenting/Recording Information
86%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
84%
Assisting and Caring for Others
83%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
82%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
80%
Working with Computers
80%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
78%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
77%
Training and Teaching Others
76%
Processing Information
75%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
71%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
70%
Performing General Physical Activities
69%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
68%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
67%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
67%
Analyzing Data or Information
67%
Developing and Building Teams
67%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
65%
Performing Administrative Activities
64%
Scheduling Work and Activities
61%
Coaching and Developing Others
61%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
61%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
59%
Thinking Creatively
58%
Selling or Influencing Others
55%
Handling and Moving Objects
51%
Controlling Machines and Processes
46%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
46%
Staffing Organizational Units
40%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
38%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
36%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
35%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
25%

Work Context

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

96%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

94%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

94%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

93%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

93%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

92%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

92%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

91%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

90%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

89%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

88%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

88%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

87%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

86%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

81%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

81%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

77%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

76%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

75%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

75%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

75%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

74%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

74%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

73%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

68%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

67%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

66%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

65%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

62%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

61%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

60%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

59%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

58%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

58%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

57%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

50%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

50%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

49%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

48%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

48%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

47%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

42%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

41%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

41%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

38%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

37%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

37%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

27%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

25%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

22%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

22%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

16%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

13%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

11%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

9%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

8%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

5%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

40%

Post-secondary certificate

21%

Associate's degree

17%

Interests

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, t

73

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 hum

56

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/advertis

52

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

41

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

29

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

1

Work Styles

Stress Tolerance
100%
Dependability
98%
Integrity
98%
Self-Control
88%
Adaptability
77%
Cautiousness
77%
Perseverance
73%
Self-Confidence
73%
Attention to Detail
72%
Leadership Orientation
66%
Initiative
64%
Sincerity
60%
Cooperation
57%
Achievement Orientation
55%
Empathy
51%
Social Orientation
47%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
40%
Optimism
31%
Humility
23%
Intellectual Curiosity
14%
Innovation
1%

Work Values

Achievement
78%
Independence
78%
Relationships
78%
Support
78%
Recognition
70%
Working Conditions
63%

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