Career: Police Officers
The term “24/7” could have easily been coined for police officers. Even in off-hours, they’re expected to continue to do their job. From patrolling the streets to enforcing traffic laws, a police officer’s job is one of the most important in every community: to keep the streets safe and protect citizens from harm.
Despite the obvious dangers of the job, many people grow up wanting to be police officers -- and can’t imagine doing anything else.
Police officers protect people's lives and property by enforcing the law.
“The perception that most people have about police work is based upon what they see on TV and what they see in the movies. And that is absolutely so far from the truth it isn’t funny.”
Lynne Johnson, Police Chief
Are You Ready To...?
- Patrol the streets
- Respond to emergencies
- Interview witnesses
- Arrest suspects
- Write reports
- Enforce traffic laws
- Build community bonds
It Helps to Be...
Someone who can enforce rules, yet maintain compassion for others. Honesty, sound judgment, and a desire to serve your community are vital.
Make High School Count
- Sign up for psychology class. Police work is people work, and you’ll need to understand what makes them tick.
- Pay attention in math and science classes. They’ll help you sharpen your ability to think things through and solve problems -- an important part of police work.
- Work hard in P.E. and get involved in sports. Being a police officer means being fast on your feet.
Did You Know?
- Police work is a mix of excitement and boredom. For every high-speed chase, there are hours spent at the station doing paperwork.
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for police officers to grow as fast as the average for all careers through 2016.
Opportunities are expected to be best in local police departments, especially in high-crime urban areas or places where salaries are relatively low. There is more competition at the state and federal level, where salaries are higher and benefits are better.
Compensation
Local police and sheriff's patrol officers earned an average yearly salary of $52,480 in 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. State police earned $58,180. Overtime pay is common for police officers, however, and salaries range widely, depending on location.
