Truth & Character Thursdays

“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” ― George Orwell

Want a physically demanding career that lets you help people? Being a police officer is one option that fits the profile. While rewarding, police work also comes with risks and requirements that require a certain personality that can handle those requirements. Understanding the facts about police officers helps you determine if it's a good option for you.

Job Description

What does a police officer do all day? The overall purpose of the job is to protect people and property within the jurisdiction. That can look different, depending on where you work and your assignment within the department.

One of the most visible duties of police work is patrolling the assigned area in a police vehicle. Officers watch for traffic violations and suspicious activity in the patrol area. When a citizen places an emergency call, police officers are dispatched to the location to help. Police officers may carry out search warrants and collect evidence when crimes happen. They also handle arrests, as needed.

Part of the job is administrative. Officers write up reports on all sorts of crimes and violations. They have to complete the relevant forms and paperwork to document the incidents. Those records are used in court cases, and the officer may be required to appear in court. Police officers often must testify in cases that make it to court.

Education Requirements

The education requirements for being a cop can vary, by the state or hiring agency. A high school diploma is usually the minimum requirement for any police job. It's becoming more common to require at least some college or even a completed college degree. If you're chosen as a police officer for an agency, you'll likely go to police training academy before you actually start your job.

Industry

Police work takes you to a wide range of locations, including many that are dangerous. While some of the work may take place in the police station, a majority of a patrol officer's duties take place in the community. When not on an emergency call or investigating a crime, officers patrol an assigned area. Much of the work is physically demanding on top of the potential danger. It can also be a highly stressful industry.

Years of Experience and Salary

Police officers made a median annual wage of $62,960 as of May 2017. Median salary refers to the midway point with half of the salaries in the career coming in lower and the other half coming in higher. If your salary falls in the lowest 10 percent, you can expect to make less than $35,780. If you work your way up to the highest 10 percent, you'll make over $105,230.

Job Growth Trend

Another important piece of police officer information is the job outlook. Between 2016 and 2026, police employment is expected to grow by 7 percent, which is about the same as the average of all careers. Government budgets influence the specific growth rate in different areas, but demands for greater public safety drive the need for more officers. The police field has relatively low turnover, which means competition is usually high when jobs open. Having military training or a degree can give you the advantage.

Honour & Respect

Are we lacking respect for authority these days?