A sworn law-enforcement officer who patrols communities, responds to calls, and investigates crimes.
What police officers do
Police officers patrol assigned beats, respond to calls for service, investigate crimes, make arrests, write reports, and testify in court. They de-escalate disputes, conduct traffic enforcement, and partner with community organizations on prevention and youth programs.
Training path
Most US police officers complete a four- to six-month academy covering law, defensive tactics, firearms, driving, and ethics. After graduation they enter a months-long field training program with a senior officer before patrolling solo.
Settings
Police officers work for municipal departments, county sheriff offices, state police and highway patrol, university police, transit and airport police, and federal agencies including the FBI, DEA, and Secret Service.
Find more professions by letter
Police Officer starts with P and ends with R. Browse other professions along the same letter.
Professions that contain a letter from "Police Officer":