Police officers

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers — one of 2 occupations here: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, Transit and Railroad Police.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

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.93
Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.93
Verify that the proper legal charges have been made against law offenders.88
Render aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.88
Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.87
Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.86
Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.85
Drive vehicles or patrol specific areas to detect law violators, issue citations, and make arrests.85
Supervise law enforcement staff, such as jail staff, officers, and deputy sheriffs.83
Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.82
Investigate traffic accidents and other accidents to determine causes and to determine if a crime has been committed.82
Execute arrest warrants, locating and taking persons into custody.82

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Relay complaint and emergency-request information to appropriate agency dispatchers.81
Patrol specific area on foot, horseback, or motorized conveyance, responding promptly to calls for assistance.80
Monitor traffic to ensure motorists observe traffic regulations and exhibit safe driving procedures.80
Testify in court to present evidence or act as witness in traffic and criminal cases.79
Evaluate complaint and emergency-request information to determine response requirements.79
Place people in protective custody.79
Patrol and guard courthouses, grand jury rooms, or assigned areas to provide security, enforce laws, maintain order, and arrest violators.78
Transport or escort prisoners and defendants en route to courtrooms, prisons or jails, attorneys' offices, or medical facilities.75
Photograph or draw diagrams of crime or accident scenes and interview principals and eyewitnesses.75
Notify patrol units to take violators into custody or to provide needed assistance or medical aid.74
Process prisoners, and prepare and maintain records of prisoner bookings and prisoner status during booking and pre-trial process.74
Direct traffic flow and reroute traffic in case of emergencies.73
Question individuals entering secured areas to determine their business, directing and rerouting individuals as necessary.72
Locate and confiscate real or personal property, as directed by court order.72
Inform citizens of community services and recommend options to facilitate longer-term problem resolution.69
Conduct community programs for all ages concerning topics such as drugs and violence.64
Provide road information to assist motorists.63
Serve statements of claims, subpoenas, summonses, jury summonses, orders to pay alimony, and other court orders.56
Organize community events and programs to educate community members about law enforcement practices.—

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening78
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness75
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Learning72
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking72
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making69
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension69
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Coordination66
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Service Orientation66
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Persuasion63
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Monitoring56
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Complex Problem Solving53
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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Negotiation53
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Writing53
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Instructing47
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies44
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources41
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Systems Analysis41
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Operations Monitoring38
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Systems Evaluation31
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Material Resources28
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operation and Control25
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Management of Financial Resources22
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Quality Control Analysis22
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Troubleshooting22
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Programming10
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science10
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Equipment Maintenance3
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection3
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operations Analysis0
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Law and Government94
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Public Safety and Security94
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Customer and Personal Service83
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language76
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Psychology75
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Education and Training68
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Computers and Electronics58
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Geography58
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Telecommunications58
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Therapy and Counseling58
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Transportation58
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Administration and Management57
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

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Communications and Media57
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Personnel and Human Resources54
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Administrative53
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Sociology and Anthropology51
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Mathematics36
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Medicine and Dentistry33
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Foreign Language32
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Biology29
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Physics27
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Production and Processing27
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Engineering and Technology23
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Philosophy and Theology23
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Chemistry22
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Economics and Accounting22
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
History and Archeology18
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Mechanical17
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Design16
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Building and Construction13
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Sales and Marketing11
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Fine Arts2
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production2
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension88
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity88
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Oral Expression81
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning78
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning78
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Far Vision72
The ability to see details at a distance.
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Written Comprehension72
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Information Ordering69
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Speech Clarity69
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

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Flexibility of Closure66
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Response Orientation60
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Reaction Time56
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Static Strength56
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Dynamic Strength53
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength53
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Memorization53
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Multilimb Coordination53
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Time Sharing53
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Trunk Strength53
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Auditory Attention50
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Fluency of Ideas50
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Originality50
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speed of Closure50
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Extent Flexibility47
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Gross Body Coordination47
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Manual Dexterity47
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Stamina47
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Visual Color Discrimination47
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Control Precision44
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Gross Body Equilibrium44
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Hearing Sensitivity44
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Peripheral Vision44
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control44
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Sound Localization44
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation44
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement44
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Visualization44
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Depth Perception41
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Glare Sensitivity41
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision41
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Finger Dexterity35
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Number Facility28
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Wrist-Finger Speed28
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Dynamic Flexibility16
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Documenting/Recording Information98
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public98
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems97
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates94
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization93
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment92
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Getting Information91
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events88
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others88
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships87
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Assisting and Caring for Others86
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Working with Computers85
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

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Processing Information84
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards82
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Performing General Physical Activities82
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge82
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings77
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Thinking Creatively74
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others71
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work70
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Training and Teaching Others70
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Developing Objectives and Strategies67
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Analyzing Data or Information65
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Coaching and Developing Others65
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People64
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others63
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing and Building Teams59
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Handling and Moving Objects57
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials57
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Scheduling Work and Activities57
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information52
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Performing Administrative Activities52
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates51
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others50
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Controlling Machines and Processes47
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Monitoring and Controlling Resources38
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Selling or Influencing Others33
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units33
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment25
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment23
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment21
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Stress Tolerance100
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Dependability98
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity98
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Control88
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Adaptability77
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Cautiousness77
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance73
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Confidence73
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Attention to Detail72
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Leadership Orientation66
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Initiative64
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Sincerity60
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

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Cooperation57
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Achievement Orientation55
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Empathy51
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Social Orientation47
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity40
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Optimism31
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Humility23
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Intellectual Curiosity14
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Innovation1
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic73
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, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional56
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 human resources.
Enterprising51
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/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social41
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.
Investigative29
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 fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic1
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, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day87%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important88%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day89%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day68%
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others77%
- Contact with others most of the time13%
- Occasional contact with others11%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important68%
- Very important17%
- Important14%
Conflict Situations
- Every day69%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day77%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
E-Mail
- Every day79%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important56%
- Very important32%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours68%
- 40 hours31%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom44%
- Some freedom48%

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Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results68%
- Important results12%
- Minor results13%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility54%
- High responsibility23%
- Moderate responsibility17%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day53%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day66%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day54%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day31%
- Once a week or more but not every day41%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day42%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom31%
- Some freedom40%
- Limited freedom18%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important40%
- Very important24%
- Important23%
Time Pressure
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day42%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Every day32%
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day38%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)38%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)35%
- I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)11%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day52%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually22%
- More than half the time40%
- About half the time31%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day46%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility27%
- High responsibility32%
- Moderate responsibility32%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important36%
- Very important25%
- Important16%
- Fairly important16%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious60%
- Not serious at all32%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day36%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually27%
- More than half the time28%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time29%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day27%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day39%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never22%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Never27%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually21%
- More than half the time16%
- About half the time25%
- Less than half the time31%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day23%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never17%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually15%
- About half the time44%
- Less than half the time40%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually13%
- More than half the time16%
- About half the time20%
- Less than half the time49%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Never39%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never17%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never21%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive18%
- Moderately competitive33%
- Slightly competitive21%
- Not at all competitive20%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day25%
- Once a year or more but not every month44%
- Never22%
Public Speaking
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a year or more but not every month45%
- Never18%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- About half the time34%
- Less than half the time55%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month54%
- Never24%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time66%
- Never15%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time52%
- Never32%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)43%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)57%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never53%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never62%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated11%
- Slightly automated21%
- Not at all automated62%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never73%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time44%
- Never53%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Important19%
- Not important at all73%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Post-secondary certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Data base user interface and query software
Database software, Microsoft Access, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, Spillman Technologies Records Management
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Graphics or photo imaging software
Computer aided composite drawing software, DesignWare 3D EyeWitness, SmugMug Flickr, The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
Spreadsheet software
IBM Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software
Internet browser software
Microsoft Internet Explorer, Web browser software
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcView
Helpdesk or call center software
Computer aided dispatch software
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Map creation software
Crime mapping software
Process mapping and design software
Microsoft Visio

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Apprehend criminal suspects.
Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.
Maintain public order or security.
Administer first aid.
Investigate legal issues.
Prepare investigation or incident reports.
Investigate accidents to determine causes.
Patrol properties to maintain safety.
Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
Direct law enforcement activities.
Communicate situation details to appropriate personnel.
Maintain surveillance of individuals or establishments.

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Relay information about incidents or emergencies to personnel using phones or two-way radios.
Monitor access or flow of people to prevent problems.
Detain suspects or witnesses.
Determine operational procedures.
Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
Guard facilities.
Escort prisoners to courtrooms, prisons, or other facilities.
Interview people to gather information about criminal activities.
Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.
Maintain operational records.
Record information about suspects or criminals.
Direct vehicle traffic.
Interview people to obtain information about actions or status of individuals.
Confiscate prohibited or dangerous items.
Locate suspicious objects or vehicles.
Inform the public about policies, services or procedures.
Recommend improvements to increase safety or reduce risks.
Communicate health and wellness information to the public.
Present social services program information to the public.
Assist motorists or pedestrians.
Serve court ordered documents.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Master Homeland Security Specialist
Police Officer (Alternate Title: Military Police)
Police Officer (Nof)
Protective Service Specialist
Protective Service Specialist (Active Duty Military)
Security Specialist
Security Specialist (Alternate Title: Physical Security Specialist)
Working Dog Handler

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology