Police Officer Job Description

What is the job description of a Police Officer? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Police Officer? What does a Police Officer do?

Job description of a Police Officer

A Police Officer is responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting members of the public and their properties, preventing crime and improving citizens’ quality of life. Their goal is to achieve community safety and crime reduction.

Police officers pursue and apprehend people who break the law. They then warn, cite, or arrest them. Most police officers patrol their jurisdictions and investigate suspicious activity. They also respond to calls, issue traffic tickets, and give first aid to accident victims. Most Police officers carry law enforcement tools, such as radios, handcuffs, and guns.

This Police Officer job description example includes the list of most important Police Officer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Police Officer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Police Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Police Officer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls
  • Conduct traffic stops and issue citations
  • Conduct interviews with suspects and witnesses
  • Observe the activities of suspects
  • Investigate crimes
  • Collect and secure evidence from crime scenes
  • Patrol assigned areas
  • Write detailed reports and fill out forms
  • Prepare cases and testify in court
  • Enforce laws
  • Obtain warrants and arrest suspects

Police Officer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Police Officer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Police academy certification
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Valid driving license
  • Ability to pass a criminal history background check
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Aptitude to react quickly and calmly to emergency police situations
  • Cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others
  • In-depth knowledge of all aspects of police work: arrest techniques, defensive tactics, vehicle operations-normal and emergency situations
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Police Officer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Police Officer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Police Officer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.