Is a Career as a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Right for You?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers at a Glance
- O*NET-SOC Code
- 33-3051.00
- Holland Code
- RCE
- Typical Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
What Does a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Do?
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.
- Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- 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.
- Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
- Render aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
- Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
Salary and Job Outlook
Verified salary and job-growth data for this occupation aren't published on this page yet, we only show figures we can cite to a real source (PRD methodology: O*NET/BLS).
Is Your Personality a Fit?
People who thrive as a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers tend to score high in Realistic, Conventional, Enterprising interests. Take the free career test to see how your own results compare.
Take the free career test to see if you matchHow to Become a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related Careers
FAQ
What does a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers do day-to-day?
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.
What education do I need to become a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Is a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers a good personality fit for me?
It depends on your interests: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officerss tend to score high in Realistic, Conventional, Enterprising. Take the free career test to see your own match.
Occupation data from the O*NET O*NET 30.3 Database (retrieved 2026-07-21), U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.