• Police Officer Job Description

  A police officer is a person who works for the police force to maintain public order, and to solve and prevent crimes. Police officers are given special legal powers by the government to uphold justice and order in the society. The powers they have include the power to give commands, interrogate people, search suspects, and arrest suspects.

  A police officer should have excellent judgment, extraordinary courage and the ability to remain calm and think logically in difficult situations. They should be responsible, tactful, helpful, friendly and able to relate to a wide range of people. They should be aware of what should or shouldn’t be kept confidential so as to avoid revealing state secrets or other people’s private life.

  Pursue a career in law enforcement if you are courageous and disciplined, and interested in maintaining law and order in your society.
  

• What does a Police Officer do?

  Police officers may do some or all of the following:

  • direct traffic and help motorists
  • help people in cases of emergencies
  • investigate crimes and wrong doings
  • interrogate suspicious people
  • ensure that laws and regulations are obeyed
  • write reports and statements
  • give evidence in court
  • take directions on specific duties from senior colleagues
  • patrol an area to safeguard it

• Where does a Police Officer work?

• Working Conditions

  Police officers usually work shifts including nights, weekends, and public holidays. They work outdoors and indoors in a variety of locations, in places where people reside and where important possessions are kept for safety. Their job may involve moving around to patrol areas and this can be ominous and dangerous, as they may face verbal and physical abuse. They may be required to wear uniforms and carry firearms while working.

• What is Required to Become a Police Officer ?

  To be eligible to become a police officer in most countries, you will need to be at least 18yrs of age, be a citizen or a permanent resident of the country and pass drug, fitness and medical tests. You will be required to undergo a police training program once you are employed.

• Modules

  Just to give you an idea, some of the classes that you’ll be taking in a police college may include:

  • Report Writing
  • Criminal Law
  • Investigative Procedures
  • Community Policing
  • Firearms
  • Defensive Tactics
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Leadership
  • Ethics

• Specializations

• Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

  Police officers need to have:

  • patience
  • agility
  • courteousness and tactfulness
  • discipline and sobriety
  • integrity and impartiality
  • confidence and courage
  • good hearing and eye sight
  • physical strength and stamina
  • good attention to detail
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • good listening and communication skills
  • good judgment and decision making skills
  • good teamwork skills
  • analytical and problem solving skills
  • organizational skills
  • interrogational skills
  • record keeping skills
  • observational skills
  • clerical skills
  • first aid skills
  • negotiation and persuasion skills
  • the ability to obey orders willingly
  • the ability to develop skills in the use of firearms
  • the ability to relate to persons of all races, creeds, cultures and varying personalities
  • the ability to stay calm under pressure
  • knowledge of behavioral psychology
  • knowledge of police policy and procedures
  • knowledge of government laws and constitutions
  • knowledge of people’s right
  • knowledge of courthouse activities
  • knowledge of searching techniques

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Alternative Careers

• Customs Officer
• Immigration Officer
• Court Bailiff
• Firefighter

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