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Police Officer

A police officer may assume many roles, including that of a patrol officer, mounted officer, and school resource officer. All of these jobs have different descriptions and duties. However, two parameters remain the same throughout the profession. The first is that of training and the second encompasses purpose. Law enforcement officers must be in excellent physical condition, since physical altercations commonly occur. In addition, they are also required to earn an education before qualifying to become an entry-level officer. The education typically consists of a two-year associate’s degree in criminal justice, although some departments require a four-year Bachelor’s degree, especially if the officer wishes to pursue higher ranked positions. Additionally, they are typically required to attend specialized police academy training upon hire. This ensures their understanding of local laws and the unique practices of their department. Once hired, they will also undergo extensive firearm safety and handling training.

Patrol Officer Job Description

The patrol officer monitors a specific section of a city, while watching for people who break the law. You will perform nay of the duties either in a patrol car or on a motorcycle. This type of officer generally watches for moving violations, such as speeding or drunk driving. These police officers typically write citations and arrest people. Since arrests are a large part of this job, the officer must have thorough knowledge of all the Constitution, to ensure he or she follows all of the constitutionally guaranteed rights provided to citizens.

Patrol officers typically do not investigate serious crimes unless they are working in a small department. Instead, they respond first to a crime scene and then they report to the investigators what they found when they arrived on the scene. This position represents an entry-level position into the criminal justice field. Therefore, many law enforcement personnel who secure a patrol officer job eventually move up to higher ranking positions, such as investigators and detectives.

Mounted Police Officer

A mounted police officer is one of the oldest forms of law enforcement, dating back to the 1700’s, when automobiles did not exist. Some jurisdictions still have mounted officers patrolling their streets during times when cities block off streets due to parades or riots. While this form of policing has become rare, it remains a landmark in New York City, where tourists from all over the world watch officers mounted on horses in the crowded New York streets. Mounted police do not drive patrol cars. Instead, they ride patrol horses throughout their route every day.

School Resource Officer

A school resource officer, or SRO, has become an instrumental part of the law enforcement community. These specially trained officers keep children safe and law abiding. They patrol school grounds every day, all day, to ensure students are getting to and from school in a safe manner. They watch for suspicious behavior from either the students or outsiders who roam near the school premises. In addition, should there be any crime reported at the school, an SRO typically questions the students involved and makes a determination as to how the case should progress. School police officers must have a personality that allows them to communicate with students and build a relationship that promotes trust between students and law enforcement. With this trust in place, the school resource officer will be successful in the job and be effective in keeping the students safe before, during, and after school.

The police officer is the first responder to most crimes that are committed in their jurisdiction. They are responsible for keeping citizens safe and ensuring laws are not broke in any way. Law enforcement officers are here to protect everybody they serve by bringing to justice those who choose to break the law.

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