Top police officer skills to look for in candidates
1. Communication skills
Included in 21.75% of police officer job postings
Police officers typically write reports, issue commands, conduct interviews and perform other communication-intensive tasks. If you’re hiring a police officer, consider looking for someone with strong verbal and written communication skills. An officer should be able to explain complex concepts to community members. Your department also needs officers capable of communicating with judges, attorneys and jurors when their cases go to trial.
Job description example: Ability to write detailed investigative reports
Assessing the skill: Administering a writing assessment and listening to how the candidate communicates during an interview can help you assess this skill.
2. Law enforcement
Included in 19.67% of police officer job postings
A police officer should have a variety of law enforcement skills, such as conflict resolution, emergency response and criminal investigation. If you’re hiring a police officer, look for someone whose skills are a good fit for your department. For example, if you need employees to handle traffic enforcement duties, consider looking for candidates with experience conducting traffic stops and appearing in court for traffic cases.
Job description example: Strong criminal investigation skills required
Assessing the skill: Ask scenario-based interview questions related to law enforcement skills.
3. Military
Included in 13.27% of police officer job postings
Military experience can complement many police officer positions, as service members typically have excellent leadership skills and attention to detail. If you’re looking to fill a high-level position in your department, consider looking for candidates with military experience. Military experience may also be considered in place of educational requirements.
Job description example: Military experience strongly preferred
Assessing the skill: A candidate’s resume should highlight their military experience if applicable; ask follow-up questions during the interview if necessary.
4. English
Included in 12.52% of police officer job postings
Officers may issue commands, write reports and provide testimony so English speakers can understand them.
Job description example: English proficiency required
Assessing the skill: Include an English proficiency assessment as part of the application..
5. Writing skills
Included in 10.86% of police officer job postings
Police officers write regular reports to document their work during shifts and investigations. For example, if a police officer interviews a suspect, they typically write reports explaining what each party said during the interview. Officers may also catalog evidence or perform other tasks that require strong writing skills.
Job description example: Excellent written communication skills required
Assessing the skill: Most cities require candidates to pass a written exam as part of the hiring process. These exams often include basic math, grammar, and a writing prompt to evaluate candidates’ communication abilities. Additionally, a writing assessment can be administered to gain further insight into a candidate’s skills, particularly if there are concerns after reviewing the resume and cover letter.
6. Computer skills
Included in 9.59% of police officer job postings
Many police officers use mobile computer terminals to look up license plates, enter information about suspects and perform other tasks, such as filing reports, accessing databases and communicating with team members. While prior experience with these tools is a plus, many cities hire officers with no prior law enforcement experience and provide the necessary training.
Job description example: Candidates should be comfortable with basic computer skills and show a willingness to learn law enforcement-specific software.
Assessing the skill: Administer a preemployment assessment to determine if candidates have the skills to perform essential job functions.
7. Leadership
Included in 7.03% of police officer job postings
If you’re hiring a captain or a lieutenant, you likely need someone who can lead a department effectively and inspire officers daily. Leadership skills are valuable at all seniority levels, as police officers serve as leaders in their communities. Every officer should have a strong leadership presence to promote cooperation from community members.
Job description example: Strong leadership skills required; prior leadership experience highly desired
Assessing the skill: Ask detailed interview questions about each candidate’s experience leading others. For candidates with limited leadership experience, ask scenario-based questions to help evaluate their potential leadership skills.
8. Bilingual
Included in 5.65% of police officer job postings
If your department is in a diverse community, it may be beneficial to hire bilingual officers. Bilingual officers can play a crucial role in building trust and improving communication with residents who speak different languages. This skill can also enhance an officer’s ability to de-escalate situations, gather accurate information and serve the community more effectively.
Job description example: Bilingual applicants preferred
Assessing the skill: Ask candidates to complete a language proficiency test during your hiring process.
9. Customer service
Included in 5.53% of police officer job postings
Community members aren’t customers in the traditional sense, but police officers still need to treat them with respect. Having positive relationships with local residents reflects well on your department. Your officers may also have to help stranded motorists, answer questions about local procedures or handle other matters, emphasizing the importance of customer service skills.
Job description example: Ability to take a customer-centric approach to policing
Assessing the skill: Use behavioral interview questions to determine if a candidate has the required customer-service skills.
10. Driving
Included in 4.46% of police officer job postings
Some officers spend their shifts driving around assigned patrol areas, making good driving skills essential. Officers must also respond quickly to emergencies, which requires proficient driving skills to navigate traffic and reach locations promptly.
Job description example: Strong defensive driving skills required
Assessing the skill: Request a copy of the candidate’s driving record.
11. First aid
Included in 4.36% of police officer job postings
Officers are often the first responders at emergency scenes, such as accidents, medical emergencies or other incidents. Basic first aid skills allow them to provide immediate assistance until medical professionals arrive.
Job description example: First aid certification and skills preferred, willing to train new hires
Assessing the skill: Ask to see the candidate’s first-aid certification or engage in a role-play exercise designed to assess first-aid skills.
12. Criminal defense law
Included in 3.83% of police officer job postings
Police officers must have a solid understanding of criminal laws and procedures to enforce the law effectively. This includes knowledge of suspects’ rights, proper arrest protocols and the legal processes involved in criminal cases. A strong grasp of these principles helps officers conduct investigations lawfully and provide accurate, credible testimony in court.
Job description example: Knowledge of criminal defense principles
Assessing the skill: Ask scenario-based questions about each candidate’s knowledge of criminal law.
13. Spanish
Included in 3.43% of police officer job postings
Police officers may need to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking members of your community. Spanish-speaking officers might also build stronger relationships within the community.
Job description example: Spanish fluency required
Assessing the skill: Administer a pre-employment Spanish test before making a hiring decision.
14. Microsoft Office
Included in 3.41% of police officer job postings
Microsoft Office generally makes it easier to complete police officer tasks, including writing reports, compiling crime statistics and creating presentation slides. Your department may also benefit from having officers who know how to use Microsoft Office to prepare court exhibits.
Job description example: Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office
Assessing the skill: Administer a Microsoft Office assessment as part of your hiring process.
15. Organizational skills
Included in 3.21% of police officer job postings
Police officer positions require organization, particularly during high-level investigations. Excellent organizational skills can make it easier to meet report deadlines and appear in court as scheduled. Officers also need to keep arrest reports, crime scene photographs and other items organized and accessible.
Job description example: Strong organizational skills required
Assessing the skill: Ask each candidate to explain how they manage time and organization in a high-pressure environment.
16. Report writing
Included in 2.89% of police officer job postings
Police officers are accountable to the public and must document their activities carefully. Your officers may need to write reports after conducting interviews, visiting crime scenes, testifying in court, meeting with prosecutors or performing traffic stops. Each report should be understandable and contain an appropriate level of detail.
Job description example: Ability to write detailed reports
Assessing the skill: Ask each candidate to write a short report based on a fictitious scenario.
17. Management
Included in 2.68% of police officer job postings
If you’re hiring a high-level officer, you need someone with demonstrated management skills. Strong managers understand what resources are available and know how to use them effectively. For example, a department head might schedule officers in a way that minimizes overtime costs.
Job description example: Management experience strongly preferred
Assessing the skill: Use behavioral-based interviewing to determine if a candidate has suitable management skills for your open position.
18. Supervising experience
Included in 2.39% of police officer job postings
Police officers may have to supervise junior colleagues or civilian employees, making supervisory experience extremely helpful. Hiring a police officer with supervising experience also gives your department extra flexibility. If a supervisor leaves the department, another employee is available until you find a replacement.
Job description example: At least five years of supervisory experience required
Assessing the skill: Ask each candidate to describe their supervisory experience and leadership style in detail during the interview process.
19. Criminal investigation
Included in 2.20% of police officer job postings
Many police officers perform investigative duties, so they must understand how to analyze crime scenes, take witness statements and perform other relevant tasks. Officers should also have in-depth knowledge of constitutional amendments related to self-incrimination, lawful searches and other relevant topics.
Job description example: Advanced criminal investigation skills required
Assessing the skill: During the interview, present a fictitious scenario and ask the candidate how they would approach the investigation.
20. Microsoft Word
Included in 2.15% of police officer job postings
If your department relies on Microsoft Word for writing reports, creating policy manuals and performing other word-processing tasks, consider looking for a candidate with Word skills.
Job description example: Intermediate Microsoft Word skills required
Assessing the skill: Administer a Microsoft Word assessment.
21. Microsoft Excel
Included in 2.14% of police officer job postings
Some departments use Microsoft Excel to track crime trends and create statistical reports. Look for a candidate who understands how to create charts and graphs, format spreadsheets according to department guidelines and perform other Excel tasks.
Job description example: Must have advanced Microsoft Excel skills
Assessing the skill: Administer a Microsoft Excel assessment as part of your hiring process.
22. Security
Included in 1.49% of police officer job postings
Police officers are responsible for maintaining public safety and security in their communities. This involves assessing situations, identifying potential threats and taking appropriate actions to mitigate risks.
Police officers typically have to maintain security at large events. For example, if your town always has a large Independence Day parade, you may provide officers to assist with crowd control.
Job description example: Ability to maintain security at public events
Assessing the skill: Ask in-depth questions about how each candidate would handle crowd control and other security tasks.
23. Analysis skills
Included in 1.41% of police officer job postings
Analysis skills are essential for police officers to investigate crimes effectively, assess risks and solve complex problems. Whether examining a crime scene, interpreting data to identify trends or evaluating suspects’ behavior during interrogations, strong analytical abilities enable officers to make informed decisions.
Job description example: Excellent analysis skills required
Assessing the skill: Ask each candidate to analyze a sample scenario during the interview.
24. Conflict management
Included in 1.32% of police officer job postings
Conflict management is a critical skill for police officers, as they frequently deal with tense situations. Officers must be able to de-escalate conflicts, mediate disputes and resolve issues peacefully to prevent situations from escalating. This involves effective communication, active listening and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Job description example: Strong conflict management skills required
Assessing the skill: During the interview, present an example of a conflict and ask the candidate how they would manage it.
25. Typing
Included in 1.22% of police officer job postings
Typing is an important skill for police officers, as much of their work involves documenting incidents, writing reports and entering data into computerized systems. Accurate and efficient typing ensures that reports are completed in a timely manner, reducing administrative delays and allowing officers to focus on other duties.
Job description example: Typing speed of 50 WPM required
Assessing the skill: Administer a typing test before hiring the candidate.
Other top police officer skills in-demand
Here are an additional 25 police officer skills that are common in police officer job postings on Indeed:
26. Word processing: Included in 1.16% of police officer job postings
27. CPR: Included in 1.02% of police officer job postings
28. Heavy lifting: Included in 0.97% of police officer job postings
29. Microsoft PowerPoint: Included in 0.96% of police officer job postings
30. Multilingual: Included in 0.89% of police officer job postings
31. Basic math: Included in 0.89% of police officer job postings
32. Public relations: Included in 0.86% of police officer job postings
33. Teaching: Included in 0.86% of police officer job postings
34. Interviewing: Included in 0.78% of police officer job postings
35. Human resources: Included in 0.72% of police officer job postings
36. Public speaking: Included in 0.68% of police officer job postings
37. Employee evaluation: Included in 0.63% of police officer job postings
38. Surveillance: Included in 0.60% of police officer job postings
39. Time management: Included in 0.54% of police officer job postings
40. Computer literacy: Included in 0.54% of police officer job postings
¹Indeed data (US), January 2023 – Dec 2023
