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Police Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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The Police, or a Police Officer, keeps the public safe by investigating and preventing crimes. Their main duties include processing and making criminal arrests, writing detailed reports about various cases and taking witness statements after crimes are committed.

Police duties and responsibilities

People in Police positions need to be able to work effectively in an often rapidly changing environment. Some of the common duties associated with job descriptions for Police are:

  • Maintain a constant presence in the community through regular patrols to deter crime and provide quick help when needed.
  • Secure crime scenes and protect evidence from tampering or loss.
  • Attend public events as security to help ensure peaceful attendance.
  • Help identify potential crime spots and activities which may result in criminal acts.
  • Remain vigilant regarding potential hazards or problems which could harm the public.
  • Issue citations for traffic and similar violations.
  • Apprehend those suspected of committing crimes.
  • Write daily reports of activities.

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Police Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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What do Police do?

Police Officers work on law enforcement teams to enforce local, state and federal laws. They’re typically assigned specific areas to patrol to ensure all citizens follow the law. They’ll administer warnings, citations or arrests to people who break these laws and regulations. Police Officers must also quickly respond to emergency calls and drive to the scene to assist other team members in resolving different emergency situations.

When a crime occurs, the Police are responsible for providing written recordings of various incidents and must interview eyewitnesses, suspects and victims to provide their Supervisors with full details of the cases. Police Officers may be expected to appear and testify in court cases for the arrests or citations they’ve administered.

Police skills and qualifications

The skills and qualifications for becoming a Police Officer include the ability to pass certain physical and mental evaluations. These are used to ensure that candidates are qualified to provide a high degree of public service. Some of the common skills sought in Police candidates include:

  • Good judgment
  • Calm under pressure
  • Strong verbal communication skills
  • No felonies or unpaid traffic violations
  • Not currently under a court injunction or supervision

Police salary expectations

The average salary for a Police Officer is $53,557 per year. Salary can vary depending on geographical location and years of experience. Some common benefits for Police positions include tuition reimbursement, life insurance, disability insurance and a retirement plan.

Police salary expectations

2025-10-01
  • Common salary:
  • Typical salaries range from -
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Police education and training requirements

Police education and training requirements will depend on the exact job role and the level of training required in your organization. The following examples assume that the Police positions to be hired are entry-level and the organization provides access to additional training if necessary. Some of the common requirements seen in such roles are an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or similar field. A bachelor’s degree may be preferred. Basic Law Enforcement Certification course completion and a valid state-issued driver’s license are additional potential requirements.

Police experience requirements

Experience requirements differ for each Police agency, but for entry-level positions, common requirements could include prior military experience or security experience. Some positions may require no experience and would note that the organization will train candidates.

Job description samples for similar positions

If you are looking for a job description for a similar role, you can review this similar job:

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Frequently asked questions about the Police

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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