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Police Officer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated November 6, 2025
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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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7 min read

A 757134159police officer19.62law enforcement9.24police7.6armed security4.2security officer3.3153015557590422000.0070512.61146000.00YEARLY2648751622025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Police Officer, or Law Enforcement Officer, is responsible for ensuring civilians obey the law. Police Officers also provide emergency services such as responding to calls. A police officer’s main duties include patrolling assigned areas to ensure civilians are adhering to the law, investigating crimes or accidents, and arresting suspects.

What does a 757134159police officer19.62law enforcement9.24police7.6armed security4.2security officer3.3153015557590422000.0070512.61146000.00YEARLY2648751622025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Police Officer do?

A Police Officer is mainly responsible for enforcing the law and protecting the public. Police Officers detect and prevent crime in particular areas and complete assignments from their supervisors. They might also participate in community safety programs, which are preventative methods to stop crime. A Police Officer fills out and files reports after an incident has happened on their watch. Police Officers can be employed by municipal or federal government bodies, provinces and tribal nations.

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Police Officer Job Description Examples

Example 1

Applications ARE NOW BEING Accepted FOR THE Position OF Police Officer WITH THE Johnstown (PA) Police Department

Applications for Police Officer for the City of Johnstown are now being accepted until September 22nd, 2023. All applications can be found on and completed at [website] Testing will take place on Thursday October 5th, 2023 beginning at 8:30am. Applicants do not need to be ACT 120 certified to apply, we will send you to the Police Academy if needed. For more information about this position call [phone number] x302.

Find out more about us on:

Facebook - [website]

Police App [website]

The City of Johnstown is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women and minorities to apply

Duties:
- Enforce laws and maintain public order
- Patrol assigned areas to deter crime and ensure the safety of the community
- Respond to emergency calls and provide assistance as needed
- Conduct investigations, gather evidence, and make arrests when necessary
- Write detailed reports documenting incidents and activities
- Provide traffic control and enforce traffic laws
- Assist with crowd control at public events or demonstrations
- Collaborate with other law enforcement agencies on joint operations or investigations
- Provide support and assistance to victims of crime

Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of a certified police academy training program
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
- Ability to pass a comprehensive background check, including legal history and drug screening
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to remain calm and make quick decisions in high-pressure situations
- Physical fitness and stamina to perform job duties, including running, lifting, and restraining individuals if necessary

Preferred qualifications:
- Certification in animal handling or experience in animal care
- Experience in loss prevention or security

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties and responsibilities may be expanded or modified as needed to meet the needs of the department.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $63,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • 12 hour Location: In person

Example 2

Positions available:

Police Officer - Certified - Class 1

Pay Info: $50,000.00 /year

The Town of St. George, South Carolina, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Town of St. Georgeapplication is required to start the hiring process.

DropBox for application: [website]%20of%20St%20George%20Employment%[website]

*Applications are also available at the Town of St. George, 305 Ridge Street, St. George, SC 29477.*

Full-Time, 12-hour shifts

South Carolina State Retirement

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • A resident of South Carolina who is old enough and who is not prohibited by state law from possessing a firearm
  • Valid South Carolina driver's licensewith a good driving record
  • Clear legal history
  • Maintain a South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy certification

Job Duties:

  • Performs protective service work enforcing laws, investigating illegal activity, ensuring the safety of the public, maintaining records and files, testifying in court, preparing reports, and related work as assigned.
  • Operates patrol vehicle, specialized police equipment, or walks to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons, and disturbances of law and order; maintains visible police presence throughout the community.
  • Interviews victims and witnesses to obtain additional information regarding crime, accident, violation, etc. Investigates crimes; collects evidence; conducts searches.
  • Responds to radio dispatches and answers calls and complaints; serves warrants, etc.; makes arrests and testifies in court; prepares incident and various reports.
  • Enforces traffic laws; investigates accidents; issues traffic citations; provides first responder medical assistance.
  • Provides police escorts, directs traffic, performs residential and commercial security checks. Participates in a variety of in-service and special training programs. Responds to and investigates domestic disputes; assists other law enforcement agencies when assigned. Reports dangers of defective streets, sidewalks, traffic lights, or other hazardous conditions.

The position will remain open until it is filled with the appropriate applicants.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • 12 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Holidays
  • Night shift
  • Overtime
  • Weekends as Location: In person

Example 3

The New Castle Police Department is seeking non-POST certified applicants for an entry level Police Officer position.

The primary responsibility of a Police Officer is to protect life and property, preserve law and order, and keep the peace. We promote safety and wellbeing through the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws in a manner consistent with the mission and goals of the Town of New Castle.

Minimum Qualifications

Pass a background check.

Complete physical agility testing.

Pass a drug screening.

Education:High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED) (Required)

Some college coursework completed (Required)

Age: 21 and over

Language:English (Required), Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:Driver's License (Required)

Experience:3 years of customer service field work (Preferred)

Schedule:12-Hour Shift Work, 4-day work weeks. Rotating Quarterly.

Day, Night, Overnight, Weekend, Holiday Availability (Required)

Compensation: The New Castle Police Dept. will cover the cost of your Academy. Recruit pay starts at $21.60/hr. while in attendance at the Colorado Mountain College Police Academy. Upon graduation and entry into our Field Training Program, pay increases to $26.44/ hr. Following the FTO process pay can increase up to $31.25/hr. based on qualifications and experience. Pay is set to increase again following the completion of your probationary period.

Residency Considerations:Applicants must reside within a 25-mile radius from the intersection of HWY 6 and Castle Valley Blvd. New Castle, CO 81647.

Relocation assistance is available based on need and availability.

Disqualifiers:No felony convictions.

Applications available at:

[website] -police-officers-only

Completed applications should be emailed to Matthew Polen. Email addresses can be found at [website]

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.60 per hour

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Professional development assistance
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • New Castle, CO: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Required)

Language:
  • English (Required)

Shift availability:
  • Day Shift (Required)
  • Night Shift (Required)
  • Overnight Shift Location: In person

Example 4

Reports to:Chief of District Security

Schedule: 8 Hours per day / 172 School Days

Purpose and Objectives of the Position: The District Police Officer will ensure a safe and secure learning environment for USD 450 Schools working in partnership with all Directors, Principals, students and faculty.

I. Essential Job Functions:
  • To enforce Federal, State and Local laws and ordinances, and to assist school officials with the enforcement of Board of Education Policies and Administrative Regulations regarding student conduct.
  • To assist other Law Enforcement Agencies and District Attorney's Office with outside investigations concerning students attending district schools.
  • To investigate illegal activity committed on or adjacent to school property.
  • To counsel students in special situations, such as students suspected of engaging in misconduct, when requested by the Principal of the Principal's designee or by the parents of a student.
  • To answer questions and conduct classroom presentations for students in the law enforcement related education field.
  • To provide traffic control during the arrival and departure of students on an as needed basis.
  • To perform residence checks on students verifying that they live in the District.
  • To assist with Crime Prevention Programs at the USD 450 schools.
  • To provide a program of educational leadership in addressing alcohol, tobacco and other drug issues, and in addressing violence alternatives, violence prevention and safety issues in the school community.
  • To provide informational in-services for staff on issues related to alcohol and other drugs, law, violence, gangs, safety, and security. The officer will also assist the school in safety and crisis planning.
  • To monitor surveillance systems, assist District Principals with obtaining video of incidents occurring at buildings, make sure equipment is in working order.
  • To testify in court or suspension hearings, as needed.
  • To transport students to juvenile intake, Shawnee County Department of Corrections, or possible treatment facilities, as needed.
  • To refer students and/or their families to the appropriate agencies for assistance when a need is determined.
  • Ability to communicate and work effectively and cooperatively with members of the school district and community.
  • To the extent possible, the District Police Officer will be highly visible throughout the school day, but particularly before and after school (in halls and parking lot), and during lunch periods.
  • To transport money deposits to the bank when needed.
  • Ability to perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor.

II. Equipment Used:
  • Radio System/Computer/Automated External Defibrillator (AED)/Alcohol Detection Equipment.
  • Will carry weapons, handcuffs and other appropriate security equipment on school property or at school events.

III. Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
  • Maintain emotional control under stress.
  • Continuous walking and standing.
  • Exposure to vehicle exhaust.
  • Works outside and is exposed to extreme temperatures and inclement weather.
  • May be subject to extreme physical acts of others (i.e., restraining students involved in altercations).

IV. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Criminal Justice Degree preferred.
  • Have and maintain Kansas Law Enforcement Certification.
  • Minimum of two (2) years Law Enforcement Experience preferred.
  • Ability to record information accurately.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Ability to work effectively with students.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
  • Desire to continue career improvement by enhancing skills and job performance.
  • Ability to observe and follow all school district policies at all times.
  • Ability to react to change and frequent interruptions in a productive and positive manner, meeting deadlines as assigned.
  • Ability to implement and follow all district health and safety policies, including all precautions of the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.
  • Must verify good health by passing a physical examination that includes TB and drug test as required.
  • Ability to keep student and personnel information and records confidential.

Terms of Employment: At Will. (See annual appendix). Salary to be established by the Board.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the USD 450 Board of Education's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel and this job description.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Location: One location

Example 5

CITY OF Milledgeville JOB Announcement

Position: Police Officer (Certified/Uncertified)

Department: Police Department 125 W. McIntosh Street

Schedule: Full-Time - 12 Hour Shifts

Salary: Negotiable Dependent Upon Experience

JOB Announcement: December 15, 2021 Until Filled

JOB Summary:

This position is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and the protection of life and property. Responsibilities include patrolling assigned zones, responding to calls, serving civil and legal court papers, providing first aid and CPR, provide traffic control, testifies in judicial proceedings, completes all required reports and forms and performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Required FOR THIS Position:

Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, legal and traffic codes, search and seizure laws, judicial procedures, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.

Knowledge of legal and traffic investigation techniques and procedures.

Knowledge of the geography and streets of the city.

Skill in CPR techniques, operating police vehicles, firearms, computers and emergency equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

Must possess and maintain a valid State of Georgia driver's license

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.

Must have valid and current requirements set forth by the Police Standards and Training Council for the State of Georgia or able to possess such requirements within determined allotted time frame.

(Note: The listed duties are illustrative only and are not intended to describe each and every function which may be performed in the job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $31,652.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • 12 hour shift

Education:
  • High school or equivalent Location: One location
Our mission

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.

Read our editorial guidelines
Job Description Best Practices
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Police Officer duties and responsibilities

When writing a job description for a Police Officer, it’s important to specify the main functions of the role. Some of the most important duties and responsibilities required by a Police Officer include:

  • Enforcing laws
  • Ensuring the safety and security of the public by responding to emergencies, providing assistance to victims, and reducing or preventing involvement in crime
  • Building relationships with the community while helping to contribute to the health and safety of vulnerable populations
  • Creating community awareness by using crime prevention methods or intervention initiatives
  • Conducting investigations by interviewing suspects, witnesses, and collecting evidence at crime scenes
  • Participating in and testifying at court hearings when required
  • Processing incident reports with accurate detail and factual information

Police Officer skills and qualifications

A successful 757134159police officer19.62law enforcement9.24police7.6armed security4.2security officer3.3153015557590422000.0070512.61146000.00YEARLY2648751622025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Police Officer candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications required for the duties of this job, including:

  • Open to working various shifts such as evenings, weekends, nights, and holidays
  • Ability to stay calm in stressful or high-risk situations
  • Ability to deescalate situations and prevent harm from occurring
  • Skilled at solving problems and using critical thinking
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Capability and desire to work in a collaborative manner with a wide range of people
  • Strong negotiation and adjudicating skills
  • Developed analysis skills for researching and investigating

Police Officer experience requirements

Police Officer candidates don’t necessarily require previous experience for entry-level positions if they have completed a relevant training program. For higher-level positions, candidates should have two or more years of experience in a policing role.

Payroll Specialist education and training requirements

Police Officer candidates are required to have at least a high school diploma. You may prefer candidates that have a bachelor’s degree in law, security, or a related discipline. A four-year college diploma in a relevant discipline is also suitable. Police Officer candidates need rigorous physical, agility, strength, and fitness training and testing to qualify for the role. They may also need a certain level of vision and hearing abilities.

Police Officer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Police Officer is $76,350 per year. The salary can vary depending on many factors, including experience, location, or the company that is hiring.

Police Officer salary expectations

2025-10-0122000.0070512.61146000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 70512.61 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 22000.00 - 146000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Job description samples for similar positions

If a 757134159police officer19.62law enforcement9.24police7.6armed security4.2security officer3.3153015557590422000.0070512.61146000.00YEARLY2648751622025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Police Officer position isn’t quite what you are looking for, other related job descriptions include:

Job Description Best Practices
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Get the Guide

Police Officer job description FAQs

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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