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Police Officer

Occupation Information table
Overview: Police officers are responsible for local area crime prevention through patrolling and public relations activities. They meet with neighborhood leaders to orient them in ways to reduce community crime rates. They investigate accidents, issue summons to law violators, and give first aid.
Duties: They patrol assigned territories with patrol cars, motorcycles or on foot to interact with community residents. They monitor vehicles and pedestrians to detect and investigate unusual activities.

They meet with neighborhood leaders to win their cooperation in reducing crime rates. They conduct crime reduction training sessions for parents and leaders. Give public recognition.

Control both motor vehicle traffic & pedestrian traffic during peak periods. Investigate causes of accidents and administers first aid to injured persons. They issue summons to violators.

They act as a mediator to defuse conflict between individuals or groups as a means of preventing violence. They use crowd control methods on horseback or attack dogs during protests & riots.
Degree(s): A.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences 
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) 
A.S. Criminal Justice 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 5% to 8% percent from 2018 to 2028, which matches the average growth rate for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $28,000 to $31,000
Growth: Growth
Education Level: Training for this occupation generally requires an Associate Degree from a 2 year or community college.
Additional Training/Education: An increasing number of cities and states require applicants to have either an associate degree or bachelor's degree in law enforcement, criminal justice or justice administration. Written and physical examinations are required. Knowledge of a foreign languages is an asset. Police officers usually receive formal training in constitutional law and civil rights, state law and local ordinance and accident investigation.
Recommended Skills:
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Bringing people together to discuss and resolve differences.
  • Being aware of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do.
  • Persuading, encouraging and motivating others to accept your ideas.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.
Recommended Values:
  • Having a routine job where the duties are very predictable and not likely to change over a long period of time.
  • Having a job where you can spend a significant amount of time outside.
  • Having duties which involve frequent physical, financial, or social risk taking.
  • Being involved in helping other people in a direct way either individually or in a small group.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.