ADD ADVICE TO FAVPolice officer job profile
What police officers do
- work alone, in pairs or in teams for local police authorities
- prevent crime by patrolling in cars, on motorbikes, on foot and occasionally on horseback
- visit schools to teach young people about the risks of drugs and ’stranger danger’
- visit shops, offices and domestic properties to advise on securing premises and property
- trace, arrest and prosecute lawbreakers by collecting, analysing and presenting statements and evidence
- maintain public order at large gatherings such as demonstrations, strikes, pop festivals and sports fixtures
- after promotion, are increasingly occupied by supervisory, managerial and strategic duties.
Key skills for police officers
- ability to accept strict discipline
- good self-defence
- integrity and loyalty
- good communication skills
- administrative skills
- responsible attitude
- initiative and discretion
- ability to absorb complex legal information.
Training to be a police officer
Everyone who wants to become a police officer has to complete a two-year probationary period working on the beat as a patrol constable. At the end of this period, officers can choose to stay on the beat or transfer to a more specialist role.
Salaries for police officers
Rates of pay vary by force but generally start at £20,000 and rise with experience.
