POLICE OFFICER

JOB DESCRIPTION

Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.

JOB TASKS

  • Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.

  • Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.

  • Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.

  • Render aid to accident victims and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.

  • Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.

ANNUAL SALARY

  • Workers on average earn $30.36/hr. – $63,150.
  • Projected Growth (2019-2029) Faster than average (5%-7%)
  • Projected job openings (2019-2029) 51,000

REQUIRED EDUCATION

High school diploma/GED, bachelor level degree, local police academy

LOCAL CAREER SPOTLIGHT

LESTER BAKER

Police Chief

COMPANY DETAILS

Framingham Police Department

Iwas not the best student, nor did I have the best study habits. However, I did have impactful mentors and teachers who helped to shape me into the professional I am today. Immediately after high school, I began working and became an Officer at 23 years old. For the past 25 years I have been a Police Officer and have risen through the ranks of the Framingham Police Department to become the Police Chief. It was the mentors and teachers I had along the way that were crucial to my current success and my own drive to improve this job. The anti-police sentiment that has grown over the past year has been a challenge all Officers have had to face, and I know that these movements have solidified for me that in order to be a fair and equitable Officer, Officers should strive to treat others how they would like to be treated. Treating people with dignity and respect and showing compassion and empathy are the most important attributes of being an Officer. Despite the long hours and shift work, being an Officer has been a very rewarding career. In the future, I hope to expand the Police Department’s youth programs, keep moving our professional, hardworking Officers forward, and continue building and enhancing our relationship with the Framingham community.

REFLECT ON THE CAREER

After exploring this Professional’s story…

According to O*Net Online, list three occupations related to this role you might wish to explore and tell why.

RESOURCES

O*NET ONLINE

The Occupational Information Network is a free online database that contains hundreds of occupational definitions to help students.

OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK

The Occupational Outlook Handbook is the government’s premier source of career guidance featuring hundreds of occupations.

MY NEXT MOVE

My Next Move is an interactive tool for job seekers and students to learn more about their career options.

STEP THREE – PLAN

Hopefully you found at least one career that looks interesting to pursue. If you found a lot or none at all, don’t worry! The next step is to make a plan and take action!