City police officers protect communities by enforcing laws and maintaining peace. Every day – and night – they patrol the streets, looking for signs of suspicious activity and checking to make sure people and properties are secure. In addition to finding and arresting suspected criminals, they respond to emergency calls for help, regulate traffic, control crowds, and promote good community relations. It is a job that calls for exceptional courage, hard work, good judgment, and the ability to think fast under pressure.
The specific duties of a police officer vary among communities of different sizes. Heavily populated urban areas have large police departments where officers may be assigned to specific tasks such as surveillance, responding to reports of domestic violence, or assisting with roadside emergencies. In smaller communities, police officers are more likely to cover multiple responsibilities, from answering 911 calls to monitoring speed zones. Learn about this exciting career today!