What are the duties and responsibilities of a police officer?

Common job duties and responsibilities of a police officer include the following:

• Controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic regulations

• Issues citations

• Participates in and conducts a variety of criminal investigations

• Makes arrests; provides support and assistance to special crime prevention and law enforcement programs

• Performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of law enforcement services and activities

• Patrol designated areas by car, foot, or other means to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances

• Protect real and personal property by providing security checks of residential, business, and public premises

• Respond to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints, including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor, and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints, and related incidents

• Serve as liaison and public relations officer to the public; establish and preserve good relationships with the general public; answer questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities of the department