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Military police vs law enforcement officer

The differences between military polices and law enforcement officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a military police has an average salary of $42,633, which is higher than the $39,219 average annual salary of a law enforcement officer.

The top three skills for a military police include patrol, public safety and emergency situations. The most important skills for a law enforcement officer are patrol, public safety, and emergency situations.

Military police vs law enforcement officer overview

Military PoliceLaw Enforcement Officer
Yearly salary$42,633$39,219
Hourly rate$20.50$18.86
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs4,476105,817
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4040
Years of experience--

What does a military police do?

Military police officers act as peacekeepers and soldiers within a community. They have more complicated duties and responsibilities than their civilian counterparts, which include enforcing military law and regulations, responding to emergency situations, and investigating crimes or any illegal or suspicious activities. In addition, military police officers may perform various police tasks in certain areas and assist local police officers in maintaining peace and order. They are also expected to conduct training for foreign police forces and prevent crimes.

What does a law enforcement officer do?

The duties of a law enforcement officer depend on their line of work or agency of employment. In general, they are responsible for enforcing laws and regulations, prioritizing the safety of citizens and the protection of the city. Typically, their responsibilities include patrolling their designated area, responding to distress, monitoring suspicious activities and characters, conducting investigations and inspections, and coordinating various services to assist citizens. Moreover, as a law enforcement officer, it is essential to serve as a role model for citizens and uphold the oath to serve and protect.

Military police vs law enforcement officer salary

Military polices and law enforcement officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Military PoliceLaw Enforcement Officer
Average salary$42,633$39,219
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $67,000Between $30,000 And $50,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-University of Nebraska System
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between military police and law enforcement officer education

There are a few differences between a military police and a law enforcement officer in terms of educational background:

Military PoliceLaw Enforcement Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldPennsylvania State University

Military police vs law enforcement officer demographics

Here are the differences between military polices' and law enforcement officers' demographics:

Military PoliceLaw Enforcement Officer
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 79.8% Female, 20.2%Male, 80.3% Female, 19.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.9% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 3.5% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 3.1% White, 59.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between military police and law enforcement officer duties and responsibilities

Military police example responsibilities.

  • Manage all construction projects to ensure all establish DOD security standards are incorporated.
  • Train and instruct subordinates and support units on suicide prevention, CPR, and physical fitness.
  • Continue to stay proficient on weapon qualifications for M9 and M4.
  • Assist in medical emergencies by applying CPR, first aid and other life-saving procedures.
  • Supervise and teach classes to personnel on protection of classify information and prevention of subversion, sabotage, and terrorism.
  • Experience in firing and maintaining weapons such as M16 and M4, as well as, train on the M9.
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Law enforcement officer example responsibilities.

  • Attend NCO leadership school and receive training on how to properly, and effectively manage personnel.
  • Accomplish scheduled and random security checks of control and classify areas to ensure compliance with DOD resource protection guidelines.
  • Develop and manage firearms training programs, including weapons selection and qualification standards.
  • Operate QRV solo, backing up BLS ambulances.
  • Certify in defensive tactics, firearms, driver's training, professional first aid and CPR.
  • DOT and FMCSA regulation enforcement.
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Military police vs law enforcement officer skills

Common military police skills
  • Patrol, 20%
  • Public Safety, 13%
  • Emergency Situations, 7%
  • Combat, 7%
  • Control Traffic, 3%
  • Physical Security, 3%
Common law enforcement officer skills
  • Patrol, 26%
  • Public Safety, 10%
  • Emergency Situations, 7%
  • Criminal Justice, 6%
  • CPR, 3%
  • Metal Detectors, 3%

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