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Military police vs patrol officer

The differences between military polices and patrol 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 $35,621 average annual salary of a patrol officer.

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

Military police vs patrol officer overview

Military PolicePatrol Officer
Yearly salary$42,633$35,621
Hourly rate$20.50$17.13
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs4,476123,265
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
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 patrol officer do?

The job of patrol officers is to enforce ordinances, laws, prevent crime, control crowds, arrest violators, and regulate traffic. They also perform other duties that may include monitoring an assigned area for unauthorized or suspicious activity, responding to reports of emergencies and possible crime such as robberies, and building good relationships with community members. To be a successful patrol officer, you should have solid judgment, excellent communication skills, and decision-making skills in stressful situations.

Military police vs patrol officer salary

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

Military PolicePatrol Officer
Average salary$42,633$35,621
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $67,000Between $27,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-North Dakota
Best paying company-Mount St. Mary's University
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between military police and patrol officer education

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

Military PolicePatrol Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Military police vs patrol officer demographics

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

Military PolicePatrol Officer
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 79.8% Female, 20.2%Male, 82.9% Female, 17.1%
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, 12.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 3.5% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between military police and patrol 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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Patrol officer example responsibilities.

  • Manage surveillance of DUI traffic offenders in Jacksonville
  • Report and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
  • Enforce NYS racing guidelines state, rules and regulations.
  • Protect life and property at the largest regional aviation facility in NYS.
  • Provide emergency medical assistance as a first responder.
  • Utilize security vehicle to patrol all residential areas and parking lot ensuring resident safety.
  • Show more

Military police vs patrol officer skills

Common military police skills
  • Patrol, 20%
  • Public Safety, 13%
  • Emergency Situations, 7%
  • Combat, 7%
  • Control Traffic, 3%
  • Physical Security, 3%
Common patrol officer skills
  • Patrol, 48%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Public Safety, 7%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
  • Emergency Situations, 5%
  • Incident Reports, 2%

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