1. POLICE OFFICER Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

2. What Do They Do? A.Patrol a specific area on foot, bicycle, horseback, motorcycle, or patrol car to provide public safety, maintain order, and protect people and their property B.Direct traffic, investigate traffic accidents, and issue traffic citations C.Respond to emergencies and calls for help in situations such as accidents, natural disasters, and search and rescue D. Investigate crimes and pursue and apprehend suspected criminals Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

3. Tools They Use A.Restraining devices, such as nightsticks, extendable batons, and handcuffs B.Protective tools, such as weapons, stun guns, pepper spray, Kevlar vests, shields, body armor, and tasers C.Mobility tools, such as patrol cars, motorcycles, horses, and bicycles to patrol areas and respond to emergency calls D.Communication tools, such as two-way radios, patrol car computers, global positioning system (GPS), portable translator, mobile data terminal (MDT), and mobile phones Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

4. Working Conditions A.Police officers may work indoors when working at police headquarters, in a court, or working for a private business or corporation. B.Police officers responding to emergencies often work outdoors at any hour and in any type of weather. C.Police officers often work in dangerous and stressful situations dealing with violent criminals, unruly crowds, domestic disputes, and traffic hazards. Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

5. Who They Work For A.Cities and municipalities B.Port authorities C.Government institutions, such as the U.S. Capitol, White House, national parks, or military police D.Airports E.Private businesses F.Sporting arenas and convention centers G. University campuses Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

6. Training Required A.Police officers must be a U.S. citizen, not convicted of a felony, and have a high school diploma or GED. B.Police officers must pass several written and physical examinations. C.Police officers must go through a 12 to 14 week training period at a police academy. D.Many law enforcement agencies also require either a two-year or four-year program in a criminal justice related area. Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

7. Skills A.Ability to maneuver and control a squad car at high rates of speed B.Ability to handle several types of weapons, such as handguns, rifles, shotguns, nightsticks, and batons C. Public relations skills to interact well with the public Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

8. Knowledge Areas A.Laws, legal codes, court procedures, and governmental regulations in their precinct B.Proper use of police weapons and equipment C. Knowledge of first aid and emergency medical procedures, such as the Heimlich maneuver and CPR Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

9. Income A.The median income for a police officer is $53,210 per year. O*net Summary for Police Officer B.Projected growth is high for the coming years, but competition will be tough for the higher paying jobs, especially those with state and federal agencies. Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)