Criminal Justice Job Descriptions - Police Work
A uniformed Police Officer may be directing traffic one moment and required to save someone's life the next. Most police departments assign each of their officers to a particular type of duty depending on their experience and specialties. In smaller suburban police departments officers often work alone. In larger urban police departments officers are often assigned a partner to work with.
During a shift an officer may do routine patrols through a community, investigate burglaries or assist at the scene of an accident. Police work is far from routine and an officer never knows what their next shift will bring.
A police officer needs to be constantly alert and ready to deal with any dangers presented him or her whenever on or off duty. Many police agencies require their Officers to carry a weapon at all times. Because of the stress of Police work these careers often take a toll on the Officer's home life, but at the same time it's very rewarding knowing you're making a difference in the world you live in.