Description
Patrol assigned areas to deter and detect crime, enforce laws and ordinances, respond to calls for service, and protect life and property. Investigate incidents, conduct traffic enforcement, and prepare reports and citations. May operate patrol vehicles and use detection and communication equipment.
- • Enforce laws and ordinances; issue warnings or citations for violations.
- • Detain, search, and arrest suspects in accordance with law and policy.
- • Secure and process crime, collision, or incident scenes; preserve evidence.
- • Write reports and complete citations and incident documentation.
- • Conduct traffic stops; direct traffic and manage crash or incident scenes.
- • Perform after-hours checks of businesses, residences, and critical infrastructure.
- • Patrol assigned beats by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot to deter and detect crime and hazards.
- • Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, alarms, and dispatched incidents.
- • Investigate disturbances, accidents, and suspected criminal activity.
- • Provide public assistance, crowd control, and protection at events and in public spaces.
- • Request and coordinate with fire/EMS or other agencies; provide basic first aid.
- • Operate radios, mobile data terminals, cameras, and other patrol equipment.
- • Transport detainees, victims, or witnesses safely as required.
- • Testify in court and engage in community policing and problem-solving.
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Related Pathways
Public Service & Safety
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Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
