Occupation Profile	Find Related Content... Tools and Technology Fastest-Growing Most Openings Largest Employment Declining Employment Highest-Paying Compare Local Wages Compare Metro Wages Compare Employment Trends Industry/Occupation Trends Occupation Outlook Certification Finder Job Bank and Portal Links Employer Locator Employability Checkup

Occupation Description

Maintain order, enforce laws and ordinances, and protect life and property in an assigned patrol district. Perform combination of following duties: patrol a specific area on foot or in a vehicle; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts.

View career video with one of the following: Additional videos and more information available on CareerOneStop.

State and National Wages

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

Location	Pay Period	2008
		10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
United States	Hourly	$14.46	$18.68	$24.72	$31.22	$38.31
	Yearly	$30,100	$38,900	$51,400	$64,900	$79,700
South Carolina	Hourly	$13.09	$14.56	$17.17	$20.31	$24.25
	Yearly	$27,200	$30,300	$35,700	$42,200	$50,400

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

• High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
• Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
• Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

• High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
• Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
• Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Occupation Wages FAQs

Median Wage by Occupation Across States
Compare Wages by Occupation and Local Area
Compare Wages by Metropolitan Areas

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey
State Data Source: South Carolina Wage Information

State and National Trends

Note: The data for the State Employment Trends and the National Employment Trends are not directly comparable. The projections period for state data is 2006-2016, while the projections period for national data is 2008-2018.

Occupation Trends FAQs

Employment Trends by Occupation Across States
Compare Employment Trends by Occupation
Employment Trends by Industry and Occupation

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections
State Data Source: South Carolina Employment Security Commission

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers are grouped into the following occupations for which the most important knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are listed.

• Police Patrol Officers
• Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs

Knowledge:

• Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skills:

• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities:

• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Source: Occupational Information Network: Police Patrol Officers.

Knowledge:

• Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skills:

• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities:

• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Source: Occupational Information Network: Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs.

Tasks and Activities

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers are grouped into the following occupations for which occupation specific tasks, the most important generalized work activities, and detailed work activities are listed.

• Police Patrol Officers
• Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs

Occupation Specific Tasks:

• Act as official escorts, such as when leading funeral processions or firefighters.
• Direct traffic flow and reroute traffic in case of emergencies.
• Evaluate complaint and emergency-request information to determine response requirements.
• Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
• Inform citizens of community services and recommend options to facilitate longer-term problem resolution.
• Inspect public establishments to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
• Investigate traffic accidents and other accidents to determine causes and to determine if a crime has been committed.
• Issue citations or warnings to violators of motor vehicle ordinances.
• Monitor traffic to ensure motorists observe traffic regulations and exhibit safe driving procedures.
• Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
• Patrol specific area on foot, horseback, or motorized conveyance, responding promptly to calls for assistance.
• Photograph or draw diagrams of crime or accident scenes and interview principals and eyewitnesses.
• Process prisoners, and prepare and maintain records of prisoner bookings and prisoner status during booking and pre-trial process.
• Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.
• Provide road information to assist motorists.
• Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
• Relay complaint and emergency-request information to appropriate agency dispatchers.
• Render aid to accident victims and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
• Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
• Testify in court to present evidence or act as witness in traffic and criminal cases.

Generalized Work Activities:

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Detailed Work Activities:

• adhere to government aviation regulations
• analyze existing evidence or facts
• apply appropriate physical restraint
• apprehend or arrest suspect or perpetrator of criminal act
• communicate details in protective services settings
• compile biological data for criminal investigations
• conduct legal searches or investigations
• cooperate with court personnel or other law enforcement agencies
• direct human or vehicle traffic
• drive automobile, van, or light truck
• enforce laws, ordinances, or regulations
• ensure correct grammar, punctuation, or spelling
• follow aviation emergency procedures
• follow infectious materials procedures
• follow law enforcement methods or procedures
• follow police or emergency radio regulations
• follow traffic laws
• gather physical evidence
• identify firearms or weapons
• inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
• interview crime witnesses or victims to obtain descriptive information
• investigate complaints, disturbances, or violations
• issue citation or warning for violation of laws
• judge terrain conditions for vehicle or equipment operation
• maintain firearms proficiency
• maintain flight records or logs
• make decisions
• make presentations
• make public presentations on law enforcement issues
• manage community relations for law enforcement agency
• manage detailed records or files in law enforcement setting
• monitor aircraft operation to detect problems
• monitor traffic conditions or motorists
• operate cameras
• operate emergency fire or rescue equipment
• operate helicopters
• operate navigation technology or equipment
• operate vehicles in law enforcement or security setting
• oversee work progress to verify safety or conformance to standards
• patrol or guard area or premises
• pilot aircraft
• prepare records of prisoner bookings or status
• prepare reports
• reach conclusions quickly in law enforcement situations
• read maps
• read navigation charts
• recognize physical or emotional abuse
• recognize public safety hazards
• relay information to proper officials
• respond to in-flight data
• review facts to determine if criminal act or statue violation is involved
• ride horses during law enforcement work
• sustain attention in air traffic emergencies
• testify in court for accident and criminal cases
• use aircraft safety regulations
• use arrest, search, or seizure legal statutes
• use conflict resolution techniques
• use emergency medical procedures
• use firearms
• use first aid procedures
• use hazardous materials information
• use intervention techniques
• use interviewing procedures
• use knowledge of geographic coordinates
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use local or regional geographical knowledge to transportation
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use rescue procedures
• use surveillance techniques
• use traffic control procedures
• use two-way radio or mobile phone
• use visual flight procedures

Source: Occupational Information Network: Police Patrol Officers.

Occupation Specific Tasks:

• Drive vehicles or patrol specific areas to detect law violators, issue citations, and make arrests.
• Execute arrest warrants, locating and taking persons into custody.
• Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
• Locate and confiscate real or personal property, as directed by court order.
• Manage jail operations and tend to jail inmates.
• Notify patrol units to take violators into custody or to provide needed assistance or medical aid.
• Patrol and guard courthouses, grand jury rooms, or assigned areas to provide security, enforce laws, maintain order, and arrest violators.
• Place people in protective custody.
• Question individuals entering secured areas to determine their business, directing and rerouting individuals as necessary.
• Record daily activities and submit logs and other related reports and paperwork to appropriate authorities.
• Serve statements of claims, subpoenas, summonses, jury summonses, orders to pay alimony, and other court orders.
• Take control of accident scenes to maintain traffic flow, to assist accident victims, and to investigate causes.
• Transport or escort prisoners and defendants en route to courtrooms, prisons or jails, attorneys' offices, or medical facilities.
• Verify that the proper legal charges have been made against law offenders.

Generalized Work Activities:

• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Detailed Work Activities:

• apply appropriate physical restraint
• apprehend or arrest suspect or perpetrator of criminal act
• communicate details in protective services settings
• compile biological data for criminal investigations
• conduct legal searches or investigations
• cooperate with court personnel or other law enforcement agencies
• direct human or vehicle traffic
• enforce laws, ordinances, or regulations
• escort prisoners, defendants or individuals needing protection
• follow law enforcement methods or procedures
• gather physical evidence
• identify firearms or weapons
• investigate complaints, disturbances, or violations
• issue citation or warning for violation of laws
• locate persons ( skip tracing )
• maintain firearms proficiency
• maintain production or work records
• maintain records, reports, or files
• make presentations
• make public presentations on law enforcement issues
• manage detailed records or files in law enforcement setting
• monitor inmate activity
• operate vehicles in law enforcement or security setting
• oversee work progress to verify safety or conformance to standards
• patrol or guard area or premises
• prepare reports
• read maps
• recognize public safety hazards
• ride horses during law enforcement work
• serve arrest, search or seizure warrants
• serve or issue summonses or subpoenas
• use arrest, search, or seizure legal statutes
• use firearms
• use first aid procedures
• use interviewing procedures
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use oral or written communication techniques

Source: Occupational Information Network: Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs.

Tools and Technology

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers are grouped into the following occupations for which Tools and Technology information is available.

• Police Patrol Officers
• Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs

Police Patrol Officers  View Detailed Report

Tools:

• Biological evidence collection kits - Blood collection kits, Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA collection kits
• Handcuffs - Metal handcuffs, Plastic handcuffs
• Handguns - Handguns, Semiautomatic pistols, Service revolvers
• Police vehicles - Police bicycles, Police motorcycles, Police patrol cars
• Two way radios - Base station radios, Police car radios, Two way radios

Technology:

• Data base user interface and query software - Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS, Law enforcement information databases, Microsoft Access, National Crime Information Center NCIC database, National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Computer aided composite drawing software, DesignWare 3D EyeWitness, SmartDraw.com SmartDraw Legal, The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
• Internet browser software - Microsoft Internet Explorer, Web browser software
• Map creation software - Crime mapping software, ESRI ArcView
• Spreadsheet software - IBM Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel

Source: Occupational Information Network: Police Patrol Officers.

Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs  View Detailed Report

Tools:

• Handcuffs - Metal handcuffs, Plastic handcuffs
• Handguns - Handguns, Semiautomatic pistols, Service revolvers
• Notebook computers - Laptop computers, Mobile data computers
• Police vehicles - Police motorcycles, Police patrol cars
• Surveillance video or audio recorders - Audio recording equipment, Digital voice recorders

Technology:

• Data base user interface and query software - Database software, Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS, Law enforcement information databases, Microsoft Access, National Crime Information Center NCIC database
• Electronic mail software - Email software, Microsoft Outlook
• Graphics or photo imaging software - DesignWare 3D EyeWitness, SmartDraw.com SmartDraw Legal, The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
• Map creation software - Crime mapping software, ESRI ArcView
• Spreadsheet software - IBM Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel

Source: Occupational Information Network: Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs.

Education and Training

Occupation: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Most Common Educational/Training Level: Long-term on-the-job training
Related Instructional Programs:

• Criminal Justice/Police Science
• Criminalistics and Criminal Science

WIA Eligible Training Provider List: http://www.workforcesouthcarolina.com/provider/

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections (Education/Training Level, Educational Attainment); National Center for Education Statistics (Typical Instructional Programs)

Related Occupation Profiles
Occupations with similar skill requirements

• Bailiffs
• Correctional Officers and Jailers
• Detectives and Criminal Investigators
• Fire Inspectors and Investigators
• First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers
• Fish and Game Wardens
• Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
• Private Detectives and Investigators
• Security Guards
• Transit and Railroad Police

Web Resources

Fire Fighting and Prevention Workers
First-Line Supervisors/Managers, Protective Service Workers
Law Enforcement Workers
Other Protective Service Workers

• Fire Fighters, California Occupational Guide
• Fire/EMS/ Safety Center, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
• Firefighter, Princeton Review
• Firefighters, Job Futures
• Firefighting Occupations, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Forest Firefighter, Future Farmers of America
• Municipal Fire Fighters, CareerZone

• Fire Warden, Future Farmers of America

• Conservation and Fishery Officers, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
• Correctional Officers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Correctional Officers and Jailers, California Occupational Guide
• Corrections Officer, Princeton Review
• Criminologist, Princeton Review
• Detective and Private Investigator, Princeton Review
• FBI Agent, Princeton Review
• Fish and Game Wardens, California Occupational Guide
• Game Warden, Future Farmers of America
• Park Ranger, California Occupational Guide
• Park Ranger, Princeton Review
• Police and Detectives, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Police Identification and Records Officers, CareerZone
• Police Officer and Manager, Princeton Review
• Police Officers (Except Commissioned), Job Futures
• Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Probation Officers and Parole Agents, California Occupational Guide

• Forest Ranger, Future Farmers of America
• Lifeguards, California Occupational Guide
• Park Ranger, Future Farmers of America
• Private Detectives and Investigators, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Private Detectives and Investigators, CareerZone
• Security Guards, California Occupational Guide
• Security Guards, CareerZone
• Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Security Guards and Related Occupations, Job Futures