I'm interested in becoming a cop.Could you describe to me all of your duties,what it is like.(cops only).?

Question

Copgirl,I'm graduating today.That means I will probably have a patrol car very soon.

Answer 1

Those are two different questions.

From our policy, the job duties of a patrolman are:

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Patrolman FLSA: Non-exempt
REPORTS TO: Patrol Lieutenant/Sergeant DATE: January 1, 2005


General Summary:
Under direct supervision of the Patrol Lieutenant/Sergeant, performs a variety of routine and complex public safety duties. Responsibilities include police patrol, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, apprehension and prosecution of criminals and all related local, state and federal law enforcement activities in an assigned area in the City.

Job Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential:

Responsible for the protection of people, property and the streets on a rotating shift in an assigned area in the City.
Apprehends suspects, processes arrests and assists in the prosecution of criminals and suspects.
Maintains and preserves the peace by utilizing skills (i.e., de-escalating a situation, sensitivity to victims, etc.) developed in Police Academy training.
Performs routine patrols using law enforcement vehicles including automobile, bike and others as necessary.
Responds to radio calls; preserves and investigates evidence of crime/accident scenes and conducts initial interviews of witnesses, suspects and victims at the scene of misdemeanor or felony crimes or vehicular accidents, develops leads and follow up investigations of incidents during assigned shift.
Searches homes, businesses, buildings, and other areas for suspects.
Traffic enforcement – issues citations, investigates accidents and performs problem solving with regard to general traffic issues in assigned area.
Transports criminals and evidence.
Prepares, ensures accuracy, and files a variety of daily reports, summons and investigations on a daily basis to be submitted to superiors.
Prepares cases for giving testimony and testifies in State and/or Municipal court in prosecuting criminals.
Participates in public awareness/safety and training programs – coordinates school safety patrol, participates in traffic safety educational programs and other crime prevention and education programs.


Important

Maintains fleet vehicles and equipment, radar machines, supplies and miscellaneous equipment used by law enforcement officers.
Assists citizens with matters including, but not limited to, locked or stalled vehicles, crime prevention, drug resistance, traffic safety, etc.
Hand delivers mail and other administrative support services as needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

Education and Experience:
Successful completion of a high school education or GED equivalent. P.O.S.T. certification as a police officer of a first class county in the State of Missouri through Police Academy Training.

Skills:
Ability to deal courteously and effectively with peers, supervisors and the general public in unusual situations that may involve tragic and/or stressful circumstances.
Problem solving skills.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to efficiently and safely operate an automobile at a high-rate of speed.
Good powers of observation and memory.
Ability to perform all duties in conformance with Federal, State, County and City laws and ordinances.
Skills in the operation of the materials and equipment listed below (see Material and Equipment Used).

Knowledge:
Extensive knowledge of City’s geography, laws and ordinances.
Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques and equipment.
Understanding of department rules and regulations.

Others (as applicable):
Must be 21 years of age and U.S. citizen at the time of employment.
No felony convictions.
Must be able to render credible testimony in a court of law.

Material and Equipment Used:
Police Car
Police Radio
Telephone
Firearms
Baton
Breathalyzer
Pager
First Aid Equipment
Computer Hardware and Software
Handcuffs
Radar Gun
Pepper Spray

Physical Demands:
Must be able to lift and/or move more than 100 pounds and pursue and restrain suspects.
Able to efficiently and safely operate an automobile at a high-rate of speed.
Keen eyesight and eye-hand coordination.
Required to frequently walk, sit, talk, hear, stand, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, stoop and run.
Required to occasionally use hands to fingers, handle or operate objects, controls and/or tools, reach with hands and arms, taste and smell.
Exposure to weather conditions, fumes, airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals and extreme cold/hot conditions.

License(s):
Valid Missouri driver license without record of suspension, revocations or felony convictions in any state.

Certification(s):
P.O.S.T. certification as a police officer of a first class county in the state of Missouri through Police Academy Training.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties or roles performed by personnel so classified. It is as well intended to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience, which could provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job, should be considered.

As far as "what it's like" there is no real way to describe it. Go on a ride along with your local department, and you will be able to see for your self.