Summary
What Do Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer Do?Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer Definition Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, State, or Federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts.Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer Job OutlookThere were about 684,200 jobs for Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 47,700 new jobs for Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer by 2026. There will be an estimated 49,500 positions for Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer per year.The states with the most job growth for Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer are Utah, Texas, and Nevada . Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maryland, or Alaska . These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer Average SalaryThe average yearly salary of a Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer ranges between $35,750 and $101,620.Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers who work in California, New Jersey, or Alaska , make the highest salaries.How much do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in each U.S. state?Where do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Work?The table below shows the approximate number of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers employed by various industries.#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Description
What Do Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer Do?Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer Definition Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, State, or Federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts.Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer Job OutlookThere were about 684,200 jobs for Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 47,700 new jobs for Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer by 2026. There will be an estimated 49,500 positions for Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer per year.The states with the most job growth for Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer are Utah, Texas, and Nevada . Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maryland, or Alaska . These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer Average SalaryThe average yearly salary of a Police or Sheriff's Patrol Officer ranges between $35,750 and $101,620.Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers who work in California, New Jersey, or Alaska , make the highest salaries.How much do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in each U.S. state?Where do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Work?The table below shows the approximate number of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers employed by various industries.#J-18808-Ljbffr
Government Careers
Government jobs offer stability, competitive benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on your community and country.
Whether you’re starting your career or seeking new opportunities, these roles provide pathways for growth, security, and service.
Explore positions across a wide range of fields and take the first step toward a rewarding future in public service.
MORE JOBS
-
Security Officer - Flexible Schedules & Weekly Pay
- Reidsville, North Carolina
- Securitas
- Aug 21, 2026
-
Supervisory Supply Technician (26)
- all cities, Mississippi
- US Government Jobs
- Aug 21, 2026
-
National Security Investigator & Cyber Analyst
- San Francisco, California
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Aug 21, 2026
-
Courthouse Security Deputy - Emergency Response
- Pontiac, Michigan
- Oakgov
- Aug 21, 2026
-
Senior Loss Control Consultant - Territory CT (48)
- all cities, Washington
- Great American Insurance Company
- Aug 21, 2026
-
Loss Control Consultant
- Marietta, Pennsylvania
- Donegal Insurance Group
- Aug 21, 2026