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Career Profile

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

What they do:

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. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.

Also Called:

Deputy, Deputy Sheriff, Law Enforcement Officer, Patrol Deputy, Patrol Officer, Peace Officer, Police Officer, Police Patrol Officer, Public Safety Officer, State Trooper, Deputy, Deputy Sheriff, Law Enforcement Officer, Patrol Deputy, Patrol Officer, Peace Officer, Police Officer, Police Patrol Officer, Public Safety Officer, State Trooper

MO Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$43,210
Starting Salary (2025)
$59,460
Median Salary (2025)
3.1%
Projected Job Growth
13,570
MO Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Direct traffic flow and reroute traffic in case of emergencies.
Investigate traffic accidents and other accidents to determine causes and to determine if a crime has been committed.
Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
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.
Monitor traffic to ensure motorists observe traffic regulations and exhibit safe driving procedures.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Enterprising
Business based Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Self-Control
Dependability
Stress Tolerance
Attention to Detail
Adaptability/Flexibility

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Judgment and Decision Making

Expected Knowledge

Law and Government

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

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.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

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.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 3

Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 40%
  • Post-secondary certificate 21%
  • Associate's degree 17%
  • Some college 15%
  • Bachelor's degree 7%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Detectives and Criminal Investigators
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Transit and Railroad Police
Bailiffs
Correctional Officers and Jailers

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.