Navigation trail

• Home page
• Types of jobs
• Law enforcement and protection
• Police officer: Job description and activities

Police officer: Job description and activities

Job description

Police officers work in partnership with the public and are in the front line in the fight against crime and the fear of crime. They are citizen-focused, responding to the needs of individuals and communities. Using the latest technology, police officers are trained to manage information and intelligence in order to secure successful court prosecutions.

Major priorities include: tackling antisocial behaviour, reducing theft, robbery and street-related crime, combating organised crime, countering terrorism, supporting victims and providing a reassuring presence in the community.

The new crime strategy, Cutting Crime: A New Partnershop 2008-2011, delivers a fresh approach to tackling crime and identifies new areas for police focus, including greater flexibility for local forces to deliver local priorities.

Typical work activities

The work of a police officer is both challenging and diverse. A variety of specialist roles in areas such as firearms support, child protection and criminal investigation (CID) are open to all officers after a specified period in rank as a police officer.

On entry, and during initial training, activities are likely to include:

• conducting patrol duties on foot and by car and bicycle;
• responding to calls and requests from the public to assist at incidents such as criminal activity, domestic disputes, fires and public disorder;
• attending road-related incidents including collision scenes, vehicle check points and traffic offences;
• delivering death and hospital messages to families;
• keeping the peace at public meetings, social events, processions, trade disputes or strikes;
• conducting initial investigations, gathering evidence, taking statements, and complying with relevant legal requirements;
• interviewing suspects, victims and witnesses in accordance with relevant legislation;
• searching individuals, personal property, vehicles, premises and land;
• conducting arrests with due regard for the human rights, security and health and safety of detained individuals, members of the public, colleagues and self;
• administering custody procedures as an arresting officer;
• gathering, recording and analysing intelligence to achieve community safety and crime reduction objectives;
• preparing crime reports and presenting case files to senior officers and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) ;
• attending and giving evidence in court and at other hearings;
• completing administrative procedures;
• building and maintaining community relations, including advice and support in areas such as crime prevention and personal safety;
• working as a competent team member, including wider cooperation with other specialist departments.

AGCAS

Written by Linda Holdsworth, University of Bradford

Last updated:

March 2008

© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd | Disclaimer