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Police Patrol Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sidney Police Department

Police Patrol Officer

Sidney, MT · On-site

$32.67 - $36.02/hr

POLICE PATROL OFFICER NEXT TESTING DATE: August 20, 2026 LOCATION: RICHLAND COUNTY LAW & JUSTICE CENTER 300 12TH AVE. NW SIDNEY, MONTANA 59270 Prior law enforcement experience? LATERAL ENTRY STARTS ...

City of Erlanger

Police Patrol Officer

Erlanger, KY · On-site

None POSITION SUMMARY The Patrol Officer meets the definition of Police officer found in KRS 61.315(1). The Patrol Officer is required to have Peace Officer Professional Standards and Certification.

Sidney Police Department

Police Patrol Officer

Sidney, MT · On-site

$150/day

POLICE PATROL OFFICER NEXT TESTING DATE: August 20, 2026 LOCATION: RICHLAND COUNTY LAW & JUSTICE CENTER 300 12TH AVE. NW SIDNEY, MONTANA 59270 Prior law enforcement experience? LATERAL ENTRY STARTS ...

City of Bartlett

Police Patrol Officer

Bartlett, TN · On-site

$60K - $77K/yr

Operates patrol vehicles, firearms, communication systems, and specialized law enforcement ... Maintains awareness of officer safety standards and applies safe work practices in all duties.

City of Elko, NV

Police Patrol Officer I - II

Elko, NV · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Basic Peace Officers Standard and Training Certificate (POST). Supplemental Information Patrol II: Must have at least two years of continuous police service at he patrolman level. A candidate ...

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Police Patrol Officer information

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$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do police patrol officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for police patrol officer in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges police patrol officers face during their daily shifts?

Police patrol officers frequently encounter unpredictable situations, ranging from routine traffic stops to responding to emergencies or disputes. Balancing community engagement with enforcement duties can be challenging, as officers must remain vigilant and exercise sound judgment under pressure. Additionally, shift work—including nights, weekends, and holidays—can impact work-life balance. Strong communication skills and ongoing training help officers manage these challenges effectively and maintain public trust.

What are Police Patrol Officers?

Police Patrol Officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for maintaining public safety, preventing crime, and enforcing laws within a designated area or beat. They patrol neighborhoods, respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, conduct traffic stops, and investigate suspicious activities. In addition to enforcing laws, patrol officers often build relationships with community members, assist those in need, and provide a visible presence to deter criminal activity. Their role is crucial in ensuring the safety and security of the public.

What actor was a cop in real life?

One notable actor who was a police officer in real life is Dennis Farina, who served as a police officer in Chicago before becoming an actor. His law enforcement background contributed to his authentic portrayal of police characters in films and television. Many actors with law enforcement experience bring realism to police roles in the entertainment industry.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Several jobs, such as commercial truck drivers, sales representatives, and certain skilled trades like electricians or HVAC technicians, can earn around $3,000 monthly without requiring a college degree. These roles often rely on certifications, on-the-job training, or apprenticeships and may involve working in physically demanding or customer-facing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Police Patrol Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Patrol Officer, you need a strong understanding of law enforcement procedures, criminal law, and physical fitness, often supported by completion of a police academy and necessary state certification. Familiarity with law enforcement technology such as body cameras, radio communication systems, and police databases is typically required. Excellent judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring public safety, effective law enforcement, and constructive community interactions.

What is the difference between Police Patrol Officer vs Police Detective?

AspectPolice Patrol OfficerPolice Detective
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy certificationHigh school diploma or GED, police academy, additional investigative training
Work EnvironmentPatrols neighborhoods, responds to emergencies, enforces lawsInvestigates crimes, gathers evidence, interviews witnesses
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, municipal police departmentsLaw enforcement agencies, detective bureaus

Police Patrol Officers primarily patrol neighborhoods, respond to emergencies, and enforce laws, requiring police academy training. Police Detectives focus on investigating crimes, gathering evidence, and solving cases, often with additional investigative training. Both roles are essential in law enforcement but differ in daily duties and focus areas.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Police patrol officers typically need to meet minimum age requirements, which often start at 21 or 18 depending on the jurisdiction. Being 27 is generally not too late to pursue a law enforcement career, and many officers start in their late twenties or early thirties after completing necessary training and education. Age limits vary by department, but experience, fitness, and background checks are also important factors.

Is a patrol officer the same as a police officer?

A patrol officer is a type of police officer responsible for patrolling assigned areas, enforcing laws, and responding to incidents. While all patrol officers are police officers, not all police officers serve in patrol roles, as some work in investigations or administrative positions. Both roles typically require law enforcement training and certification.
What cities are hiring for Police Patrol Officer jobs? Cities with the most Police Patrol Officer job openings:
What states have the most Police Patrol Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Patrol Officer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Police Patrol Officer jobs? For Police Patrol Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Police Patrol Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Patrol Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Police Patrol Officer

Police Patrol Officer

City of Pueblo Civil Service

Pueblo, CO • On-site

$79K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Description

As a municipal government entity, the City of Pueblo is an employer of choice.  The city employs over 800 team members in 15 different departments.  Teams of diverse individuals work diligently to accomplish the various objectives that are essential to ensure that the Pueblo community is well represented, served and protected.  Many of our employees enjoy a long and rewarding career with the city.  Pueblo offers a stable work environment, rewarding career options, competitive salaries and a great benefits package. 

Job Description

The City of Pueblo is seeking dedicated and hardworking candidates to be Police Patrol Officers! As a police patrol officer, your duties will involve police patrol, criminal investigations, enforcement of traffic laws and regulations, related criminal law enforcement activities, and a wide variety of satisfying community involvement duties! This is a great role that gives you the opportunity to make a positive change in the local community. This full-time position offers you a variety of benefits, a fast-paced work environment, and an annual salary range of $79,227.60 - $96,647.04. Apply now through July 5th, 2026. Click on Police Patrol Officer (Entry Level or Lateral Transfer) for access to the complete job description and to apply today! Visit www.pueblo.us/jobs to see all City of Pueblo open positions.

This job description is an overview and is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the functions and tasks required of the position.
YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE VIA THE CITY WEBSITE OR YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

Qualifications
  • Be a U.S. citizen at time of application 
  • Be at least 21 years of age by date of the written exam 
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED at time of application
  • A valid driver's license at the time of application, and a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of employment
    • License restrictions that may hinder your ability to drive on City business, such as an interlock, will be cause for disqualification 
    • During the course of employment, a valid license must be maintained, and the employee must notify the City immediately upon changes to the status of their license
  • Not have been convicted of the following:
    • A felony crime
    • A misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
    • A misdemeanor crime that would affect ability to certify with the Colorado Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board  (https://post.colorado.gov/certification/disqualifying-incidents)
    • A DUI or DWAI within the last five (5) years
  • Candidates with prior military service in the armed forces must provide, as an attachment to their application, their DD-214 which must reflect Character of Service as Honorable or Uncharacterized discharge


A Colorado POST Certification and higher education is highly desirable.
Tattoos and other markings, as described below, will be cause for disqualification: 

  • Any tattoos, or other markings on the head, scalp, face, ears, neck (above the collarbone), or hands (wrist to fingertips).
  • Permanent cosmetic make-up on the face or permanent commitment band(s) on the finger(s) are exempt from this policy
  • Current Police Department employees hired prior to July 1, 2025, will be exempt from this disqualification


Drug usage, as described below, will be cause for disqualification: 

  • Any use of marijuana within one (1) year prior to the date of application
  • Any use of any illegal drugs (i.e. heroin, cocaine, LSD, amphetamines, steroids, or other illegal drug as defined in schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act) within five (5) years prior to the date of application


Candidates must be willing to submit to a comprehensive background check to include a Truth Verification Analysis.  Candidates must also pass a post conditional offer drug screen,  psychological evaluation, and medical examination.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.  Apply online at www.pueblo.us/jobs.  

Apply