The work of the commissioned police officer involves responsibility for the protection of life and property, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals and the general enforcement of laws and ordinances.
Duties normally consist of routine patrol, preliminary investigation and traffic regulation.
Police officers also may be assigned duties as detectives, court security officers, crime prevention officers, Department training officers, evidence technicians, field training officers, accident investigators, helicopter pilots, firearms instructors, DARE program officers, hostage negotiators, dog handlers or special response team officers. Work involves an element of personal danger. The employee must be able to exercise sound independent judgment under stress. Assignments may include work on special tasks which call upon specialized abilities and knowledge possessed by the officer. Work assignments can be general or specific and instructions are received from a supervisor who reviews work methods and results through reports, personal inspection and discussion.