They also may help city or county police catch lawbreakers and control civil disturbances. State highway patrols, however, normally are restricted to apprehending criminals on State highways, and to vehicle safety and traffic matters. They may work alone or with other officers in such varied areas as congested career districts or outlying residential neighborhoods. In any case, new officers become thoroughly familiar with conditions throughout their area and, while on patrol, remain alert for anything unusual. They note suspicious circumstances, such as open windows or lights in vacant buildings, as well as hazards to public safety such as burned-out street lights or fallen trees.
Officers enforce traffic regulations and also watch for stolen automobiles.
At regular intervals, officers report to police headquarters from call boxes, radios, or walkie- talkies. Police and detectives also write reports and maintain police records. They may testify in court when their arrests result in legal action. Some officers, such as division or bureau chiefs, are responsible for training or certain kinds of criminal investigations, and those who command police operations in an assigned area have administrative and supervisory duties. Working Conditions Police and detectives usually work 40 hours a week.