Police Officer
Police officers enforce local and state laws, protect the public, and serve as stewards of the community.
The Perks
Start a Career as a police officer and support your local community
100000
Lives
Public Safety Professionals save an estimated 100,000 lives annually through emergency response efforts, according to the American Public Health Association.
70%
Percent
70% of public safety professionals advance to leadership positions within 5-10 years, according to the National Police Foundation.
$60000
Salary
The average salary is around $60,000 in St. Louis.
What Do I Need?
Qualifying for this position is more accessible than you might think. Candidates may qualify through college credits, a high school diploma with military or police experience, or five years of steady full-time work history.
Certification
The most common path to this career runs through industry-recognized certifications. Many professionals start with foundational credentials and build toward advanced certifications as they gain experience in the field.
Physical Fitness
Police work is physically demanding. Officers are expected to maintain a level of fitness that allows them to respond effectively in high-pressure situations at a moment’s notice.
Composure Under Pressure
The ability to stay calm and think clearly in stressful or dangerous situations is one of the most valuable traits a police officer can have.
Empathy
Officers work with people from all walks of life, often during their worst moments. The ability to listen, understand, and respond with compassion makes a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.
Attention to Detail
From writing accurate incident reports to observing subtle changes in a situation, police officers need to notice and document details that others might overlook.
Communication Skills
Whether defusing a tense situation, testifying in court, or building trust with the community, clear and effective communication is at the core of good police work.
Certification
The most common path to this career runs through industry-recognized certifications. Many professionals start with foundational credentials and build toward advanced certifications as they gain experience in the field.
Physical Fitness
Police work is physically demanding. Officers are expected to maintain a level of fitness that allows them to respond effectively in high-pressure situations at a moment’s notice.
Composure Under Pressure
The ability to stay calm and think clearly in stressful or dangerous situations is one of the most valuable traits a police officer can have.
Empathy
Officers work with people from all walks of life, often during their worst moments. The ability to listen, understand, and respond with compassion makes a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.
Attention to Detail
From writing accurate incident reports to observing subtle changes in a situation, police officers need to notice and document details that others might overlook.
Communication Skills
Whether defusing a tense situation, testifying in court, or building trust with the community, clear and effective communication is at the core of good police work.
