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Also known as: Accident Prevention Squad Police Officer, Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent), Animal Cop, Border Guard
You clock in at 6:45 AM, grabbing your gear from your locker. You pull on your uniform, secure your duty belt with its holstered firearm, Taser, and handcuffs. Next, you log into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to check for any overnight incidents in your sector. You perform a quick inspection of your assigned Ford Explorer patrol vehicle, checking lights, sirens, and the Mobile Data Computer (MDC) before radioing dispatch that you are in service.
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
+3.5%
US average: +3.5%
51,500
per year (US)
693,200
in 2025 → 717,300 (2035)
High school diploma or equivalent
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
The outlook for this career is stable, with about 51,500 job openings expected each year through 2035. The median annual wage is around $76,210. With experience, you can advance to roles like Detective or Police Sergeant, specializing in investigations or leadership.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$76,210
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Police Academy
Vocational • Law & Public Administration • 1 year
Criminal Justice/Police Science
Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years
Policing
Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years
Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years
Critical Incident Response/Special Police Operations
Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years