Police officer responsibilities include:
- protecting the public
- protecting property
- preventing and detecting crime
- safeguarding the vulnerable
- carrying out investigations
- supporting victims and witnesses
- working with partner agencies
- working with communities
Day to day tasks of a police officer can include:
- patrolling communities
- engaging with communities
- responding to incidents
- giving evidence in court
- taking statements from victims and witnesses
- preparing case files for court
- arresting suspects
- interviewing suspects
- searching for missing people
- dealing with road traffic incidents
- dealing with anti-social behaviour
- searching people and property
Police officers work shifts, including at weekends and on public holidays. The shifts will include:
- Early shift - a typical early shift would be 0700-1700
- Late shift - a typical late shift would be 1400-0000
- Night shift - a typical night shift would be 2200-0700
Leave embargos are usually in force over busy times of year such as during the summer months and over the Christmas period. A leave embargo can restrict the amount of leave officers are allowed to take and/or limit the amount of officers that can take leave during a specified period.
Police officers deal with a wide range of situations which can present challenges that are often difficult to deal with. Below are some examples of challenging situations that police officers may experience:
- Confrontation
- Dealing with injuries or fatalities
- Incidents or investigations involving children or vulnerable people
- Witnessing distressing situations