What Do Police Officers Do

Police officers work to keep people safe in their communities. They make sure everyone follows the law. Officers help people who are in trouble or need directions. They are trained to handle many kinds of emergencies.

What Officers Do Every Day

Police officers patrol neighborhoods in their cars or on foot. They watch for anything that seems wrong or unsafe. Officers respond when someone calls 911 for help. They also write reports about what happened so there is a record.

Different Police Jobs

Some officers ride motorcycles or horses. Detectives solve crimes by looking for clues. K-9 officers work with trained police dogs. Some officers work in schools to keep students safe. Others direct traffic so cars and people can move safely.

Fun Facts

• Police dogs can smell things that are 100,000 times better than humans can.
• The first police force in America started in Boston in 1838.
• Some police officers ride bicycles to patrol parks and busy streets.

Did You Know?

Police officers go through many months of training at a police academy. They learn first aid, how to drive safely, and how to talk to people during stressful situations.