What Does a Police Officer Do?
To put it simply, police officers maintain law and order, protect members of the public and their property, prevent crime, and investigate crime committed against the community.
But of course, it's a much more complex job than that.
We're an integral part of the community - as much at home at major sporting events as we are in local classrooms. Our work is based in, around and for the local communities. That's why it's important our officers respect the culture and beliefs of others.
Let's make no mistake, it can be a challenging and unpredictable job - as you leave for your daily patrol, there's no knowing what you might encounter - but it's also rewarding like no other. You'll actively make life safer and more secure for everyone around you. And nothing's more important than that.
As a beat officer - the people often described as the most important in the Force - you'll come face to face with the community every day, attending calls, taking statements, preparing reports, making enquiries into crimes and offences, conducting searches, making arrests and attending incidents. In fact, it's such an important role, that many officers decide to make it their whole career.
Of course, we have specialist departments too - like CID, Road Policing and Dog Branch. Everyone in these teams supports the beat officer - and that's where they come from too. As there's no direct entry into any specialist unit, these officers spend time on the beat first. So they know the value of confident frontline policing.