Police officers began as a type of moral enforcement that was aroused from power and authority, suggested by early kings to prevent crime, according to Realpolice.net.
Police officers serve the law and protect people and property. Typical job duties vary by type, size and location of the organization, according to Citytowninfo.com. Police officers also patrol cities, respond to calls, direct traffic and provide first aid to those in need.
The most standard degree held by police officers are high school diplomas or general education degrees, though associate's and bachelor's degrees in criminal justice are becoming the norm. Police training may also be required for some jobs, which lasts between 12 weeks to a year, according to Legal-criminal-justice-schools.com.
Along with education and training, police officers should be physically fit, lacking in law violations or a criminal background, honest, responsible, quick to take action and capable of handling stress.
Police officer job opportunities in the U.S. are expected to grow 11% from 2006 to 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those with a military background or a college education will have the best opportunities in the field.