Police and sheriff's patrol officers
SOC Code: 33-3051
Police and sheriff's patrol officers carries a 40% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $76,290 and +3.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 698,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Police and sheriff's patrol officers (SOC 33-3051) carries an AI exposure score of 40%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 698,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $76,290, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Police and sheriff's patrol officers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Examine immigration applications, visas, and passports and interview persons to determine eligibility for admission, residence, and travel in the U.S.
- 2. Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- 3. Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.
- 4. Detain persons found to be in violation of customs or immigration laws and arrange for legal action, such as deportation.
- 5. Inspect cargo, baggage, and personal articles entering or leaving U.S. for compliance with revenue laws and U.S. customs regulations.
- 6. Locate and seize contraband, undeclared merchandise, and vehicles, aircraft, or boats that contain such merchandise.
- 7. Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
- 8. Render aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
- 9. Interpret and explain laws and regulations to travelers, prospective immigrants, shippers, and manufacturers.
- 10. Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Learning
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Law and Government
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Geography
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Police and sheriff's patrol officers?
Police and sheriff's patrol officers has an AI exposure score of 40%, indicating a high level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Police and sheriff's patrol officers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Police and sheriff's patrol officers is projected to grow by 3.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 698,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Police and sheriff's patrol officers?
Key skills for Police and sheriff's patrol officers include Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Police and sheriff's patrol officers earn?
The median annual wage for Police and sheriff's patrol officers is $76,290, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Police and sheriff's patrol officers?
The typical entry-level education for Police and sheriff's patrol officers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Police and sheriff's patrol officers?
Police and sheriff's patrol officers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).