Many police officers are assigned to monitor college campuses, train stations, high schools, and other public facilities. When patrolling their zones, police officers question and arrest suspected criminals, cite people for traffic violations, and respond to family or spousal fights. Police officers are dispatched to calls from people living in their assigned zone and investigate unusual activities. They familiarize themselves with their zones to easily recognize suspicious activities. Officers assigned to a large zone typically patrol it with partners. Police departments usually assign patrol officers to specific geographic zones.

Police departments in big cities participate heavily in community policing, a method whereby police officers develop personal relationships with local residents, so they can feel comfortable approaching officers when they notice suspicious activity or become crime victims. In big city departments, police officers are typically given specific duties. Additional duties include directing traffic at public events and automobile accidents, administering first aid to injured people, and investigating robberies. They also spend a lot of time assisting citizens and completing paperwork. Police officers respond to emergencies and patrol regular routes watching for suspicious activity. Municipal and state police officers are assigned general police duties.

Dea task force officer job description