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Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.

Annual openings

1,198

Median wage

$97,350

Typical education

High school (GED) plus completion of a Police Academy.

Growth 2026–2032

+12%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED) plus completion of a Police Academy.

Credential requirement

Certification requires completion of an approved training academy, passing the Colorado Peace Officer Standards Test (POST), and completing a background investigation. State law also requires the completion of a physical examination and psychological evaluation.

Work experience

This is an entry-level role so no experience is required, though a candidate usually must be at least 21 years of age.

Work-based learning

Denver has a Public Safety Cadet Program to prepare those out of high school, but not old enough to be hired, for Protective Services jobs. Check to see if there is something similar in your region of the state.

Some departments run their own academies (and pay those going through the academies) and there are also academies run by public or private educational organizations. They range in length from six months to two years.
Previous experience in a Police or Sheriff's Department is highly valued by Public Health employers when hiring an Emergency Preparedness Specialist.
In the Transportation Freight pathway, this job is a feeder role into a Transportation Inspector job.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsMay vary

Interests it draws on

  • Law Enforcement
  • Public Safety

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
  2. 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.
  3. Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
  4. Render aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
  5. Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
  6. Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
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