Police officers protect life and property by patrolling assigned areas, enforcing laws, directing traffic, controlling crowds, preventing crime, and arresting law violators. They work outdoors, often in vehicles or on foot/bicycles, around the clock in shifts to serve communities. The work can be dangerous, stressful, and emotionally taxing but also rewarding when protecting the public. Formal education requirements are typically a high school diploma or equivalent, though some positions require further degrees, and police officers earn salaries ranging from $32,120 to $69,250 annually.