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Police officer

Also called constable, policeman, policewoman

Police officers use investigation methods to prevent crime, to pursue and apprehend criminals, and protect the public from violent and criminal activities. They perform surveillance and patrol activities to prevent crimes and apprehend offenders. They provide support to victimised parties and the public at large, and fulfil administrative duties.

Will there be jobs?Limited prospects15 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.Protective services workersWhat does it pay?Below averageFrom about €700 (Bulgaria) to €5,400 (Belgium) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · Protective services workersWhat do I need to study?Upper secondary or vocational6 in 10 finished upper secondary or vocational training.Protective services workersWill AI change it?Very littleLevel 1 of 6. AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.Police officers · ILO

What you'd do

Police officers · ILO
  • Patrolling a specific area to maintain public order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property and enforcing laws and regulations
  • Identifying, pursuing and arresting suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts
  • Directing traffic and assuming authority in the event of accidents
  • Providing emergency assistance to victims of accidents, crimes and natural disasters
Comply with the principles of self-defenceDetain offendersPatrol areasEnsure law applicationIdentify security threats+ 6 more essential skills
What the work is like
  • Indoors and outdoors
  • A mix of sitting and standing
  • Constant contact with people, including the public
  • Good freedom to decide
  • Often more than 40 hours a week
  • Deadlines most weeks
  • Some repetitive tasks
US data: based on the O*NET profile of the US job "Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers"

Will there be jobs?

Limited prospects

Fewer jobs than in most work will need filling by 2035.

People working as protective services workers in the EU
3.49m3.69m3.45m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
786,000 replacing leavers 235,000 jobs disappear
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
Protective services workers15
All jobs29
Right now
7 of 27 countries report a shortage of police officers, 1 a surplus.
Police officers · EURES

What does it pay?

Below average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €700 a month (Bulgaria) to €5,400 (Belgium), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among service and sales workers in the EU, women earn 3% less per hour than men. Service and sales workers · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Upper secondary or vocational

Upper secondary or vocational training in law is the usual route.

Highest qualification of protective services workers (EU, 2025)
Degree 24%Vocational 42%General secondary 18%Basic schooling 16%
Fields that teach it
Law · Protection of persons and property
Vocational route, EU
Fewer than 1 in 10 trainees in this field

Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Very little

AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.14 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 4 tasks
Directing traffic and assuming authority in the event of accidents0.19
Providing emergency assistance to victims of accidents, crimes and natural disasters0.12
Identifying, pursuing and arresting suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts0.12
Patrolling a specific area to maintain public order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property and enforcing laws and regulations0.12

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for police officers. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).