Police trainer

About this occupation

Police trainers train probationary, new academy recruits, or cadets, and seasoned veterans on the theory and practice necessary to become a police officer. They conduct theoretical lectures on academic subjects such as law, government regulations, community relations and human diversity. Police academy instructors also provide more hands-on, practical instruction regarding physical training, the care of firearms, first aid, self defensive tactics and vehicle operations. They also prepare and develop lesson plans and new training programmes as new law enforcement-related regulations and issues arise. The instructors monitor the students' progress, evaluate them individually and prepare performance evaluation reports.

A specialisation of vocational teacher.

• Supervise and coordinate the investigation of criminal cases, offering guidance and expertise to investigators, and ensuring that procedures are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations.
• Prepare work schedules and assign duties to subordinates.
• Direct collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of prisoners.
• Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct against staff.
• Explain police operations to subordinates to assist them in performing their job duties.
• Maintain logs, prepare reports, and direct the preparation, handling, and maintenance of departmental records.

Typical education (US)

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Preparation

Job Zone 2 of 5

Interests

Enterprising, Conventional, Social

Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness

US median pay: US$106,040 a year (2025), 154,610 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentExtremely important (4.5)
• Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.0)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
• PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (3.8)
• SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.3)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Education

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Experience

Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Training

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.