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ESCO occupation

police officer

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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.

5412.1 ISCO 5412 ESCO source
Competences
55
Groups
4
Essential
15
Optional
40

Competences and skills

55 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 4 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
first response

The procedures of pre-hospital care for medical emergencies, such as first aid, resuscitation techniques, legal and ethical issues, patient assessment, trauma emergencies.

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Cross-sector

3 competences
law enforcement

The different organisations involved in law enforcement, as well as the laws and regulations in law enforcement procedures.

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legal use-of-force

The characteristics of the use-of-force, which is a legal doctrine employed by police and army forces, to regulate acts of violence during interventions. Use-of-force is ought to balance security needs with ethical concerns for the rights and well-being of intruders or suspects.

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road traffic laws

The rule governing the circulation of vehicles, such as national traffic codes and the rules of the road.

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Essential skills and competences 11 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

11 competences
apply first response

Respond to medical or trauma emergencies and care for the patient in a manner compliant with health and safety regulations, assessing the legal and ethical issues of the situation, and provide proper pre-hospital care.

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comply with legal regulations

Ensure you are properly informed of the legal regulations that govern a specific activity and adhere to its rules, policies and laws.

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comply with the principles of self-defence

Observe the principles according to which a person should only use so much force as is required to repel an attack. The use of deadly force is limited to situations where attackers are using deadly force themselves.

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detain offenders

Keep back offenders and trespassers in a certain area.

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ensure compliance with types of weapons

Comply with legal requirements when using different kinds of firearms and other types of weapons and their matching ammunition.

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ensure law application

Ensure the laws are followed, and where they are broken, that the correct measures are taken to ensure compliance to the law and law enforcement.

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handle case evidence

Handle evidence important for a case in a manner compliant with regulations, in order to not affect the state of the evidence in question and to ensure its pristine condition and usability in the case.

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identify security threats

Identify security threats during investigations, inspections, or patrols, and perform the necessary actions to minimise or neutralise the threat.

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instruct public

Give instructions to the public during situations where they behave in a manner which is not compliant with laws and regulations, or to guide them during abnormal situations.

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patrol areas

Patrol a designated area, watch out for and respond to suspicious and dangerous situations, and communicating with emergency response organisations.

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use different communication channels

Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.

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Optional knowledge 6 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
physical characteristics of railways

Familiar with all physical aspects of the railway, including train stations, the incline and decline of the right-of-way and speed limits.

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safe horseback riding principles

Safe horseback riding and training principles.

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Cross-sector

4 competences
diving operation requirements

The operational plan and the contingency plan for the diving operation, the diving equipment to be used in the diving operation, the diving signals to be used in the diving operation, the in-water decompression procedures to be used in the diving operation, and any emergency procedures that might have to be used in the diving operation.

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illegal substances

The forbidden substances which cannot be transported from one area to another, or carried by an individual, as well as their nature and how to handle them.

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investigation research methods

The methods and strategies used to conduct police, government intelligence or military investigation research, as well as the research regulations specific to the operation.

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railway law

The laws and regulations governing the activities and functioning of the railway system.  

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Optional skills and competences 34 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

12 competences
analyse road traffic patterns

Determine the most efficient road traffic patterns and peak times in order to increase schedule efficiency.

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anticipate foreseeable problems on the road

Anticipate problems on the road such as punctures, pursuit driving, understeering or, oversteering.

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assess railway operations

Review and study existing railroad equipment, facilities, systems and processes in order to improve railway safety and efficiency, increase quality, and reduce costs.

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check diving equipment

Check diving equipment for valid certification to ensure its suitability. Ensure that any diving equipment is examined by a competent person before use, at least once on each day on which it is to be used. Ensure that it is adequately tested and repaired.

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conduct drug abuse tests

Conduct alcohol and drug tests according to government and company policies and procedures. Conducts random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing using basic equipment.

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ensure public safety and security

Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.

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investigate forgery cases

Investigate the illegal altering, copying or imitation of articles or goods (for example currency, public records or works of art) used for criminal purposes.

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investigate road accidents

Investigate road vehicle accidents and conduct post-accident debriefing conferences. Analyse the exact circumstances of the accident and present conclusions to the authorities. Provide recommendations on how future accidents may be prevented.

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issue fines

Recognise a violation in legislation, and issue the appropriate fine to the offender compliant with regulations and ensuring the person is aware of the specific violation they performed.

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perform drug investigations

Perform investigations to try and halt the distribution of drugs through illegal and criminal measures, as well as arrest the distributors of illegal drugs.

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provide care for horses

Provide care for horses includes cleaning, housing, preparing horses and ponies for riding, fixating and leading horses, taking into account the safety regulations for horses and people and the specific requirements of horse at hand, using proper methods and equine tools and equipment.

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train animals for professional purposes

Train animals for specific activities in order to help humans carry out their professional tasks.

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Cross-sector

22 competences
analyse legal evidence

Analyse evidence, such as evidence in criminal cases, legal documentation regarding a case, or other documentation that can be regarded as evidence, in order to obtain a clear image of the case and reach resolutions.

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apply knowledge of human behaviour

Practice principles related to group behaviour, trends in society, and influence of societal dynamics.

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check official documents

Check an individuals' official documentation, such as driver's licenses and identification, to ensure compliance with legal regulations, and to identify and assess individuals.

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conduct frisk

Conduct frisks, or pat downs, with individual to ensure there are no illegal or dangerous items concealed on their person, in a manner appropriate and compliant with regulations.

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control crowd

Control a crowd or riot, ensuring people do not cross to areas they are not allowed to access, monitoring the crowd's behaviour and responding to suspicious and violent behaviour.

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educate public on road safety

Develop and execute educational and promotional plans to educate the public on road safety in order to raise awareness and tackle issues such as the proper attitude to adopt as a pedestrian, cyclist or driver and the ability to identify hazards.

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examine crime scenes

Examine crime scenes upon arrival to ensure they are not tampered and perform the initial assessments and analyses of what may have occurred, as well as examining the nature of the evidence present.

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execute working instructions

Understand, interpret and properly apply work instructions regarding different tasks in the workplace.

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hear witness accounts

Hear witness accounts during a court hearing or during an investigation to assess the significance of the account, its impact on the case under scrutiny or investigation, and to aid in reaching a conclusion.

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maintain diving equipment

Perform maintenance actions, including small repairs, on diving equipment.

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maintain order at scenes of accidents

Maintain order at emergency scenes dispersing crowds and keeping family and friends from touching the patient.

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manage major incidents

Take immediate action to respond to major incidents that affect the safety and security of individuals in private or public places such as road accidents.

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manage theft prevention

Apply theft and robbery prevention; monitor security surveillance equipment; enforce security procedures if needed.

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perform underwater investigations

Perform investigative activities, searches, or rescue missions underwater by using diving equipment and complying with safety regulations.

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practice vigilance

Practice vigilance during patrol or other surveillance activities in order to ensure safety and security, to look out for suspicious behaviour or other alarming changes in patterns or activities, and to respond quickly to these changes.

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present evidence

Present evidence in a criminal or civil case to others, in a convincing and appropriate manner, in order to reach the right or most beneficial solution.

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regulate traffic

Regulate the flow of traffic by using assigned hand signals, assisting travellers on the road, and aiding people to cross the street.

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respond to enquiries

Respond to enquiries and requests for information from other organisations and members of the public.

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restrain individuals

Restrain, or control by force, individuals who violate regulations in terms of acceptable behaviour, who present a threat to others, and who perform acts of violence, to ensure the individual is unable to proceed in this negative behaviour and to protect others.

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ride horses

Ride horses, and pay attention to ensuring the safety of the horse and rider, and applying proper horseback riding techniques

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use personal protection equipment

Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

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write situation reports

Write reports according to specifications and regulations of an organisation on the situation which needs to be reported on, such as the status of an investigation, of intelligence gathering, or of missions and operations.

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