Will AI replace police and sheriff's patrol officers?AI replacement risk 20% and how the work is changing

United States Protective Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$76,210

25th–75th pct. $59,290–$97,600

Top pay (est.)

$149,700

Top 10% $115,120

Pay in 5 years

$89,200est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$104,400est.

$89,800–$121,200

Outlook score

58/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

20%

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+3.5%

52K openings / yr

Will AI replace Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers? AI replacement risk

20%

Very low

Ranked #123 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations

Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Key skills

Social Perceptiveness

4.0

Critical Thinking

4.0

Active Listening

4.0

Speaking

3.9

Reading Comprehension

3.9

Writing

3.8

Coordination

3.6

Persuasion

3.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

6.3

Public Safety and Security

5.7

Psychology

5.6

Law and Government

5.3

Therapy and Counseling

4.5

English Language

4.5

Education and Training

4.3

Computers and Electronics

4.0

What the work involves

Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Far VisionNear VisionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionInductive ReasoningProblem Sensitivity

Training before entry

6–12 months

40%

1–3 months

24%

3–6 months

21%

1–2 years

None / short demo

4–10 years

Over 10 years

Related work experience

None

62%

2–4 years

12%

3–6 months

1–2 years

6–12 months

6–8 years

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Security Guards Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules.	$38,020	41/100	39%
2	Correctional Officers and Jailers Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures.	$58,940	36/100	24%
3	Firefighters Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk.	$59,280	58/100	8%
4	Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.	$33,580	64/100	8%
5	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.	$106,040	61/100	15%
6	Detectives and Criminal Investigators Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.	$93,790	49/100	37%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.