Local police

What does a neighborhood police officer do? – Tasks and work environment

A neighborhood police officer works with crime prevention and safety initiatives in the local community. Tasks include patrols, contact with schools and associations, efforts against youth crime, and presence at events and in vulnerable areas. The role involves close cooperation with other societal actors such as social services and housing companies to identify and prevent problems early. Neighborhood police officers often have a visible public face and serve as a vital link between the police authority and residents. The work environment is diverse and demands high adaptability, often involving both office and field work during irregular hours.

Salary development over time

In recent years, the salary for a neighborhood police officer has shown a clear positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 38,800 SEK per month, increasing to 40 800 in 2023 and further to 44,100 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 13.7% over three years. The increase reflects a higher demand for police resources, especially within crime prevention work. Investments in safety and an increased focus on presence in local areas have contributed to raising the profession's status. Salaries have also been influenced by central negotiations and special pay raises within the public sector.

Neighborhood police salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 44,100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 42,500 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 49,200 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 265 SEK
• Men (average): 44 500 SEK/month
• Women (average): 43 300 SEK/month
• Women earn: 97% of what men do
• Regional differences: Variations occur depending on location and experience

Education and qualifications

To work as a neighborhood police officer, completion of police training followed by practical experience and further education in crime prevention is required. The training is both theoretical and practical, focusing on law, conflict management, and collaboration. Many neighborhood police officers also have experience from other parts of the police force before moving into local policing.

• Police education: 2.5 years (college or university)
• Practical training (trainee education): 6 months
• Further education: Courses in crime prevention and conflict management
• Prerequisites: Swedish citizenship, good physical and mental health
• Tips for applicants: Experience working with youth and in vulnerable areas is advantageous

Common benefits and compensations

Neighborhood police officers are often covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as extra vacation days, overtime pay for irregular hours, and wellness allowances. Other common compensations include pension contributions, insurance, and sometimes subsidized meals. Salaries can also be supplemented with allowances for on-call duty and standby.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a neighborhood police officer varies depending on the region and current initiatives within the Police Authority. In some areas, the demand for experienced neighborhood police officers is high, especially where crime prevention work is prioritized. The challenges of the profession are many, including high demands on social skills and the ability to handle complex situations. The work often involves stressful schedules and exposure to difficult incidents, requiring resilience and good mental health. Despite this, many are attracted to the profession because of the opportunity to make a difference locally and contribute to community safety.

Tips for those aspiring to become a neighborhood police officer

To succeed as a neighborhood police officer, it is good to combine engagement with strong communication skills and a high degree of integrity. Developing sensitivity to different people's needs and quickly adapting to new situations is important. Building trust in the area requires patience and perseverance, while working in a structured and solution-oriented manner is valuable. Practical experience from community work or youth work can be very advantageous. A tip is to seek internships in areas where neighborhood policing is strong already during your education. Finally, having good teamwork skills is crucial, as the work often involves collaboration with various societal actors.

Key facts about neighborhood police officers

• Education level: Police training (2.5 years) + trainee education
• Work environment: Varied, both field and office work
• Work pattern: Shift work with irregular hours
• Demand: 191 job openings within the profession
• Special skills: Crime prevention work and local collaboration

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a neighborhood police officer, there are opportunities to advance within the Police Authority, such as taking roles as team leader, area police officer, or investigator. Some choose to specialize in crime prevention projects, youth work, or collaboration with schools and social services. The future outlook is difficult to predict due to limited data, but the need for police officers remains high across the country. According to the Employment Service, there are currently 191 job openings in the police profession, indicating good employment prospects for qualified candidates. Long-term, continued focus on safety and presence in local communities is expected to strengthen the role of neighborhood police officers.

Common questions about neighborhood police officers

• What does a neighborhood police officer earn?
  - A neighborhood police officer earns on average 44,100 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and region.
• How does one become a neighborhood police officer?
  - Police training and trainee education, followed by further training in crime prevention work, are required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the highest salary for a neighborhood police officer?
  - The highest salary is 49,200 SEK per month and belongs to a man with research education within the public sector.
• What education is required to become a neighborhood police officer?
  - A police education of 2.5 years plus 6 months of trainee education is required.
• What is the work environment like for a neighborhood police officer?
  - The work environment is varied and requires both office and field work, often with irregular hours.
• What does the future hold for the neighborhood police profession?
  - The prognosis is uncertain, but currently there are 191 job openings within the profession and a continued need for police officers.