Occupation AtlasTransit and Railroad Police
O*NET · 33-3052.00
Transit and Railroad Police
Protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.
Also called Canine Officer (K-9 Officer) · Field Training Advisor · Field Training Agent · K-9 Officer · Law Enforcement Officer · Officer · Patrol Man · Patrol Officer
21 more
Patroller · Patrolman · Police Captain · Police Specialist · Public Transit Specialist · Railroad Detective · Railroad Police · Railroad Police Officer · Railroad Safety Specialist · Railroad Watchman · Secured Entrance Monitor · Track Patrol · Track Watchman · Transit Authority Police · Transit Authority Police Officer · Transit Officer · Transit Police Officer · Transit Specialist · Transportation Officer · Transportation Sergeant · Unarmed Officer
Compare with another occupationCompare with Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
RCERealistic · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic6.17
- C Conventional4.94
- E Enterprising3.21
- S Social2.51
- I Investigative2.28
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (27%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (36%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (49%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- CoordinationImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- WritingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- NegotiationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
Show the other 23
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- ProgrammingImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- SciencebasicImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
10 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Prepare reports documenting investigation activities and results.Importance 4.4
- Apprehend or remove trespassers or thieves from railroad property or coordinate with law enforcement agencies in apprehensions and removals.Importance 4.2
- Monitor transit areas and conduct security checks to protect railroad properties, patrons, and employees.Importance 4.2
- Patrol railroad yards, cars, stations, or other facilities to protect company property or shipments and to maintain order.Importance 4.1
- Investigate or direct investigations of freight theft, suspicious damage or loss of passengers' valuables, or other crimes on railroad property.Importance 4.1
- Direct security activities at derailments, fires, floods, or strikes involving railroad property.Importance 4.1
- Examine credentials of unauthorized persons attempting to enter secured areas.Importance 4.0
- Enforce traffic laws regarding the transit system and reprimand individuals who violate them.Importance 3.9
- Provide training to the public or law enforcement personnel in railroad safety or security.Importance 3.8
- Plan or implement special safety or preventive programs, such as fire or accident prevention.Importance 3.4
Show the other 2
- Direct or coordinate the daily activities or training of security staff.Importance 3.7
- Interview neighbors, associates, or former employers of job applicants to verify personal references or to obtain work history data.Importance 3.6
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 4.9Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- Law and GovernmentImportance 4.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- English LanguageImportance 4.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.1Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Respond to a citizen's request for assistance after a major disaster
- TransportationImportance 3.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.6Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
- GeographyImportance 3.5Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
- PsychologyImportance 3.5Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- TelecommunicationsImportance 3.5Level 2.9
- Communications and MediaImportance 3.1Level 2.9
- AdministrativeImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- MathematicsImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- ChemistryImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- History and ArcheologyImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- DesignImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.9Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- MechanicalImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- PhysicsImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- BiologyImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.3Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 3.9
- Far VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
Show all 52
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Information OrderingImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Auditory AttentionImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Speed of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Trunk StrengthImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Explosive StrengthImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Jump onto a 3-foot high platform
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.0Level 2.8
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Response OrientationImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Use either the brake or gas pedal when your vehicle is skidding
- StaminaImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Climb 6 flights of stairs
- Static StrengthImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
- Time SharingImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Peripheral VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Night VisionImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
- Sound LocalizationImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
- Spatial OrientationImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Find your way through a dark room without hitting anything
- VisualizationImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Glare SensitivityImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
- Rate ControlImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- MemorizationImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.5Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 4.5Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 4.4Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Processing InformationImportance 4.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
Show all 41
- Getting InformationImportance 4.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 4.2Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.2Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.8Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.7Level 2.8
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.5Level 2.7
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.5Level 2.7
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 2.6
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.0Level 2.8
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
14 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (6)
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (8)
- Crime mapping software
- Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
- Law enforcement information databases
- MapInfo Professional
- MapInfo StreetPro
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
- SmugMug Flickr
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Complex Problem Solving −0.8, Mathematics +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Customs and Border Protection Officers
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension +0.8, Science +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Compliance Officers
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension +0.9, Operations Monitoring −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Private Detectives and Investigators
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Monitoring −0.9, Reading Comprehension +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension +0.8, Science +0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Airfield Operations Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Evaluation +0.7, Reading Comprehension +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Maintenance +0.9, Systems Analysis −0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis +1.1, Systems Evaluation +1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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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. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.