At what level is an on-duty officer said to function compared to the average citizen?

An on-duty officer is said to function at a level "above the line" compared to the average citizen because they are trained to operate under heightened levels of awareness and responsibility. This state is characterized by the ability to assess situations quickly, make decisions under pressure, and maintain a high level of focus and readiness to respond to emergencies. Officers are expected to manage stress effectively and exhibit resilience, which often requires them to maintain emotional and mental states that enable them to handle challenging situations better than the general populace.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the training and operational capabilities of law enforcement officers. Describing an officer as functioning "below the line" or "between the lines" suggests a lower level of performance or efficacy, which does not align with the skill set and preparedness that officers bring to their duties. Likewise, "at the normal range" implies they function at an average civilian level, overlooking the specialized training and situational demands they regularly face. Thus, the correct understanding reflects that on-duty officers are indeed positioned to operate at a superior level, warranting the designation of functioning "above the line."