Some individuals decide to become police officers when they are very young, while others come to the realization later. Either way, there are number of steps to be taken if someone wants to become a police officer, and the earlier you get started, the better. A career in public service can be diverse, challenging, and fulfilling for those who are able to make it through the highly competitive process. Opportunities in law enforcement are incredibly varied, from urban police to rural sheriffs.
If someone wants to become a police officer, he or she should start with education. Police departments require a basic high school education, and additional training such as an Associates or Bachelors degree is recommended. A number of colleges offer criminal justice programs for individuals interested in becoming a police officer. Most of these programs involve education in human behavior, legal issues, computer systems, and a variety of other subjects which assist law enforcement officers. The more advanced your training, the more successful your application as a police officer will be. This training will also serve you well in the field.
Policing requires a high state of physical and moral fitness. Participating in organized sports will condition your body and also serve you well as you apply to a police department. Police officers must also pass a background check, and people with extensive traffic violations, drug convictions, or other indiscretions will likely be rejected. To be accepted as a police officer, you should use common sense, and avoid getting involved in potentially illegal or dangerous situations.
When you are ready to apply to a police department, you will have to sit for the civil service examination. The civil service exam is administered through the police department you are applying to. If you are concerned about the examination, many companies offer study guides which can help you get a higher score. The civil service exam is offered whenever a department has openings, and some departments also offer it on a regular basis to establish a pool of eligible recruits.
You will also take a physical exam which tests agility, strength, vision, and hearing. If these tests are passed successfully, you will take drug and lie detector tests and began a series of interviews with the police department. If accepted, you will be sent to the police academy, a program which ranges from three months to one year. The police academy will prepare you fully for your job as a police officer.
Police officers are expected to pursue continuing education as well, and attend yearly seminars and workshops to this end. The law enforcement community must constantly adapt to changing needs, and this ensures that police officers are updated on current legal procedure and cultural sensitivity. Advanced training allows police officers to better serve the communities they work in, and to retain their edge as law enforcement professionals.
In some states, it is possible to attend a police academy without being affiliated with a specific police department. If you are unsure about the area in which you would like to work, you can attend the police academy first and then apply into police departments as a fully trained police officer. With a growing population come growing demands on law enforcement, which translates into increased opportunities for individuals interested in a career in law enforcement. Pursuing your dream of becoming a police officer can be a lengthy process, but well worth it at the end.
Some Comments:
Comment > 1
I am 16 and have recently decided that i wanted to become a law enforcement officer. But i have a few questions. First off about a year ago i got arrested for retail theft but i joined this program that it will erase off your record if you complete it. It's a year long program. Will this affect me?
I have tried marijuana and did it daily but i have been clean for about six months and will never do it again. And last question: what is the best path? I want to become an police officer but also want to make good money everything from classes to take, and also my eyes are not the best. Thank you for reading and if someone is educated enough to reply, please do.
Comment > 2
I'm going to be 18 in a few months and I was wondering what I have to do to after high school to become a police officer. Any specific classes in college? My dad was a police officer for a while and he graduated top of his class from college so no one should dare say police are undereducated. They obviously know more than you.
Comment > 3
I am a police officer in Southern California. I have eight years on the force. For the past month or so, I have been thinking really hard about quitting law enforcement. I like most of the job but hate the people in management (really only the sergeant. They are not good leaders). Reading some of the comments on this website reminded me how hard I worked to get to where I am now.
For reminding me of that, I want to thank you guys.
Here's the truth about law enforcement. Every department is different. Some will not give a person a chance if there is any past drug use. Most will, as long as the drugs you had used were only marijuana or even a small amount of meth and enough time has passed (three to five years). If you have ever used any LSD, mushrooms, etc., you're done -- become a plumber.
You young kids 14, 15,16ish get involved with the Explorers program at a local PD or join the ROTC at school. Don’t be a nerd and work really hard and you will make a good police officer.
Being a cop is fun. Last night I drove over 80-100 MPH on three separate calls. I arrested a 13 year old for burglarizing a local elementary school and chased after people all night. LOL Makes me wish I was working right now.
Comment > 4
Okay I got laid off about two months ago and I have been wanting to pursue my dream of becoming a cop. I was just going to enroll for summer courses when last month I got a DUI. I also got a misdemeanor six years ago for getting caught stealing. I returned everything but is still on my record a stupid thing that I did then, and then this DUI. Which are the only things on my record -- nothing else.
Will this affect my dream of becoming a police officer?
Comment > 5
I am 17 years old, turning 18 in september. Recently I have been heavily exploring the police profession. i am an active member of the local police explorer group and that has really opened my eyes.
About two years ago my father passed away. i had to see him in the hospital in a coma, and it was the hardest thing i have ever had to do.
When i was down there with my "half-brother" he introduced me to marijuana. it made things so much easier, and i eventually turned to that every time a problem arose. it started as a way to cope with very difficult family problems, but then turned into a habit.
Recently i have stopped and have a good three years before the minimum age requirements are met. during this time, under peer pressure, i ate mushrooms twice. i hate them! the worst experience of my life. both of these are choices that i deeply regret.
i guess what I'm asking is should i even attempt to get a career in this field, or give it up completely. if these mistakes have cost me a great life/ rewarding career, i will be devastated. thanks a lot.
Content Source: Wisegeek
