The Path to Become a Police Officer
25 December 2011
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The decision to become a police officer is one that should not be taken lightly. While the career is very rewarding, a police officer’s job can be difficult and dangerous at times. Aside from good common sense, ethics and morals a police officer must also have the educational background and training to ensure they handle the citizens’ rights and the law in a fair and professional manner. The path that you take to become a police officer can vary significantly, as different states have different requirements. What level of education you have to receive also depends if you plan on working on a state level or federal level. The best thing to do before you start your career path is to look at the opportunities available to you in your area. Do your research or contact your local police department for details on the requirements for the job you hope to obtain. All federal law enforcement jobs require a college degree. Criminal Justice and Police Sciences are the most common degrees sought in new recruits. These four-year programs are designed to teach the student the laws and social skills required to gain employment. However, there is more to becoming a police officer than simply obtaining a four-year degree. Many online schools offer these majors, making it convenient for students to work on obtaining their degree while still working a full time job.
All candidates must be US citizens, have a high school diploma or GED and meet the physical fitness requirements. Police academy is required at all levels of law enforcement. Depending on your state, you may have to apply for a position at the police department you wish to work at and then be approved to attend a specific police academy or you may be able enroll on your own and then seek work after graduation. When you apply for police academy you can expect a very thorough screening process that must be passed to gain acceptance into the program. A variety of screening tools are used, including: drug test, criminal and civil background test, psychiatric examinations, physical fitness test, physical examination and review of health records and a polygraph, or lie detector test.
Policy academy itself is no simple task, and can almost be viewed as a boot camp of sorts. Your training will include learning about the justice system, criminal law, investigative techniques, defensive tactics, firearms training, communication skills and police driving techniques. These programs usually are three to four months in length. Many areas of the United States will require special licensing. In these areas there will be a board that reviews applications and handles the written and verbal civil service testing requirements that must be met to gain licensing. Police officers, like many other professionals, are expected to pursue continuing education. This may often be accomplished by attending yearly seminars, workshops, and advanced training programs. Because the law is continually changing, police officers must continue their educations to stay abreast of these changes.
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