Becoming a Police Officer
The basic requirements for becoming a police officer anywhere in the United States are the same. All states require that you be a US citizen and that you have a high school diploma or have earned your GED. Other requirements often include passing physical and psychiatric evaluations, that you meet certain fitness standards, criminal background check, civil background check, and drug tests. A lie detector, or polygraph, test may be done to ensure integrity and honesty. Aside from the basic requirements, each police department will have its own standards in regards to education and job experience. While most states do not require a college level education, all federal law enforcement positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. The most popular degree programs for law enforcement officers are criminal justice and police science.
While it may not be a requirement, a degree is a very good place to start. With the job market being as unstable as it has been in recent years, many people are considering careers that seem more stable, and law enforcement is one that comes to the minds of many. Like all career choices today, the competition is getting much more extensive as more people find themselves unemployed and looking for work. A college degree is likely to give you the edge you need over the others applying for the few available positions in a department.
While in some areas it may be possible to enroll in police academy without first being hired by a police department, that is not the norm. Generally speaking, you will want to apply with the department of your choice first and pass all of the required exams and checks mentioned above. Once you are recruited, you will be given the information for attending the proper police academy. Police academy can be thought of as a boot camp of sorts, where you will learn about the justice system, criminal law, investigative techniques, defensive tactics, firearms training, communication skills and police driving techniques. These programs will typically take between twelve and fourteen weeks to complete. Some states require special licensing to become a police officer. In these areas a board is established that administers and grades proctored exams that test the written and verbal requirements for working in law enforcement. Areas that require these exams will generally have study courses you can take to prepare. Continuing education is important in any profession, but in law enforcement it can give you the specials skills training that you need to move through the ranks. Regardless of your long-term goals, a solid education in the form of a degree and continuing education will serve you well in protecting the communities you work in.
Leave your response!
You must be logged in to post a comment.