3 answers
Kryston
Student
Memphis, Tennessee
5
Questions
Asked
1017 views
Do you have to go to college to be a police officer or a detective?
#police-officer I want to be a better person .
Login to comment
3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Kryston let's look at the steps it takes to become a police officer. In addition to earning a high school diploma, police officers receive training at a police academy. Police officers are typically employed by state and local law enforcement agencies to enforce the law. They enforce traffic safety laws and investigate suspicious activities within work jurisdictions. Police officers may also work in jails guarding inmates and may testify in court concerning cases in which they have been involved. Potential personal injury and danger may cause stress for these officers. The reward of helping to ensure safety for others is a strong positive for many.
STEP 1: APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
A completed application needs to be submitted to the police department in the applicant's desired work location. After being accepted, applicants are placed into a pool of eligible candidates for future police officer openings. Depending on the hiring situation, applicants might be immediately moved into a training program. Alongside the application, prospective hopefuls must pass tests to become a police officer, including those involved with fitness, drug, and lie detectors; along with a civil service test that ensures that job candidates possess the qualities needed to be a professional in the field. While some departments hire graduates right out of high school, most require potential officers to be at least 21 years old. Thus, students who are hired after high school must work and train until they are 21 in order to become an officer. Other basic prerequisites for police officers include being a U.S. citizen and having a valid driver's license and clean record.
STEP 2: EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
If you're wondering whether you can be a cop with a GED, you should know that a high school diploma or a GED is typically the minimum level of education needed to become a police officer. A college degree may appeal to potential employers and may even be required by some law enforcement agencies. Through an associate's or bachelor's degree program in criminology, police science, public administration, or criminal justice, undergraduates can obtain helpful knowledge and skills to apply to a career in law enforcement. Degree-holders also may advance their careers more rapidly than those without a relevant degree. Some departments will even provide tuition assistance to officers who seek degrees in pertinent fields.
STEP 3: POLICE ACADEMY
Large police departments send recruits to their own police academies. Smaller precincts may send new hires to attend larger academies as well. Academy programs typically last 3-4 months and combine classroom and hands-on, physical training. Police academy training prepares prospective police officers for active duty. Therefore, recruits also gain supervised experience in facing real-life situations.
STEP 4: EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to gain a position on the police force, candidates are required to pass various examinations to ensure competence. Candidates must pass written exams, which may be administered through a police academy. Most divisions also administer physical tests of strength, vision, hearing, and agility. Some units conduct psychiatric or background interviews to assess a recruit's personal characteristics and overall suitability for a career in law enforcement. Most candidates will need to pass drug and lie detector tests as well.
STEP 5: REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN DETECTIVE
After completing the training academy program, graduates can begin work as police officers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with the right experience and training, police officers can choose a specialization like narcotics or juvenile enforcement. Promotions available to police officers include captain, lieutenant, detective, and many others. The BLS also notes that police officers can receive new vocational opportunities at the federal level.
CAREER OUTLOOK AND SALARY
The final step is to find a job. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that state and federal police and detective jobs should be quite competitive. However, once a police officer is hired, there is generally very little turnover. The BLS reported that police and detective jobs would grow 5% from 2018-2028, which was as fast as average. The average Police Officer salary in the United Sates is $76,900 as of July 27, 2020, but the range typically falls between $63,500 and $105,000. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Hope this was Helpful Kryston
Build up physical endurance and athleticism – Police officers need to remain in top physical shape due to the demands and dangers involved with the position. Officers regularly have to actively chase down and capture criminals who flee crime scenes. Participating in high school or college sports, along with exercising regularly, can build up the necessary endurance and athleticism to become a police officer.
Take foreign language courses – Police officers regularly need to work with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds, including people who don't speak English. In the process of becoming a police officer, obtaining proficiency in a foreign language can help one communicate more efficiently with witnesses or suspects and may help them stand out to potential employers.
Continue education – A variety of continuing education options are available to police officers, and participation in these options may help an officer obtain promotions. Some examples of commonly available continuing education options include courses in specialized areas of the law, conferences, and seminars.
Network and Display Dedication – For those interested in specializing in a particular field of law enforcement, it would behoove them to become acquainted with the detective or lieutenant in charge of that particular division. In addition, showing dedication, strong work ethic, and finding novel ways to excel and impress can definitively help someone land their dream position.
STEP 1: APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
A completed application needs to be submitted to the police department in the applicant's desired work location. After being accepted, applicants are placed into a pool of eligible candidates for future police officer openings. Depending on the hiring situation, applicants might be immediately moved into a training program. Alongside the application, prospective hopefuls must pass tests to become a police officer, including those involved with fitness, drug, and lie detectors; along with a civil service test that ensures that job candidates possess the qualities needed to be a professional in the field. While some departments hire graduates right out of high school, most require potential officers to be at least 21 years old. Thus, students who are hired after high school must work and train until they are 21 in order to become an officer. Other basic prerequisites for police officers include being a U.S. citizen and having a valid driver's license and clean record.
STEP 2: EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
If you're wondering whether you can be a cop with a GED, you should know that a high school diploma or a GED is typically the minimum level of education needed to become a police officer. A college degree may appeal to potential employers and may even be required by some law enforcement agencies. Through an associate's or bachelor's degree program in criminology, police science, public administration, or criminal justice, undergraduates can obtain helpful knowledge and skills to apply to a career in law enforcement. Degree-holders also may advance their careers more rapidly than those without a relevant degree. Some departments will even provide tuition assistance to officers who seek degrees in pertinent fields.
STEP 3: POLICE ACADEMY
Large police departments send recruits to their own police academies. Smaller precincts may send new hires to attend larger academies as well. Academy programs typically last 3-4 months and combine classroom and hands-on, physical training. Police academy training prepares prospective police officers for active duty. Therefore, recruits also gain supervised experience in facing real-life situations.
STEP 4: EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to gain a position on the police force, candidates are required to pass various examinations to ensure competence. Candidates must pass written exams, which may be administered through a police academy. Most divisions also administer physical tests of strength, vision, hearing, and agility. Some units conduct psychiatric or background interviews to assess a recruit's personal characteristics and overall suitability for a career in law enforcement. Most candidates will need to pass drug and lie detector tests as well.
STEP 5: REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN DETECTIVE
After completing the training academy program, graduates can begin work as police officers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with the right experience and training, police officers can choose a specialization like narcotics or juvenile enforcement. Promotions available to police officers include captain, lieutenant, detective, and many others. The BLS also notes that police officers can receive new vocational opportunities at the federal level.
CAREER OUTLOOK AND SALARY
The final step is to find a job. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that state and federal police and detective jobs should be quite competitive. However, once a police officer is hired, there is generally very little turnover. The BLS reported that police and detective jobs would grow 5% from 2018-2028, which was as fast as average. The average Police Officer salary in the United Sates is $76,900 as of July 27, 2020, but the range typically falls between $63,500 and $105,000. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Hope this was Helpful Kryston
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Dexter for your Contributions to the Future. Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction.
Doc Frick
Thomas Wiggins
Retired police officer
21
Answers
Highland Park, Illinois
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Simple answer is you don't necessarily have to possess a college degree to become a police officer. Check out the job posting for the police department you are interested in and it should indicate if a degree is needed. More and more departments are recruiting individuals who have a degree but many departments are not. There is talk about legislation being passed requiring all new applicants possess a college degree. It's a very tough time to enter law enforcement but I commend you for wanting to help and make a difference in our society. Good luck. Now get hired and catch some bad guys.
Tim Reich
Former Oregon State Trooper
1
Answer
Clackamas, Oregon
Updated
Tim’s Answer
Oregon State Trooper Training
The members of the Oregon State Police carry out a wide range of activities to provide safety to Oregon residents and travelers through the state. In addition to enforcing the traffic laws of Oregon, they investigate crimes, enforce gambling laws, intercept drug shipments, and process tsunami debris. Here are the steps you need to go through to get hired and trained as a State Trooper in Oregon.
9 Steps to Become a State Trooper in Oregon:
Meet the Basic Qualifications
Submit your Application
Pass Physical and Written Tests
Oral Board Interview and Psychological Test
Background Check
Medical and Psychological Examinations and Updated Record Check
Command-Level Interview
Attend Pre-Academy Training
Attend Trooper Academy for Training
Step 1. Meet the Basic Qualifications for Oregon Trooper Candidacy
Having a college degree will help you stand out during the application process, although this is not required.
FIND SCHOOLS
Sponsored School
Featured Programs:
Strayer University - Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice
Rasmussen College - Law Enforcement Associate's Degree and Post-Degree Certificates; Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degrees
Michigan State University - Online Master of Science in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis
Saint Joseph's University - Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Utica College - Online Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice
To be considered for jobs as an Oregon State Trooper, you must meet certain requirements:
You must have an e-mail address.
You must be a U.S. citizen.
You must have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.
You must be at least 21 years old.
You must have a valid driver’s license.
You must be healthy and be of good moral character.
You must not have had any felony convictions.
You cannot have had any misdemeanor convictions
For sex crimes, domestic violence, fraud, or moral turpitude.
Within the last five years
Your driving record must lack
Major traffic offenses or DUI diversions within the last 5 years
Felony or misdemeanor driver’s license suspensions within the last 5 years
Hazardous traffic violent convictions: 3 or more within the last 2 years
Careless driving conviction within the last 3 years
Alcoholic open container violation within the last 3 years
Class A traffic violation conviction within the last 3 years
Traffic violation convictions: 5 or more within the last 3 years
Driver’s license suspension within the last 3 years
You must not have used marijuana within the last 3 years
You cannot have possessed, sold, distributed, manufactured, or used an illegal drug within the last 10 years
You must not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces
You cannot have a convicted arrest record that violates OAR 259-008-0070 Not Eligible to be Certified Police Officer by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)
Step 2. Submit Your Application
You must apply online to become a State Trooper in Oregon. You will be notified by e-mail at each step, such as the schedule of your test date.
Step 3. Pass Physical and Written Tests
You will have to pass both physical and written tests.
The pass/fail physical test consists of:
Push-ups
Sit-ups
2 mile run
The written examination is timed and will test whether or not your skills match the standards of a twelfth grade education. It includes
Mathematics
Spelling
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension
If you fail any part of this testing, you can reapply at any point and be re-tested during the next test period.
Step 4. Oral Board Interview and Psychological Test
If you pass the tests for physical and written abilities, you will be granted an interview with several individuals. If you pass this interview, you will then be given a series of psychological tests to determine if you are suitable to have a career as a State Trooper in Oregon.
Once you are found suitable, you will be given a form to give your personal history. You must complete this and return it within two weeks.
Step 5. Background Check
The next step will be to screen your test results and your personal history. If you pass this screening, you will then undergo a background check. You will need to provide a list of documents for the background check, including:
Sealed High School Transcripts
Sealed College Transcripts
College Diploma
High School Diploma
Birth or Naturalization Certificate
Evaluations from your last three jobs
Military Evaluations (your last three).
Divorce Decrees
Restraining Orders (all)
DD214 Military Release Form (copy)
You have the option of submitting copies of the following:
Resume
Recommendation Letters
Certificates of Accomplishment or Civic Awards
Commendation Letters
Training, Academic or Professional Certificates
You will also need to provide the information and dates detailed here.
Since it may take a while to assemble all this information, it is recommended that you start doing so ahead of time.
Step 6. Medical and Psychological Examinations, and Updated Records Check
Your whole application will be reviewed, including your testing and screening, skills and abilities, and the results of the background check. If you are accepted following this analysis, and there are openings for State Troopers, you will be given a position as a Recruit Trooper.
At this point, you will undergo several examinations:
Medical, including Drug Screening
Psychological
Updated Records Check
Computerized Criminal History
Driving Record
LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System)
NCIC (National Crime Information Center)
You will also be fingerprinted at this point.
Step 7. Command Level Interview
If your application has been successful all the way through, you will meet with a Commander before your appointment will be finalized. Your appointment must then be approved by the Superintendent.
Step 8. Attend Pre-Academy for Training
Your training to become a State Trooper in Oregon will start with 4 week or 186 hours of training for Oregon State Police. This training involves
Communicating Verbally (16 hours)
Defensive Tactics (26 hours)
Department History
Firearms Training (40 hours)
First Responder Training
This 32 hours of medical training is just below basic EMT level
Fish and Wildlife Training
Payroll and Benefits
Physical Fitness
Step 9. Attend the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
The next step in training to become a State Trooper in Oregon involves 16 weeks of training with county and municipal officers. Some of the training you will receive includes:
Communications: media, verbal, writing
Computer, LEDS, and other electronics
Crime Scenes/Investigations
Dispatch/Radio communication
Emergency/Terrorism/Disaster
Ethics
Intoxicants/Drugs
Law and Legal
Radar/Lidar
The members of the Oregon State Police carry out a wide range of activities to provide safety to Oregon residents and travelers through the state. In addition to enforcing the traffic laws of Oregon, they investigate crimes, enforce gambling laws, intercept drug shipments, and process tsunami debris. Here are the steps you need to go through to get hired and trained as a State Trooper in Oregon.
9 Steps to Become a State Trooper in Oregon:
Meet the Basic Qualifications
Submit your Application
Pass Physical and Written Tests
Oral Board Interview and Psychological Test
Background Check
Medical and Psychological Examinations and Updated Record Check
Command-Level Interview
Attend Pre-Academy Training
Attend Trooper Academy for Training
Step 1. Meet the Basic Qualifications for Oregon Trooper Candidacy
Having a college degree will help you stand out during the application process, although this is not required.
FIND SCHOOLS
Sponsored School
Featured Programs:
Strayer University - Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice
Rasmussen College - Law Enforcement Associate's Degree and Post-Degree Certificates; Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degrees
Michigan State University - Online Master of Science in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis
Saint Joseph's University - Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Utica College - Online Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice
To be considered for jobs as an Oregon State Trooper, you must meet certain requirements:
You must have an e-mail address.
You must be a U.S. citizen.
You must have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.
You must be at least 21 years old.
You must have a valid driver’s license.
You must be healthy and be of good moral character.
You must not have had any felony convictions.
You cannot have had any misdemeanor convictions
For sex crimes, domestic violence, fraud, or moral turpitude.
Within the last five years
Your driving record must lack
Major traffic offenses or DUI diversions within the last 5 years
Felony or misdemeanor driver’s license suspensions within the last 5 years
Hazardous traffic violent convictions: 3 or more within the last 2 years
Careless driving conviction within the last 3 years
Alcoholic open container violation within the last 3 years
Class A traffic violation conviction within the last 3 years
Traffic violation convictions: 5 or more within the last 3 years
Driver’s license suspension within the last 3 years
You must not have used marijuana within the last 3 years
You cannot have possessed, sold, distributed, manufactured, or used an illegal drug within the last 10 years
You must not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces
You cannot have a convicted arrest record that violates OAR 259-008-0070 Not Eligible to be Certified Police Officer by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)
Step 2. Submit Your Application
You must apply online to become a State Trooper in Oregon. You will be notified by e-mail at each step, such as the schedule of your test date.
Step 3. Pass Physical and Written Tests
You will have to pass both physical and written tests.
The pass/fail physical test consists of:
Push-ups
Sit-ups
2 mile run
The written examination is timed and will test whether or not your skills match the standards of a twelfth grade education. It includes
Mathematics
Spelling
Vocabulary
Reading Comprehension
If you fail any part of this testing, you can reapply at any point and be re-tested during the next test period.
Step 4. Oral Board Interview and Psychological Test
If you pass the tests for physical and written abilities, you will be granted an interview with several individuals. If you pass this interview, you will then be given a series of psychological tests to determine if you are suitable to have a career as a State Trooper in Oregon.
Once you are found suitable, you will be given a form to give your personal history. You must complete this and return it within two weeks.
Step 5. Background Check
The next step will be to screen your test results and your personal history. If you pass this screening, you will then undergo a background check. You will need to provide a list of documents for the background check, including:
Sealed High School Transcripts
Sealed College Transcripts
College Diploma
High School Diploma
Birth or Naturalization Certificate
Evaluations from your last three jobs
Military Evaluations (your last three).
Divorce Decrees
Restraining Orders (all)
DD214 Military Release Form (copy)
You have the option of submitting copies of the following:
Resume
Recommendation Letters
Certificates of Accomplishment or Civic Awards
Commendation Letters
Training, Academic or Professional Certificates
You will also need to provide the information and dates detailed here.
Since it may take a while to assemble all this information, it is recommended that you start doing so ahead of time.
Step 6. Medical and Psychological Examinations, and Updated Records Check
Your whole application will be reviewed, including your testing and screening, skills and abilities, and the results of the background check. If you are accepted following this analysis, and there are openings for State Troopers, you will be given a position as a Recruit Trooper.
At this point, you will undergo several examinations:
Medical, including Drug Screening
Psychological
Updated Records Check
Computerized Criminal History
Driving Record
LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System)
NCIC (National Crime Information Center)
You will also be fingerprinted at this point.
Step 7. Command Level Interview
If your application has been successful all the way through, you will meet with a Commander before your appointment will be finalized. Your appointment must then be approved by the Superintendent.
Step 8. Attend Pre-Academy for Training
Your training to become a State Trooper in Oregon will start with 4 week or 186 hours of training for Oregon State Police. This training involves
Communicating Verbally (16 hours)
Defensive Tactics (26 hours)
Department History
Firearms Training (40 hours)
First Responder Training
This 32 hours of medical training is just below basic EMT level
Fish and Wildlife Training
Payroll and Benefits
Physical Fitness
Step 9. Attend the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
The next step in training to become a State Trooper in Oregon involves 16 weeks of training with county and municipal officers. Some of the training you will receive includes:
Communications: media, verbal, writing
Computer, LEDS, and other electronics
Crime Scenes/Investigations
Dispatch/Radio communication
Emergency/Terrorism/Disaster
Ethics
Intoxicants/Drugs
Law and Legal
Radar/Lidar