3 answers
Shamario
Student
Miami Gardens, Florida
6
Questions
Asked
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What are the steps to become a police Officer?
Hello im Shamario im 17 years old , I am in the 11th grader and would like to know the steps to become a police officer? #policeofficer
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3 answers
Leah Abelar
Military Working Dog Handler
2
Answers
Clovis, New Mexico
Updated
Leah’s Answer
Hello Shamario,
As others have stated, it is really helpful to get your Bachelor’s degree before applying. You have to be 21 upon completion of the Police Academy, so starting college immediately after high school is a great way to get started.
Also, staying in shape. Make sure you’re keeping up with police department fitness standards. Most departments require a timed 1.5 mile run, 1min push-ups, and 1min sit-ups.
Surrounded yourself with positive people and people who share the same values.
If you’re ever interested in becoming a police officer for the military I would highly suggest the Air Force. Most local police departments favor hiring veterans because of their prior experience.
Hope that helps!
As others have stated, it is really helpful to get your Bachelor’s degree before applying. You have to be 21 upon completion of the Police Academy, so starting college immediately after high school is a great way to get started.
Also, staying in shape. Make sure you’re keeping up with police department fitness standards. Most departments require a timed 1.5 mile run, 1min push-ups, and 1min sit-ups.
Surrounded yourself with positive people and people who share the same values.
If you’re ever interested in becoming a police officer for the military I would highly suggest the Air Force. Most local police departments favor hiring veterans because of their prior experience.
Hope that helps!
Nick McGregor
Law Enforcement
35
Answers
Denton, Texas
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Hello Shamario! As Sue answered above, getting an education after high school is the best option, and will help your law enforcement career down the road. I would recommend studying criminal justice, criminology, psychology, or other social sciences. However, any bachelors or masters degree program will advance your skills.
Many larger law enforcement agencies have their own in-house training programs. But, many smaller police departments rely on applicants who have successfully completed a law enforcement training academy on their own. So, narrow down where you want to work. This will help guide this career path choice.
And as Sue mentioned, a law enforcement explorer program is a great way to “explore” the law enforcement profession. You will see how things work on the inside.
Finally, be sure to associate with good people. Poor choices in high school and college often disqualify many police applicants during a background check. Officers must be of upstanding moral character. Being detained or attested never look favorable during this process.
https://www.bestvalueschools.org/law-enforcement-degree/
https://www.exploring.org/law-enforcement/
https://www.policemag.com/374037/background-investigations-can-break-you
Many larger law enforcement agencies have their own in-house training programs. But, many smaller police departments rely on applicants who have successfully completed a law enforcement training academy on their own. So, narrow down where you want to work. This will help guide this career path choice.
And as Sue mentioned, a law enforcement explorer program is a great way to “explore” the law enforcement profession. You will see how things work on the inside.
Finally, be sure to associate with good people. Poor choices in high school and college often disqualify many police applicants during a background check. Officers must be of upstanding moral character. Being detained or attested never look favorable during this process.
Nick recommends the following next steps:
Suzanne Swain Brint
Nursing
169
Answers
Santa Monica, California
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Hello Shamario S.,
I am the mom of a police officer and here is what I have learned. It is best for you to get a 4 year college degree in a field that would be appropriate for officers such as criminal justice. If you are selected for a police officer training program, this immediately places you in a good position for future promotions. While you are in school, it is essential to stay in very good physical shape as well.
https://westliberty.edu/graduate-programs/7-degrees-police-officers-career-advancement/
After graduation, you can then begin the application process for a police training program. The application process entails an intensive background check so all candidates must have a very clean record which includes being financially responsible. You will also have to pass oral interviews which require good speaking skills.
Here is more information:
https://golawenforcement.com/articles/need-know-police-background-check-common-disqualifiers/
https://agency.governmentjobs.com/bocaratonfl/job_bulletin.cfm?jobID=1561110&sharedWindow=0
There are "cadet" programs in many police departments across the country for high school students. You might be interested in this:
https://mdspolice.com/programs/explorers/
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/bocaratonfl/job_bulletin.cfm?jobID=1561110&sharedWindow=0
Please read through all the links. Being a police officer is an admirable thing to do. It's hard work and most often unappreciated as officers must uphold the law. Not every citizen wants to obey the law!
I hope this information is helpful and you receive more comments from actual police officers.
Best,
Sue, Mom an Officer
Obtain a bachelor's degree
Stay in great shape
Volunteer or enter a cadet program
Take entry preparatory classes offered by local police departments
I am the mom of a police officer and here is what I have learned. It is best for you to get a 4 year college degree in a field that would be appropriate for officers such as criminal justice. If you are selected for a police officer training program, this immediately places you in a good position for future promotions. While you are in school, it is essential to stay in very good physical shape as well.
https://westliberty.edu/graduate-programs/7-degrees-police-officers-career-advancement/
After graduation, you can then begin the application process for a police training program. The application process entails an intensive background check so all candidates must have a very clean record which includes being financially responsible. You will also have to pass oral interviews which require good speaking skills.
Here is more information:
https://golawenforcement.com/articles/need-know-police-background-check-common-disqualifiers/
https://agency.governmentjobs.com/bocaratonfl/job_bulletin.cfm?jobID=1561110&sharedWindow=0
There are "cadet" programs in many police departments across the country for high school students. You might be interested in this:
https://mdspolice.com/programs/explorers/
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/bocaratonfl/job_bulletin.cfm?jobID=1561110&sharedWindow=0
Please read through all the links. Being a police officer is an admirable thing to do. It's hard work and most often unappreciated as officers must uphold the law. Not every citizen wants to obey the law!
I hope this information is helpful and you receive more comments from actual police officers.
Best,
Sue, Mom an Officer
Suzanne recommends the following next steps:
Thank you I really appreciate your answer.
Shamario