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Can I get a job as a police officer without a college degree?

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Doc’s Answer

Lance the short answer is no, police officers only need earn a high school diploma or GED before they can receive training at a police academy. However, many police departments often require police officers to be 21 years of age. So, it could be advantageous to use these extra years to get a college degree. Some potential police officers complete degree programs in law enforcement or criminal justice as well, which can be helpful for career advancement. Police recruits also have to go through a series of examinations that are determined by their academy, which may include physical fitness testing and psychiatric review.

STEP 1: BASIC REQUIREMENTS – All police departments require their police officers to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. 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: CONSIDER A UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION – Consider completing an associate or bachelor's degree program in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related discipline Lance. While this is not be required, it can be advantageous when vying for officer positions later in your career. (State and federal agencies generally require their recruits to have a college education.) With a college degree you'll likely advance your police officer career 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. The police academy training prepares prospective police officers for active duty. Therefore, you'll also gain supervised experience in facing real-life situations.

STEP 4: PASS EXAMINATIONS – In order to gain a position on the police force, you'll be 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 also need to pass drug and lie detector tests as well.

Hope this is helpful Lance
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Andy’s Answer

Lance,

To answer your question yes here in Texas yes you can become a police officer with certain agencies without a college degree. However, in saying that having a college degree makes you a better candidate to hire. Some agencies are also moving more towards having to have a degree to promote and/or get hired with them.

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Ulises’s Answer

The answer is yes. You do not need education whether that be a community college or university to become a police officer. A lot of the times it’s recommended so you are more competitive when it comes to the application process. Depending on the state or city a lot of agencies like to see they do have some further education other than just a high school diploma. Of course during your course of the application it’s more than just education. There’s your background check, your exams, and once of course you pass all the tests and requirements. They will offer you the job and send you to the Academy. You can always consider going to a community college until the time you turn 21 because that is the age you are allowed become a police officer.
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Mark’s Answer

Yes. In order to be more competitive a college degree is a plus. Additionally military experience is an excellent entry to law enforcement.
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Harold’s Answer

Yes, but it will be extremely difficult. The job of a police officer starts out just like any other job. The more chips you have on the table. the better off you will be.
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Robert’s Answer

Yes, you can become a police officer without a degree. However, check with the agencies you wish to join. Now as for education you will need to write...a lot. So learn English as you will be writing many reports and they will be seen and used by many people Detectives, Attorneys, Judges, Juries, etc. The hiring process is one of elimination: Written test, physical test, psychological test, background check (always be honest even if you think it will hurt you as a lie will get you eliminated)
Go on a ride along with any agency you want to join. Get to know the city or county you plan on applying to as this will help you in the interview. Good luck
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