2 answers
Corvon
Student
Arlington Heights, Illinois
6
Questions
Asked
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how did you become a police offcer
Did you go to police academy or did you did some type of training.
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2 answers
Hector Dominguez
Police officer/Sergeant
1
Answer
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Hector’s Answer
Corvon:
Each state has their own standards and qualifications for becoming a police officer. My personal journey started as a Jailer for the local Sheriff’s Department and applying for a slot in a regional police academy through the Sheriff’s Department. Many of my co-workers attended a law enforcement academy on their own time, and paid their own tuition through a local law enforcement academy at the community college.
Once I graduated from the academy, the sheriff’s department picked up my commission as a Texas Peace Officer. I later applied to the local police department and had to take their police academy to become a San Antonio police officer. The SAPD didn’t accept lateral transfers and all applicants had to attend the department’s police academy.
If you are interested in becoming a police officer in the State of Illinois you may want to contact the state licensing agency for the state to get the minimum requirements for a police officer in your area or contact your local police or sheriff’s department recruiter.
Each state has their own standards and qualifications for becoming a police officer. My personal journey started as a Jailer for the local Sheriff’s Department and applying for a slot in a regional police academy through the Sheriff’s Department. Many of my co-workers attended a law enforcement academy on their own time, and paid their own tuition through a local law enforcement academy at the community college.
Once I graduated from the academy, the sheriff’s department picked up my commission as a Texas Peace Officer. I later applied to the local police department and had to take their police academy to become a San Antonio police officer. The SAPD didn’t accept lateral transfers and all applicants had to attend the department’s police academy.
If you are interested in becoming a police officer in the State of Illinois you may want to contact the state licensing agency for the state to get the minimum requirements for a police officer in your area or contact your local police or sheriff’s department recruiter.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Corvon
Kimberly Krebs
Corporate Security Manager
80
Answers
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Good question. Like Hector stated, each police department has different requirements. For example, the department I worked for in Florida only required a High School diploma. However, some departments require at least 60 college credits or military experience. These days, most successful applicants (people who get chosen) have at least some college credit or military experience. And since you have to be 21 to be a police officer, you've got a few years to get some experience if you are still in high school. You can pass that time making yourself a stronger candidate; join the military reserve, work in corrections or take some college classes.
My academy was also paid for by the city (free to me). This is common in larger cities with bigger budgets. Often times though, in smaller cities, they require that you have your certification before they will hire you. This means you attend an academy and pay for it on your own. These academies are often associated with a college so you can get financial assistance.
Your best resource is the internet, just search "Requirements for police officer city, state" or call the non-emergency line of the department you want to work for and ask them. Best of luck
Call your local police department
DO a ride-along with your local police
Search for requirements on the internet
My academy was also paid for by the city (free to me). This is common in larger cities with bigger budgets. Often times though, in smaller cities, they require that you have your certification before they will hire you. This means you attend an academy and pay for it on your own. These academies are often associated with a college so you can get financial assistance.
Your best resource is the internet, just search "Requirements for police officer city, state" or call the non-emergency line of the department you want to work for and ask them. Best of luck
Kimberly recommends the following next steps:
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Corvon