3 answers
Diego
Student
7
Questions
Asked
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How hard is it to become a Police Officer?
How hard is it to become police chief as a police officer.
How many hours do police officer work.
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3 answers
Boyd Mayo
Retired Police Officer
9
Answers
Stockton, California
Updated
Boyd’s Answer
In most cases it requires many years (decades) of working your way up as a police officer to become a police Chief. The majority of the time you have worked in different assignments at your agency, such as patrol, investigations, different administrative supervisory roles, prior to becoming Chief. In many smaller departments it is much easier and quicker to become Chief, although your role as Chief is also much smaller at these smaller agencies.
You can expect to work a minimum of 40 hours per week as a police officer, but most work many more when you account for overtime, special assignments, court appearances, etc. For example, in my previous department certain investigations units typically were on call and were required to work well over 70 hours per week at times. It all depends on your assignment, your department, and how much you invest into the job of your time and willingness to learn and progress.
Hope this helps!
You can expect to work a minimum of 40 hours per week as a police officer, but most work many more when you account for overtime, special assignments, court appearances, etc. For example, in my previous department certain investigations units typically were on call and were required to work well over 70 hours per week at times. It all depends on your assignment, your department, and how much you invest into the job of your time and willingness to learn and progress.
Hope this helps!
Pilar Torres
Law Enforcement Manager
9
Answers
San Mateo, California
Updated
Pilar’s Answer
Hello Diego,
It appears you have asked three questions. I will answer each one separately if that's okay with you.
- It is not hard to become a police officer; however, it requires a lot of work, dedication, and perseverance. The best thing you can do to prepare for a career in law enforcement is to work hard and do your best in your studies. That hard work will serve you well because law enforcement professionals are required to read and write well.
-More and more law enforcement officers have college degrees, and most police chiefs have advanced degrees. It is hard to be elected and or appointed to the rank of chief. Most, if not all, police chiefs started as a rookie officer and have decades of law enforcement training and experience.
-Nearly all police officers work 40 hours a week at a minimum; some work as many as 60 hours a week or more for various reasons.
Work hard in school, and you will have a lot of opportunities in life.
Good luck!
It appears you have asked three questions. I will answer each one separately if that's okay with you.
- It is not hard to become a police officer; however, it requires a lot of work, dedication, and perseverance. The best thing you can do to prepare for a career in law enforcement is to work hard and do your best in your studies. That hard work will serve you well because law enforcement professionals are required to read and write well.
-More and more law enforcement officers have college degrees, and most police chiefs have advanced degrees. It is hard to be elected and or appointed to the rank of chief. Most, if not all, police chiefs started as a rookie officer and have decades of law enforcement training and experience.
-Nearly all police officers work 40 hours a week at a minimum; some work as many as 60 hours a week or more for various reasons.
Work hard in school, and you will have a lot of opportunities in life.
Good luck!
Mary Jean Eggleston
Crisis respnse supervisor, volunteer recruiter, intern supervisor and training coordinator
8
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Mary Jean’s Answer
Hi Diego,
Thank you for your interest in law enforcement. I would just add the following to Pilar's informative reply:
-It may seem obvious but be sure to make good choices to avoid any type of criminal charges. No DUI, speeding, no record of any kind as it will eliminate you from this career.
-Maintain and keep improving your physical fitness as there is a fitness component to testing, training and advancing this career field.
-Many larger police departments offer a Citizens Academy to learn more about law enforcement.
Best wishes to you!
Thank you for your interest in law enforcement. I would just add the following to Pilar's informative reply:
-It may seem obvious but be sure to make good choices to avoid any type of criminal charges. No DUI, speeding, no record of any kind as it will eliminate you from this career.
-Maintain and keep improving your physical fitness as there is a fitness component to testing, training and advancing this career field.
-Many larger police departments offer a Citizens Academy to learn more about law enforcement.
Best wishes to you!