3 answers
Aiden
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
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what when why and How much effort do i have to do to get into law enforcement?
What do I have to do to get into law enforcement. Why do I have to do it. When is the police academy hiring what age. How long will it take to get into law enforcement.
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3 answers
Shaun Kelly
Patrolman
4
Answers
Seekonk, Massachusetts
Updated
Shaun’s Answer
Hi Aiden,
This is a great question. Every state is different so I would start be researching your current state. The academy can and will be challenging but it’s for a reason. I’ve been in law enforcement for 15 years. If I could start over I would have geared my career towards the federal side. I started out with out my degree and just went to school a few years ago to complete it. Some states that have unions will pay an incentive to have a degree but in order to do the job the only degree you need is common sense. My recommendation to you being younger is to get your degree and look to go federal versus local or state. Good luck.
This is a great question. Every state is different so I would start be researching your current state. The academy can and will be challenging but it’s for a reason. I’ve been in law enforcement for 15 years. If I could start over I would have geared my career towards the federal side. I started out with out my degree and just went to school a few years ago to complete it. Some states that have unions will pay an incentive to have a degree but in order to do the job the only degree you need is common sense. My recommendation to you being younger is to get your degree and look to go federal versus local or state. Good luck.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Each state sets the standards for officers in the state, even if they work for the city or the county. Each agency sets additional standards - they may be stricter than the state requirements. see here for Minnesota: https://dps.mn.gov/entity/post/becoming-a-peace-officer/Pages/Routes-to-Peace-Officer-Licensure.aspx and review the other tabs as well. You will need a degree (it appears a 2 year degree will suffice), but they are very specific as to which schools are authorized to provide it!
Many states have a minimum age of 21, which, is about right for finishing a degree. Things you can do prior to that, to help your chances of being hired as an officer:
1. join a police explorer program
2. join the military
Why do you have to get a degree? Short answer, it's required. A college education truly makes you a more well-rounded person, exposes you to different cultures, teaches you to write in ways not covered in school. Also, since you will be specializing in criminal justice, you will learn the laws, covering things such as lawful search and seizure, deadly force, etc.
When deciding where to work, look into the availability of tuition assistance. Many agencies offer it. You can then go to school part time, with help to pay the tuition, and get a 4 year degree. Many depts pay extra if you have a degree. As to salary, this varies WIDELY, so do your homework. There are still some agencies who pay poorly, and others that pay very well.
Many states have a minimum age of 21, which, is about right for finishing a degree. Things you can do prior to that, to help your chances of being hired as an officer:
1. join a police explorer program
2. join the military
Why do you have to get a degree? Short answer, it's required. A college education truly makes you a more well-rounded person, exposes you to different cultures, teaches you to write in ways not covered in school. Also, since you will be specializing in criminal justice, you will learn the laws, covering things such as lawful search and seizure, deadly force, etc.
When deciding where to work, look into the availability of tuition assistance. Many agencies offer it. You can then go to school part time, with help to pay the tuition, and get a 4 year degree. Many depts pay extra if you have a degree. As to salary, this varies WIDELY, so do your homework. There are still some agencies who pay poorly, and others that pay very well.
Anton Van Oosbree
Technical Content Writer
2
Answers
Pleasant Hill, California
Updated
Anton’s Answer
Hi Aiden,
The first thing I'd recommend is calling both your local and state police agencies and asking whether they can connect you with a mentor. Every municipal police department has a mentoring program, and this would be a great way start making connections and ask questions to learn what the job is like. Police departments frequently host in-person informational events, too, where you can learn more about being in law enforcement. I'd recommend dressing nice like you're going for a job interview (slacks and a button-up shirt, for example), since this is an easy way to stand out and show that you're serious about law enforcement as a career. You may find that your local department has a team that fits with your interests (robotics, SWAT, detective work, etc).
You'll have to be at least 18 before joining an academy, and the training period will vary depending on the organization. State trooper training typically lasts one year, for example. Regarding education requirements, a college degree (in Criminal Justice, for example) is highly desired and will increase your salary, too.
Just to give an idea of salary, it will depend whether you find work with a municipal or state agency, but police officers typically earn between $80-100k, and sign-on bonuses are common, too. If you find work as a state trooper, after 3 years you'll have the option to apply for the Secret Service, if that sounds like a direction you'd like to take.
Contact your local police department to find out more about joining a mentoring program
The first thing I'd recommend is calling both your local and state police agencies and asking whether they can connect you with a mentor. Every municipal police department has a mentoring program, and this would be a great way start making connections and ask questions to learn what the job is like. Police departments frequently host in-person informational events, too, where you can learn more about being in law enforcement. I'd recommend dressing nice like you're going for a job interview (slacks and a button-up shirt, for example), since this is an easy way to stand out and show that you're serious about law enforcement as a career. You may find that your local department has a team that fits with your interests (robotics, SWAT, detective work, etc).
You'll have to be at least 18 before joining an academy, and the training period will vary depending on the organization. State trooper training typically lasts one year, for example. Regarding education requirements, a college degree (in Criminal Justice, for example) is highly desired and will increase your salary, too.
Just to give an idea of salary, it will depend whether you find work with a municipal or state agency, but police officers typically earn between $80-100k, and sign-on bonuses are common, too. If you find work as a state trooper, after 3 years you'll have the option to apply for the Secret Service, if that sounds like a direction you'd like to take.
Anton recommends the following next steps: