What steps do I take to become a police officer?

I am a retired senior non-commission officer US Army and Federal Law enforcement Officer and well as a former law enforcement officer in the State of Georgia. Not all states, city and county law enforcements agencies have the same requirements. 1st, you must at least have a high school diploma but some agencies require an associate or Bachelors degree. For Federal law enforcement all require a Bachelors degree and their retirement benefits are better then State, County or City governments. However, with the Federal government you are required to move around often while in State law enforcement agencies you are basically more stable. You have to make up your mind in what law-enforcement agency you want to apply for and find out what are their requirements as far as schooling is concerned. I recommend that you get a collage degree because you will be more marketable in law-enforcement. You have to really be physically fit because in the Police Academy you do get physical training. If you are not physically fit, you will not be able to do your job out in the streets where you will be patrolling. The written tests in the police academy are not easy and you have to be a good writer. As a police officer, your reports must be very clear because in some cases you will have to go to court and testify. When writing police reports if you use, Who, What, When, Where and Why, this will help you quite a bit because you already have the questions needed and all you have to do is answer them accordingly. For example Who, could be the complainant or perpetrator and others involved. What, will be basically be the type of complaint called in or reported via the police dept. or your patrol car. When, would be the time the crime/incident occurred. Where, would be the location in which the crime/incident occurred. Why, is the reason or explanation of what happen. Why did you run from the scene?? Why did you hit him with? Why did you have to fire on him/her. The way you articulate your report will make it easier for you when testifying in court. I recommend a study guide that most police academies have?? Hope this will help in following your dreams in a career in law enforcement!!