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What steps do I have to take to become a cop?

#police-officer #law-enforcement

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Thank you comment icon 1. Obtain high school diploma or GED 2. must have a valid driver's license and be 18 or 21 years old. 3. obtain a bachelor's degree(optional). 4. Pass the law enforcement entrance exam. 5. Graduate from the police academy. 6. Work toward a promotion. Denisse
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Robert’s Answer

All of the previous advice was very good, and as a background investigator, I'd like to add a few things for you to consider as you progress through school and toward a career in law enforcement. Your interactions with other students, teachers and staff members are very important as we look for maturity and respect in while you're in school. The same thing applies in your employment history, whether you work at McDonald's or Apple. A steady and successful employment history is important when applying for a position as a Police Officer as it shows not only maturity, but reliability, responsibility, accountability, and stability. Another vital area to consider is how you handle finances and whether or not you are fiscally responsible or irresponsible. This shows us your maturity level as it pertains to impulse control, future planning and the ability to keep every day things under control. Other areas that you need to consider are your life choices when it comes to drugs, alcohol, romantic relationships, friends with whom you associate, relationships and behavior around others, how you choose to handle stress/adverse conditions and how you assimilate in multi-cultural environments. On top of that, you need to consider are your driving behaviors and whether or not you are responsible behind the wheel. Think maturity, truthfulness, humility, strength, responsibility, accountability, stability, reliability and respect in everything you do and the qualities that an ideal Police Officer should possess.
I wish you the best of luck in joining one of the best brother/sisterhoods in the world!
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Steve’s Answer

The previous comment was good. You have several options. Obtain a degree in criminal justice, which will also get you in the police academy. It is very hard to just go through the academy, you have to be sponsored in most places. The other option, is go through the hiring process. That can take months and no guarantee of a job. There are several steps in the interview process. You will have a physical agility test, background check, polygraph test, and you will have an interview with a board of officers. This can differ from different departments. Most departments now days require either past military, 2 year degree or at least 20 hours or so of college. Prior military service will get you an automatic 5 extra points in the selection process. I hope this helps.
Thank you comment icon does only a criminal justice degree get you into the police academy? Katelyn
Thank you comment icon Last I heard, you can go through the academy with that degree. I do not know if it has changed. The academy is so many credits toward your degree. It is an option I believe. It has been awhile since I kept up with all of that so I may not be correct. Steve Brewton
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Walter’s Answer

Best advice I can give you is as follows:

1. Graduate high school
2. Not required but best to get a college degree of one type.
3. Pass law enforcement entrance exam.
4 graduate the police academy.
5. Apply for departments and get accepted.

Even though in many place a college degree is not needed it is best if you get at less a bachelors degree in some field. One it will help with your law enforce the career. Two many departments pay extra for it. Three of you decided law enforcement isn’t for you, you have a back up plan.
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