3 answers
alyssa
Student
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
3005 views
do I have to go to college to be a police because if so what is one of the best ones for a 18 year old.
And if not then how do i get into a police academy
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3 answers
Janis Ransom
Resume Writer, Interview Coach and Career Strategy Consultant
28
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Janis’s Answer
As the daughter, sister, and sister-in-law of police officers, I would venture to say that a career in policing is not significantly different than other careers. So, determining the kind of career you are seeking in policing is a good place to start.
If you aspire to be a beat cop, pound the pavement, or be visible, e.g., ride in a police car mostly, then a college degree may not be necessary, but if you are ultimately seeking a leadership role, a college degree will be helpful. Consider attending your local or county career fair, where you can speak directly with police recruiters directly involved in the field.
If you aspire to be a beat cop, pound the pavement, or be visible, e.g., ride in a police car mostly, then a college degree may not be necessary, but if you are ultimately seeking a leadership role, a college degree will be helpful. Consider attending your local or county career fair, where you can speak directly with police recruiters directly involved in the field.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Alyssa,
Thank you for your interest in law enforcement! As a retired female officer, I can tell you, we still need many women in policing. The answer is sort of "it depends." Each state sets their own minimum standards, both academically and physically. Then each agency also has standards. This is where to start, if you want to stay in Pennsylvania: https://mpoetc.psp.pa.gov/Pages/mpoetc.aspx
Just because the minimum requirement is 18 with a HS diploma or GED does not mean that will get you hired with a good department - you may need to start in a small town with low pay, for example. Assuming you meet vision and hearing requirements, I'd recommend the following.
1. go ahead and get a 2 year degree. And, ONLY a 2-year degree (in criminal justice).
2. keep a good record - maintain your finances, treat everyone with respect, etc. Background checks are rigorous
3. work on physical conditioning.
4. alternatively, consider joining the military.
Why only a 2-year degree? Because
1. most departments offer tuition assistance. use that to go for your Bachelor's. If you become interested in management, then go for your master's.
2. you may lose interest! I hope not! I hope if you do you will look into specialized law enforcement. Campus Police, transit police, etc. I have seen women leave the profession to go into the medical field, or even to become an attorney. The hours can be hard. Or, you might enjoy them!
Now, if you want to become a federal peace officer, that will usually require a 4 yr degree.
finally, check this out!
https://cumberland.crimewatchpa.com/camphillpd/41679/content/citizens-police-academy
best of luck!
Kim
Thank you for your interest in law enforcement! As a retired female officer, I can tell you, we still need many women in policing. The answer is sort of "it depends." Each state sets their own minimum standards, both academically and physically. Then each agency also has standards. This is where to start, if you want to stay in Pennsylvania: https://mpoetc.psp.pa.gov/Pages/mpoetc.aspx
Just because the minimum requirement is 18 with a HS diploma or GED does not mean that will get you hired with a good department - you may need to start in a small town with low pay, for example. Assuming you meet vision and hearing requirements, I'd recommend the following.
1. go ahead and get a 2 year degree. And, ONLY a 2-year degree (in criminal justice).
2. keep a good record - maintain your finances, treat everyone with respect, etc. Background checks are rigorous
3. work on physical conditioning.
4. alternatively, consider joining the military.
Why only a 2-year degree? Because
1. most departments offer tuition assistance. use that to go for your Bachelor's. If you become interested in management, then go for your master's.
2. you may lose interest! I hope not! I hope if you do you will look into specialized law enforcement. Campus Police, transit police, etc. I have seen women leave the profession to go into the medical field, or even to become an attorney. The hours can be hard. Or, you might enjoy them!
Now, if you want to become a federal peace officer, that will usually require a 4 yr degree.
finally, check this out!
https://cumberland.crimewatchpa.com/camphillpd/41679/content/citizens-police-academy
best of luck!
Kim
Walter Ozeki
Retired law enforcement and current security professional
33
Answers
Honolulu, Hawaii
Updated
Walter’s Answer
Hi Alyssa,
Just to reiterate a point that's been made before, you don't necessarily need a college degree to become a police officer. However, and this is a significant point, like in most careers, having a college degree, whether it's a 2 or 4-year course, can offer you certain advantages. These often come in the form of higher pay or quicker promotions. It's entirely your choice which path you wish to take, and many departments even offer assistance with the cost of obtaining your degree.
Another factor to consider is the minimum age requirement to join a police academy. In my state, you need to be at least 21 by the time you graduate from the academy. This gives you a few years post high-school to prepare yourself before you can enter an academy.
As for the best college,, I don't think it really matters. Police officers are typically classified as civil servants and government employees, so having a degree is what counts, not necessarily where it's from.
Getting into a police academy involves meeting all the requirements of the specific department you're applying to (so do your homework). Once you've checked that you meet all the criteria, you can send in your application. The department will then conduct background checks, and there are usually written tests to complete, a physical assessment, possibly a psychological test and polygraph, and of course, the interview. After all these steps, the top candidates are chosen to join the police academy.
It might seem like a lot, but remember, being a police officer is an important job that requires the right people. So, keep your chin up and keep pushing forward!
Just to reiterate a point that's been made before, you don't necessarily need a college degree to become a police officer. However, and this is a significant point, like in most careers, having a college degree, whether it's a 2 or 4-year course, can offer you certain advantages. These often come in the form of higher pay or quicker promotions. It's entirely your choice which path you wish to take, and many departments even offer assistance with the cost of obtaining your degree.
Another factor to consider is the minimum age requirement to join a police academy. In my state, you need to be at least 21 by the time you graduate from the academy. This gives you a few years post high-school to prepare yourself before you can enter an academy.
As for the best college,, I don't think it really matters. Police officers are typically classified as civil servants and government employees, so having a degree is what counts, not necessarily where it's from.
Getting into a police academy involves meeting all the requirements of the specific department you're applying to (so do your homework). Once you've checked that you meet all the criteria, you can send in your application. The department will then conduct background checks, and there are usually written tests to complete, a physical assessment, possibly a psychological test and polygraph, and of course, the interview. After all these steps, the top candidates are chosen to join the police academy.
It might seem like a lot, but remember, being a police officer is an important job that requires the right people. So, keep your chin up and keep pushing forward!