4 answers
jorge
Student
Doniphan, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
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Hey I am 17 yr old looking for advice on anything I could do to get a good start on a career in law enforcement.
I am currently in criminal justice and attended a law enforcement youth academy my plan after high school is to possibly go into corrections as a correctional officer until the age of 21 then go into the police academy so any advice that would help or anything I could take such as other classes, courses or if theirs any certifications I could get now or do when I am 18, anything would greatly be appreciated.
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Jorge, each state has a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) establishing minimum standards for law enforcement officers. While requirements may vary from state to state and agency to agency, typical basic requirements include the following:
🗽 CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT: Agencies require applicants to be U.S. citizens, some agencies also require officers to reside within their jurisdictions.
♥️ AGE REQUIREMENT: While most agencies require you to be 21 by Academy Graduation Date, some take cadets as young as 18.
📚 EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Most agencies expect officers to have a high school diploma or GED at a minimum. Some agencies require a Associates Degree or a Bachelor’s. Agencies also offer additional pay based on educational attainment. Having a 2-year or 4-year degree is an asset in your career progression, particularly when seeking a promotion or specialized assignment. While criminal justice studies are the traditional route for those aspiring to a career in law enforcement, many other fields provide you with a good foundation. Sociology, Psychology, and Social Work are a few other fields that are particularly well suited for police work.
There are some barriers to employment in law enforcement that do not apply to most ordinary careers. You should be aware that the application, selection and appointment process may take 4-6 months to complete, and in some circumstances, up to a year. After a relatively simple initial application process, you must successfully complete the following In order to gain entry into the Police Academy, you will need to take and receive passing scores for the POST Entry-level Law Enforcement Tests
📝 WRITTEN TEST: The written exam is another component of the hiring process in becoming a police officer. This is intended to check your language abilities and skills because effective communication is vital to discussing with your superiors, collaborating with your fellow colleagues, and filing paperwork and records
💪 PHYSICAL TEST: The test will be administered to those individuals who receive a conditional offer of employment and are selected for employment. A final offer of employment will not be given unless the Physical Readiness Test is successfully completed.
👮 INTERVIEW: police academy interview typically includes general questions, questions about your skills, and situational questions. The board is looking to see if you can work well under pressure, collaborate with other officers, and keep the department's best interests in mind.
🗽 CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENT: Agencies require applicants to be U.S. citizens, some agencies also require officers to reside within their jurisdictions.
♥️ AGE REQUIREMENT: While most agencies require you to be 21 by Academy Graduation Date, some take cadets as young as 18.
📚 EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Most agencies expect officers to have a high school diploma or GED at a minimum. Some agencies require a Associates Degree or a Bachelor’s. Agencies also offer additional pay based on educational attainment. Having a 2-year or 4-year degree is an asset in your career progression, particularly when seeking a promotion or specialized assignment. While criminal justice studies are the traditional route for those aspiring to a career in law enforcement, many other fields provide you with a good foundation. Sociology, Psychology, and Social Work are a few other fields that are particularly well suited for police work.
There are some barriers to employment in law enforcement that do not apply to most ordinary careers. You should be aware that the application, selection and appointment process may take 4-6 months to complete, and in some circumstances, up to a year. After a relatively simple initial application process, you must successfully complete the following In order to gain entry into the Police Academy, you will need to take and receive passing scores for the POST Entry-level Law Enforcement Tests
📝 WRITTEN TEST: The written exam is another component of the hiring process in becoming a police officer. This is intended to check your language abilities and skills because effective communication is vital to discussing with your superiors, collaborating with your fellow colleagues, and filing paperwork and records
💪 PHYSICAL TEST: The test will be administered to those individuals who receive a conditional offer of employment and are selected for employment. A final offer of employment will not be given unless the Physical Readiness Test is successfully completed.
👮 INTERVIEW: police academy interview typically includes general questions, questions about your skills, and situational questions. The board is looking to see if you can work well under pressure, collaborate with other officers, and keep the department's best interests in mind.
Thank You Paul. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
Doc Frick
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
One thing I did is I looked for volunteer opportunities at the local courthouse.
Working at the courthouse provided exposure to the criminal court and civil court system, something many officers infrequently experience.
I worked in the clerks office, housing justice programs, and other court related activities. So, the local court and volunteering could help immensely.
Working at the courthouse provided exposure to the criminal court and civil court system, something many officers infrequently experience.
I worked in the clerks office, housing justice programs, and other court related activities. So, the local court and volunteering could help immensely.
James Hammond
Criminal Investigator at Dallas County District Attorney's Office
34
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
James’s Answer
If you seek a career in law enforcement, but not yet of age, seek employment with the desired agency in one of their non-sworn positions, like detention officer, etc. Then when you are 21, you would have priority, as a current employee, over someone applying from outside the agency.
Kevin P Hust, MBA
Risk Administration and Army Officer
201
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Jorge, your plan is noble and I like it. It’s great when young adults have a plan that is executable and it comes with a time table. Very well done!
I wouldn’t focus too much on certificates right now. You have your hands full with your regular studies. Maybe the only thing I would recommend is getting your CPR certification.
Focus on your regular studies and doing well there. Focus on staying out of trouble and making the right choices.
Now here is something you should do if you aren’t already, workout. Get into great shape. Running, resistance training, conventional and unconventional movements. Don’t worry about making it look pretty. And you don’t need a fancy gym membership to get this done. The outside has plenty to offer.
I recently had lunch with a female friend of mine who is an absolute beast. Incredible shape. I asked her why she spends hours and hours in the gym. She said that she saw one of her coworkers get beat up when she was a rookie. She promised her self to never be the weakest one. That’s a fair point. Fitness is a life long journey. It’s a lifestyle. The sooner you start, the better off you’ll be.
Best of luck on your journey. It’s a great one!
I wouldn’t focus too much on certificates right now. You have your hands full with your regular studies. Maybe the only thing I would recommend is getting your CPR certification.
Focus on your regular studies and doing well there. Focus on staying out of trouble and making the right choices.
Now here is something you should do if you aren’t already, workout. Get into great shape. Running, resistance training, conventional and unconventional movements. Don’t worry about making it look pretty. And you don’t need a fancy gym membership to get this done. The outside has plenty to offer.
I recently had lunch with a female friend of mine who is an absolute beast. Incredible shape. I asked her why she spends hours and hours in the gym. She said that she saw one of her coworkers get beat up when she was a rookie. She promised her self to never be the weakest one. That’s a fair point. Fitness is a life long journey. It’s a lifestyle. The sooner you start, the better off you’ll be.
Best of luck on your journey. It’s a great one!