im 19, i went to college for a year, wasnt satisfied, thought aboutmarines, but i realize i want 2 be a cop?

Question

my question is, how do i go about doing that?

Answer 1

depending where you live but in California you need a degree to advance in the officers pay scale and the local community colleges offer classes for police officers and they also offer the classes for the police academy...find your local police academy and put yourself through it...

Answer 2

1. Learn how to spell and structure a sentence.
2. Most departments require you to be 21 years old.
3. In the meantime, get a college degree. I would study law and not criminal justice or administration of justice. (public or business admin. degrees are good too)
4. Stay away from the criminal element. If you have a buddy who is a crook, then he is not your buddy anymore.
5. Don't do drugs.
6. Avoid getting any moving violation or especially a DUI.
7. Be nice to your neighbors. When a background is conducted, the officer will talk with them.
8. You can look into being a CSO (Community Service Officer - a meter-maid). You can also think about being a Reserve (but you still have to be 21 and complete a POST academy in CA.)

A majority of officers in CA do not have degrees. The average number of post-secondary years of college is only 2. Some larger departments require an AA (Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, San Jose, etc). Some require a BS or BA (Berkeley). Most require some college but not necessarily a degree. The CHP only requires a HS diploma. (and most have just that). If you want to move up to detective or SGT or better, the degree will help.

Answer 3

you have a better chance at moving up the ranks if do become a Marine. People will look at you better if you've become a Marine, it will help with your process in becomming a cop, you don't have to do it full time you can get into the reserves. i'd suggest talk to other Marines who have taken the law enforcement route after they go out and cops who didn't take the military route, you will learn so much that you need to know to become a great cop. Honesty, integrity, instant compliance to orders. The determination to do the job the best you can even if you don't want to do it. Courage not only in the line of fire but the courage to do the right thing even if everyone around you disagrees with it. Good luck in what ever you do. If you do decide to join the Marines and what more info you can always ask me.

Answer 4

If being a cop is your goal then visit a police training school at a junior college. You can learn about the requirements and opportunities. Then, decide if the junior college or military route is better for you.

However, for advancement within the police force, having a college degree will really help. Say if you want to be a detective or something.

Alternatives include the national park service and state park rangers, but these also require a college degree.

Answer 5

It depends on the state in which you live, or want to live, but several states now require having a degree in criminal justice or a related field, just to start. Then there's the police academy (boot camp for officers), and finally the tests. Another thing to consider is this: you're 19, many states require that you be at least 21. I would contact a police station in the locale in which you would like to work and ask them what their process requirements are currently, and if there are any changes to the requirements planned in the near future. Another place to check would be a state and/or county web site, they usually are able to provide such information as well.

Answer 6

First of all, when list there gets assaulted or something, their going to regret what they're saying. I'm 18, and live in Wisconsin. Some depts around my area have a program called the explorer program were you get some training and ride on patrol. you can do this until you are 21. this is a nation wide program so i would contact your local dept. and see if they have this, or if there is dept. that does near your area. This program is help full to get hired even, because of the experience. And if you do this then you will be able to talk to some of the officers and find out what you must do to become citified by your state. Hope that helps. Good Luck

Answer 7

Try getting a degree in criminal justice, but it's not necessary. A lot of people start of working for the criminal or civil sheriff. Getting certified with them will make it much easier for you to make the transition. They will also send you to the range and set up classes for you to take to prepare you for the police department. I was a Deputy and a lot of people I worked with went to the police department after working there a year. The Sheriff department also have a program where they paid for courses to go to college. At this time you can take advantage of that and attend some criminal justice classes. I am not sure how it works where you currently reside, but try searching the web for related answers. Also try contacting your local law enforcement agencies for better assistance. I loved working in that field it just demands long hours, and dedication. Good Luck! I know that you will enjoy this profession it has great rewards.

Answer 8

Go back to school. Most police agencies require that you have graduated from an accredited law enforcement training program and have some sort of other college (either 2 year or 4 year) degree. I would recommend you check with a law enforcement agency in the area where you would like to work and see what their specific requirements are. Please note that some agencies accept those who were military law enforcement personnel as a substitute for some or all of their other requirements.

I hope your career works out well for you. May God bless and keep you.

Answer 9

I have an uncle that's been on the force since 1970's. Most people go through police academy training. What I would suggest is to call up your local police department,via the non-emergcy number, and ask what is needed first.

Ask them do you have to have a degree from college or just a high school diploma. If it is college, what classes?

Ask them about the application process and what you'll need to take.

Ask them about the police academy, what is expected of them if you get in, do you have to live in the area the academy is in, ect.

Here's a bit of info I found online that might help.
http://www.ehow.com/how_8106_become-police-officer.html
http://www.allcriminaljusticeschools.com/faqs/police.php
http://www.43things.com/things/view/2666
http://featuredreports.monster.com/law_enforcement/become_a_police_officer/

Answer 10

Are you a Neocon chicken hawk trying to beat signing up for Iraq? To enlist into the police dept now with returning military from the war zone will be pretty tough. You would have to be highest of your College in criminal justice. Enlist into the Navy, and not the Marines. You will have classes available on board ship, and the pay is better.

Answer 11

Well, it doesn't take much of an Education to be a cop.. If you want to make a living arresting people, filling out reams of paperwork, and generally being hated by most. But many prefer this career to others, maybe it is the 'authority' feeling.? Not a lot of money, and not too far to go in promotions.