Qualificatons to be a Police Officer.?

Question

Let me start of by saying I am a young athletic (played all sports BBall, FBall, Boxing) Pacific Islander male (18) and have just graduated high school, I am leaving for the Air Force October, my Job listing in the Air Force will include Security Forces, unless I shall pass the training to be a CCT/Pararescue Special Operations. Now that I have got all that out of the way....

My question is... I have always wanted to be a police officer ever since I could remember, my question is will all this, the oppurtunities that I am getting into help open the door for me to become a police officer?

Other questions...
- What are the steps/tests such as IQ tests, PT, etc. and how challenging are they?
- Will it require a college degree (While in the Air Force I plan on getting a degree in something with college benefits any way)
-Will traffic Tickets be an issue? (I have about 4 traffic tickets)
-Age, What is the minimum age requirement?
- Family-- Will I have time for them?
-Pay?

Answer 1

most places you have to be 20 to get in.
the IQ and Physical Fitness tests for most aren't too difficult.
the traffic tickets as long as it wasn't drunk driving or some felonious act you should be ok, if you paid them.
most police departments list individual requirements on their website, check out whatever city you are interesting in applying to and check it out.

Answer 2

Since you are already geared for military...you may want to become an MP (military police)...however, even when you're a civilian, your military training will be a plus. A college degree in criminal justice will also be a benefit. The age requirement to enter a police academy is 18. Even with military background, you will need to enter a police academy for a few months to get the necessary training. IQ tests? Of course you have to have intelligence, and common sense for your own safety as well as others...but more important is the psychological tests. They want to make certain you can handle the demands of the job without losing a grip. Traffic tickets will be no problem...they only look at felonies. The pay varies depending on the level of your degree and experience, and the area where you work. Higher pay come with advanced ranks...but don't enter law enforcement for the money...enter it because you love it and it's what you really want to do! I wish you the very best in both your military and police future. Godspeed

Answer 3

You are on the right track as far as I'm concerned. The airforce offers some good skills that would help you during the application process.

As far as your "other questions" go: You would need to check each individual agencies requirements. Different forces have different requirements and their testing process is generally in multiple phases. You have to succesfully complete each phase to continue on in the process. Most list them clearly on their department website under the recruiting section.

Some agencies require a degree while others don't require it but consider it as a component of your competetiveness.

Traffic tickets can be a problem if they are excessive and recent. They are considered a sign of immaturity and bad judgement. Keep it cool for the time you are in the air force.

Age requirements vary from department to department but usually it is the age of majority in that State.

You will have time for family unless you work excessive overtime. Depending on the department, that may or may not be optional. You have to ask them!

Pay varies as well. Some departments pay well while others don't. You asked about family. If you work more overtime you can make more money but it means sacrificing time with family. I know patrolmen who routinely make over $100K / year but are always at work.

The biggest tip I can give you is don't do anything that you feel you would want to hide in an interview with a police department. If you do get an interview, don't cover anything up or lie. That will get you terminated from the process faster than anything else.

Answer 4

Different police departments have different policies pertaining to tattoos. Some police departments require that all tattoos be completely covered by the uniform of the day. Some departments wouldn't hire you. Some police departments allow officers to have visible tattoos if they are not gang related or offensive. It is great that you are going to college. Getting a college degree is one of the best things that you can do. Make the most of your time in college. Get the highest grade point average that you can, participate in a couple extracurricular activities, get a good internship, do some regular volunteer work, don't do anything illegal, and maintain a good reputation. Best of luck!

Answer 5

21 is the minimum age and score good on the IQ and physical training is demanding and going the Military is a plus. Right now i am taking a criminal justice course for law enforcement and have worked for the US Government for 3 years and plan on becoming a police officer. Also the tickets want be an issue as long there are no felony DUI's and other felony charges,

Answer 6

The minimum IQ is 85
You need to know how to spell college, but not degree
Traffics Tickets will not be an issue
Minimun age is 21
your pay will be in donut boxes

Answer 7

Ok, look at my photo, I completed the POST police academy for Georgia about 10 years ago.

Each department has its own requirements as to physcial testing, most are simple, if you can do basic training, you will breeze though any police test or academy.

Most have various tests but I say this simply, look at the averaage police officer you see in a car, think about it, if they can pass anyone almost can pass.

Answer 8

You must obtain a Bachelor's degree from the school of as*hole.
You must be a liar.In court you will have to lie ,in order to get money from the working class people.
You must be willing to share confiscated drugs with fellow officers.You are allowed to keep 25% to sell on streets.
You must have an attiude of superiority over all people.I see you already have that.
You must whipe from your mind every thought of helping people,this job IS NOT about fighting crime.Protect and serve is just a front,it's all about the money.

Answer 9

You should think before you join the AF, they suck and police are treated bad, trust me I was one of the sucessful ones. For one thing just go downtown and ask the civilian officers. Also do not smoke weed, sniff coke, drive above the speed limit, and walk around nude in public.

Answer 10

after reading the answer you got from pops there ain't nothing more I can tell you.Are you willing to give up your compassion for your fellow man is what you need to ask yourself.If you are than go for it.But if you can't stop caring about your fellow man don't.