What can I do to prepare for a career as a Police Officer?

Question

I'm 35 years old and have 3 years left until I can retire from the military. I am not a military cop, but I have performed military police augmentee duties in the past. I currently have an A.S. in Information Systems Management and I should finish up my B.S. in Criminal Justice in the next 2-3 years.

Due to the length of the Police Academy, it isn't something I can do while I'm still on active duty.

Is there anything else I can do to improve my chances of getting hired or preparing myself for the job of a Police Officer? My ultimate goal is to be a Detective, but I know I have to put my time in first... Any help, especially from those already in Law Enforcement, would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

First off, nearly all departments check credit and your criminal history - including traffic tickets. Take care of any issues there while you can.

Get high marks in criminal justice coursework and get involved in a school-related or professional CJ organization.

Apply to switch your job duty to MP at some point maybe? Continue to advance your military career, taking on more responsibility. This will show your professionalism.

Contact police departments before you graduate and find out what their requirements are for applying. The application process can be very lengthy. They need time to do a complete background check, you need a physical, and a psychological examination.

Take the time to get to know the department you plan on applying to. See if you can't find connections to make friends there. They can give you the best info on ways to improve your chances.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Normally the cutoff age is around 35, I would check on this before going to school. Get a criminal justice degree or a law enforcement degree, two years minimum. County sheriffs usually take anyone that has a high school education and no college, most highway patrol too. Some require 4 years of education or 2 years of college plus one or two years related experience. You can take all of your classes online if you dont have the time to go in. I think you will also need to get your peace office certificate after your schooling. This takes no more than 11 weeks. This is free training and you get a monthly salary.

Your in the military so you should be in shape so just work on your education.

Answer 3

also there are books that can be purchased or read in at a library that can help prepare you a law enforcement interview board. It is also important to remember to be honest in an interview they know there are very few people who have not made a mistake or have done something they are not proud of . From the background that you have with college and military you may even want to check into a federal agency or as an investigator for a district attorney's office . Best of luck .

Answer 4

Research the areas you want to live and work in. There are different requirements for different departments. Some require residency, will you be able to afford living within that City/Town? Some depts. require specific ammounts of college credit upon your hiring. I would hope that PT isnt a problem, but there are different PT tests depending on where you are looking. My recommendations? With military experience, a clean background and criminal history, you should already be in a good position, so do some homework on where you want to go and fill in the boxes of requirements.

Answer 5

You are probably too intelligent to be a cop..
Is your IQ over 100 ?

Answer 6

Watch SouthPark and try to be just like Officer Barbrady!

Answer 7

watch the original seasons of Miami Vice........it usually helps.

Answer 8

practice being a total butt hole