In order to become a cop.. what does it take and where do I start??

Question

Is it different in all the states? How long does it take? If my driving record wasn't clean a few years ago, but is now.. SPOTLESS, will that have any effect on it?? Any websites?? ANYTHING!!

Answer 1

Each state has certain minimum rules on what it takes to get a license to be a peace officer for that state. Each department in the state can also make their own rules, as long as they are at least as high as the states rules. The federal government agencies make their own rules also, with some uniform rules for all federal agencies.

The best way to find out how to be a police officer and what the requirements are is to check with the department you would like to work for. In most cases, a large city department will give you all of the training you need while small towns will require you to go to an academy on your own or already be certified to work as a police officer.

Some of the common requirements are:

21 years old (not universal, some states allow younger)
high school diploma, though many places are now requiring varying amounts of college
No felony convictions (pretty much universal)
No misdemanor convictions within some set period (usually either five or ten years)
No family violence convictions of any grade ever (cannot have a gun, federal law)
One or two traffic citations in past year (small number and usually varies from one to three tickets in one to three years). More tickets prior to that is acceptable usually but you will need to explain them.
No drug use (currently, most have some rules for excepting previous drug use if minor drugs and small use).

Good luck

Answer 2

I am a senior and will be graduating college in December with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice.
I do not know your educational background but it is very helpful to get a degree before you begin applying for police positions. It is hard to speak on behalf of the entire nations police agency community, but many agencies are requiring a higher education (post-high school) degree. I say this because a higher education not only teaches you about the Criminal Justice System but also gives you the knowledge to make better decisions when dealing with complicated or even simple situations while on the job.
You also may be required to become certified by your state to become a police officer. This involves techinal training (firearms, first aid, EMS, emergency vehicle operation, etc).
As far as your driving record is concerned.....it depends what you have on your record in the whole past, not just the past few years. Most departments will turn you away if you have been arrested or cited for a DUI, DWI or anything of that nature. They look at the entire history of your driving record as well as your criminal record. Most, if not all, departments will not hire somone with a felony on their record because that probably bars you from possessing a firearm. If you are free from these things, I suggest you get an academic background or technical background before applying places because it will make you MUCH more marketable to agencies, you will stad out from the crowd if you have an education. Good luck to you in your law enforcement endevors, please feel free to contact me if you need any more help or information!

Answer 3

Most of the above answsers give pretty good general information, so I won't go back over the same things that they've already said. Since you're in Illinois, though, you should try this website: http://www.ptb.state.il.us/

That is the website of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. They have links and information about the different academies around Illinois and how to apply for various positions.

Also, check out this one: http://www.icjia.org/public/index.cfm?metasection=forms&metapage=links

That is the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. The specific link I have here goes to a page of various links to other sites. The ones you should check out there will be the ones for each state, county, and local police agency that you are interested in applying for. Most of them should list on their particular site the requirements and application process. With some of them, you may even be able to submit an online application.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Ok, if you have a high school education, no felony convictions and no DUI on your driving records, start applying at every city, county, state, college, agriculture police department in the areas you are willing to work.

They following also helps make you a better choice
You can get a college degree ( almost any degree is great)
Do a tour of duty with the military is a plus

Answer 5

Just study, exercise and try hard. You would want to start with a Police or Sheriffs department by your area, it will be much easier for you. Then if you would like to move, then you can apply in some other department. The Academy is 6 months. I know because i am a Military Policeman in the Army Reserve and i am going to a Police Academy pretty soon. Good luck

Answer 6

When my husband slid off the road because of the snow last winter, he talked to the highway patrol officer about becoming an officer and the hwy patrol officer had an application with him in his car. My husband filled out the application and received a letter in the mail that detailed the next several steps. I don't remember the order, but here's what I can remember....you have an interview, a psychology interview, a physical, and possibly a written test. But these interviews/tests are several weeks apart. Then you go on to like a 6 week training. Hope that helps.

Answer 7

Contact your local, county and state Gov's.Each state is different.There are publications that publish police employment want ads. Usually the municipality will require a test,sign up for the test and then take it.When you sign up for the test ask if the same test can qualify for other towns or counties.Usually the one test can carry over to other adjacent towns /counties for an additional fee.But you take one test and it's good for multiple towns,villages,sheriffs Depts. If you want to test outside your town or state then contact the town /state that u want to go to and they will hook u up w/ the test dates and fees.
The Arco Police Test Prep book will give you exposure to possible test questions. Get the book and study.Good luck,your hard work will payoff.

Answer 8

i first want to ask you this,do you think you REALLY and i mean really want to be a cop?
you have hard of cops being shot and even killed in the line of duty,my second husband was a new york city cop and was killed in the line of duty and it was so bad that i cried for days and months and still even today i think about that and cry over this,but if you really want to be a cop you must start by going to you library and look for the book civil serves jobs and find out what the requirements are for being a cop and it will also give you the names of schools you need to attend and where and etc..... and i will be praying for you and your safety to. good luck on this

Answer 9

the two answer above are maximum remarkable, and incorrect, on the same time. the respond to the question is unique to each and each police organization. In those departments that use sworn workers as their crime scene techs, you would be required to serve a definite quantity of time on patrol previously you will possibly be able to stay with for the job. In those departments that use civilian crime scene techs, you follow for the job in basic terms like all different. you will discover that job openings in the sector are few and lots between. a level would be required for the two component of the fence, via ASCLD/LAB accreditation regulations.

Answer 10

Exercise a lot,
Study hard,
Take the exam,
Drive carefully to avoid records, and
Be prepared mentally.