I want to become a police officer, how do I do this? please read below?

Question

I am 23 years old. I am graduated college this May with majors in Anthropology and Sociology. I just joined the military and will be going into military training for 5 months after graduation. I then hope to attend a police academy.

First of all, do I go to a police academy before I apply for a job?

How many vacancies are out there these days?

How is the ranking like, for example, sergeant, chief, sheriff, ect, who is higher in rank, and

how much do they get paid?

Please tell me everything you know about this. I am really interested in doing this as a career, but unfortunately don't know much about it.

thanks.

Answer 1

First, I would highly recommend a job in law enforcment...it's where the "rubber meets the road". From my expierence, I went to college and got my degree in criminal justice and then went to police academy. Upon graduation, you can apply for a a job as a police officer. It all depends on the state how the process works. In Pennsylvania, the academy certifies you with your "ACT 120" no police department is allowed to hire you without it in PA. Police officers positions are HIGHLY competitve at the current time. Many departments are only hiring part time, that way they can save on the benefits for awhile. You will find out quickly that many larger departments have very strigent requirements. My departments even visited both my neighbors and asked them about me pre-hire. As for the rankings, in order from lowest to highest....lieutanant, sergeant, chief (the main boss of the enitre department). A sherriff is something different. They work for the county and have power over jurisdictions where other officers do not. Pay varies widley from department. If you get a city position (less competetive, because there are more positions open) generally they pay is squat for about 5 years then it will jump. I would estimate (going by philadelphia) 28,000/yr with increments every year until about 58,000/yr at year 5. If you get accepted at a more suburban department (much harder to get into, some departments only have 10 officers or less) then pay generally is pretty good starting probably about 55,000/yr. The one thing that I can tell you about being a police officer is it is 90% boring and 10% adrenaline rush. Most of the time you are sitting in your patrol car just waiting, but for that other 10% you earn your paycheck.

Answer 2

Requirements to become a police officer vary and how you become a police officer varies depending on the police department. Visit the websites of the police departments that you might be interested in working for. Police department websites often provide information about their applicant requirements, about how to apply, and about their hiring process. Some relatively common minimum requirements include having at least a high school diploma or ged, being a citizen, being at least 21 years old, having a valid driver's license, and having no felony convictions. Some relatively common steps in hiring processes include application, written test, physical fitness test, interview, drug test, medical examination, and background investigation. Some police departments will hire you, and then send you to the police academy. In this case, you would already have a job and be paid while attending the academy. In some states, some departments require applicants to have already completed police academy training before being hired. In this case, you have to apply to attend an academy, and if accepted, pay tuition to attend in hopes of getting hired after you graduate. Many academies are run by or through colleges or universities.

It is great that you have a college degree. Many law enforcement agencies require or prefer applicants to have college. Having a degree could help you get hired by some agencies. Some agencies pay their officers more if they have a degree. Having a degree could also help you get promoted during your career. Consider local, state, and federal police officer jobs.

Answer 3

1. Depends upon the state. In my state, only already-hired cops go to the academy. Some states, it is like college, and you can pay to attend in advance of getting hired.

2. Always looking for "a few good men" or women.

Chief
Captain
Lieutenant
Sergeant
Corporal
Officer/Ptl. 1st Class
Officer/Ptlm.
Probationary Officer

Pay varies by department/area/position, with probationary being the very lowest level.

Try salary.com and search your area for a better idea of the pay scales. Or look at the next town report or budget under salaries and police department.

Answer 4

When you get out of the military, you can apply to become a police recruit. Upon acceptance and successful completion of training, you will be commissioned a police officer. Ranks are based on merit. Pay is dependent on where you want to be a police officer.

Answer 5

first of all it depends where you live. i do know here in ca that for the chp you have to 201/2 years of age and you have to trun 21 while academy. you get paid to go to into the academy and you will earn about $6000. when your in the academy you DO NOT have a rank. your rank is a cadet. you will not graduate will the rank of sgt.lt.or cammader. if you want to know more you can go on to the CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL ACADEMY HOME PAGE.COM there you can look at the job and see everything you need to know about becomeing a officer.

Answer 6

Most large community's have there own police academies, so check with the department you wish to join and see when they are starting their next class.

Answer 7

You should apply for the job when your military commitment is near completion. They will explain what the requirements are.