What are the chances of getting on with a police department without College or Military experience?

Answer 1

Very good chances. You'll be starting at the bottom of course but as long as you have a diploma or the equivelancy of it and no major criminal background you're pretty much good to go.

Answer 2

Things are changing in law enforcement. Because of the growing survelliance and therefore growing public scrutiny, agencies are looking for older people with life experience rather than young people in great shape.

If you are young and do not have College or Military experience, I would say your chances are slim. Do some volunteer work in security (maybe in the police department) and when you get a bit older, I think you'll find your chances are better.

It was my life dream to enter the police force, and I did a lot of research into this. Unfortunately, my body had other plans for me. :(

Answer 3

You shouldn't have a problem. Although some places do require college and/ or military. I am a full time police office and I only have 2 semesters of college. College and military is always a plus though as far as promotions and pay raises later on down the road.

Answer 4

As an officer for over thirty years....I've seen many backgrounds enter the law enforcement field.

Although SOME agencies require college...many do not...yet some offer incentives of higher education as a part of their "pay packages" with new applicants.

Also, the size and financial status of an agency determines who is hired over others.

Many smaller agencies don't have the funding to send new officers to the police academy therefore they depend upon officers coming from other agencies that are already certified by their states as officers.

The larger departments with financial stability will most often send applicants to a state certified academy.

Are there any courses you can take to better yourself in preparation for the testing process....sure but if you are looking towards college...a managerial degree is often better and more flexible than a criminal justice degree.

This should help you in your endeavors of law enforcement and I wish you the best!

Answer 5

A high school diploma is sufficient. The rest you learn in a Law Enforcement Academy. After you join the police force, you should begin taking courses toward a degree to advance in the department.

Answer 6

You can do it providing that the department doesn't require it, Some departments will give you up to two (2) years to get an associate degree after appointment to their department. You will just have to search the departments in your area and when they give the test just study and prepare your self for all phases of the exam. Good Luck

Answer 7

More and more, the standards of police officers are going up. This is one attempt to answer problems the community sees in police.
So, each state keeps up-ing the requirements for the state licensing board. (yes, every police officer should be licensed from the state.)

Answer 8

Unfortunately its either or. Military career is always good as an addition to your resume, especially previous deployments. But BA Degree is but totally necessary and prefferably of Criminal Justice major. Unless you want to be traffic police officer. I dont think that one require too much of school or military, matter of fact it doesnt require, except passing a placement test.

Answer 9

Sugestion. Pop down to your local constabulary, and have a
word with the sargeant on duty, I am sure that if he sees you are genuin he will advise you the better! Good luck.

Answer 10

Zero. Police are intense about their work, and if you don't make the cut you will know it fast. Many are military as the weapons and equipment training is minimal.