What is the first step to becoming a Police officer?

Question

I've been thinking about it, but I just don't know where to start, what is the process?

Answer 1

1. Get as much education as possible. Many larger departments are requiring college education. Most departments will give preference to a higher educated candidate. You don't need to have a degree in Criminal Justice. Between the academy and field training, you will learn much of what you need to know so a CJ degree is redundant.

2. In lieu of going to college, join the military. Military experience will also give you an advantage over lesser qualified candidates.

3. Choose which departments you want to work for. They will all have websites with their job requirements, testing dates, application process, etc. Do a little research.

4. Fill out an application COMPLETELY and NEATLY. I can't stress how important that is. When I was working in recruiting, I can't tell you how many applications I came across that looked like they were written in crayon by a fourth grader.

5. Start working out. You will likely have to undergo some form of physical agility test which usually includes a running component. Get your endurance up now so you will shine over everyone else. Most tests are shorter runs, say 1-1.5 miles. So if you can run a 7-8 minute mile, you're golden.

6. Stay out of trouble. That means don't drive like a maniac and rack up a handful of traffic tickets. No sneaking into movies. Don't cheat on your taxes. Don't steal candy. Don't prey on little children. You get the idea.

7. Do a ride-along. FInd a department you want to work for and request to ride with one of their officers. Most agencies offer this service which gives you great exposure to the day-to-day workings of a cop. You may get lucky and see some "hot" calls first-hand.

8. Start shooting if you are not proficient with firearms. You don't need to be an expert marksman, but you should be fairly competent and comfortable with a gun, especially gun safety. I know someone who wanted desperately to become a cop until they actually fired a gun which scared the hell out of them.

9. Make sure your credit is up top par. You will not get hired with bad credit.

10. Maintain a good work ethic at whatever job you have now. They WILL check references with all of your old employers. You don't want some manager from The Gap telling your background investigator that you were a slacker during that summer job you had two years ago.

Good luck!!

Answer 2

When applying to a police department, the steps are as follows... Stage 1 – Application for Civil Service Entrance Exam Stage 2 – Taking the Civil Service Entrance Exam Stage 3 – Physical Fitness Testing Stage 4 – The Background Investigation Stage 5 – Oral Board Interview Stage 6 – Polygraph and Psychological Assessment Stage 7 – Physical Exam Stage 8 – Recruit/FTO Training Good luck in becoming a police officer

Answer 3

What bushido19 said is more than enough, perfect answer. But keep in mind that all states are different. For example, my husband and I live in Chicago and he applied to Los Angeles. he took a written test and now is being called to do the physical in LA(exactly what bushido said). Make sure that you do not have a criminal background or you will be wasting your time. Some departments like chicago have a 3 year waiting list. My suggestion is to apply as many places as you can because it is not as easy as it seems(apply to surrounding suburbs as well). Also look into county sheriff (some require only high school).
For Police Officer not all states require a bachelors, some require only 63 credit hours and/or 4 year military experience.
Go on the internet and google and check out different states or the one you are in. Good luck!!!

Answer 4

Police Academy.

Answer 5

First you put in an application with the law enforcement agency you are interested in. Then you will have to take an assessment test. After the assessment test, if you pass, you will be called in for the oral board (your interview). If you pass the interview, then you have to take a polygraph, background check, credit check, etc. Then you are sent to your local criminal justice academy. In SC its a 9 week course and you have to pass with a minimum of 70%. After the CJA, you will do a "ride around", where you get the feel of what's going on, etc. Then finally, you will be on your own.

Answer 6

First you need to visit the police department for an application. When you get that they will give you dates when you need to take a physical test and a written test then they weed out who they dont want and they keep the ones they do. You must pass both tests to stay in the hireing pool.

Answer 7

Go to college. Get a degree in Criminal justice or something like Political Science. Then apply to a police academy

Answer 8

Ask yourself why you want to become a officer, and then ask yourself if you are capable of taking a life, which probably will never happen but it could. If there is any doubt forget it, because when the time comes that you have to drop the hammer and you hesitate, you or your partner of a civilian might die. It is not a job for everyone. it isn't TV

Answer 9

Get into shape you need to pass two parts fitness and mental tests. Then ck with the local police dept. and they will give you info on how to appy "don't arrest me when you do become one" :)

Answer 10

Go thru a shadowing program where you can shadow a cop for a day to see if that is what you'd really like to do.