I want to be a police officer?

Question

I want to become a police officer and make that my career. Are any of you police officers and if so how did you become one? What are the requirements in becoming an officer. I would really appreciate serious answers and some detail if possible. I know I could contact my local station, but I just wanted the opinions of the yahoo community. Any help would be great.

For Cjam, I want to become a police officer to protect and to serve, I know that is the slogan but I want to become an officer to make the streets a better place. I have always been interested in law enforcement and have a natural instinct.

For watchman, I have done soul searching and your response is bull, in fact I am going to become a cop, find out where you live arrest you on a daily basis.

Answer 1

If you're in high school, check with your local departments and see if they have an Explorer program. It's through the Boy Scouts, but you can be either male or female. Another thing you can do, see if a department you'd like to work for has a ride along program. You basically ride along with an officer for a night, that'll give you a good idea if you'd like to work for them or not.

And generally the police academy isn't that long. Each state is different, I know some that are 8 weeks, and others that are 6-9 months, with about 6 months the average(in the US).

It depends on the individual department you're applying for, they'll have different requirements. Some want at least a college degree, other's don't care. Basically just apply at some departments you'd like to work for and see what they say. Most departments though, the police certifications are regulated through a state agency, and some of the general things are cannot have been convicted of domestic violence, convicted of any crime of moral turptitude or perjury, no felony convictions, etc. Most states either have POST(police officer standards & training) or CJST (criminal justice standards and training commission). You can do a search to see which one is in your state. That's the agency that handles the police certifications and sets the standards. They should have a list of the basic requirements needed.
Good luck!!

Answer 2

The requirements varies from state to state and department to department. All have to meet Peace Officer Standard and Training (P.O.S.T.) requirements. Make sure that you are in good physical shape as most have some physical agility requirements. I would advise you to get at least a 4-year degree. That is not usually a requirement to become a basic police officer, but will open you up for promotions and even federal law enforcement jobs in the future. Any higher education would be easier now while you're young than later in life (trust me). Check your local department(s) for the particular requirements in your state.


Good Luck.

Answer 3

I am not a police officer, but I do know some of the answers to your questions regarding getting into the police force. First off, you cant be a felon, or have a criminal record. Second, you have to take so many years of officer training through an academy.

Now, I have a question for you. Do you want to be a police officer to make the streets and highways a safer place for the law abiding citizen, or do you want to become one for the thrill of the chase? Only you can answer this question.

The first part of the question is what would make you a good policeman. If its just for the thrill, then I can think of a lot of jobs that can fill that bill

Answer 4

Get and education. If you are still in high school, see if your county has a vocational education program for students who want to go into law enforcement. If you local police department has a cadet program join it.
If you have your hs diploma, enroll in a community college or 4-year college that has a law enforcement major. If you are not college bound, join the armed forces and look into becoming an MP.

Answer 5

I considered this field myself after high school. All I really know is you have to go into a training program for about 3 months or so, and it's pretty difficult. There are also many tests involved. I would suggest asking an officer! The requirements may differ state to state, so the answers to this question may be misleading.

Answer 6

well i know you have to pass a physical and mental test, now you used to have to be a certain height and weight but i dont think that applys anymore,

I am sure you have to be a high school graduate.


so make sure you are in good physical condition., and have a diploma

oh yeah and you must love donuts!!l.ol. i am truly sorry for that remaek i just could not help myself--because all jokes aside i have much respect and admiration for law officers 0they have it tough these day more then ever and get little or no respect from most people

Answer 7

The first question you need to answer is WHY, do some soul searching. As far as wanting to make the world a better place what a bunch of crap! And further more if you are not a cop then you have no idea what a cops about.

Answer 8

I went to college and got a degree in Police Science. I then responded to ads in the paper. You have to pass a physical agility test, which varies from state to state, and a written test. The written test covers math, reading, and writing. It is fairly common sense. Most larger departments require oral interviews and polygraphs. They also do background checks. You do not need to to have a college degree, but it is very helpful. Military experience is helpful. Good Luck!

Answer 9

I asked that exact same question about.. 2 days ago..
Good luck with getting serious answers...
I'll keep checking back on this as well..

[e-mail]

Answer 10

somebody who wants to bully on people and get paid for it