What tips do people have to help me get a job as a cop? I will graduate with my bachelor's degree in August '08, I have National Guard experience, and I plan to take an EMT class for certification. Any tips or ideas that will improve my resume?
2007-03-21 13:59:42 · 7 answers · asked by AJLECL 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
The EMT class is not needed, unless you just want it.
When you graduate from college just apply to the police dept of your choice ( ok maybe apply to about 10 departmetns,) you should get a offer from one or two if you don't have any records, have not used any drugs and the such.
2007-03-21 14:52:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A bachelors degree and military experience are big plusses. EMT cert is also good, as many police departments require that to apply now. I would suggest you research vacancies on line and contact the recruiters directly to find out specific requirements. Many departments are having a very hard time finding enough qualified applicants, so they will be more than happy to help you.
Sort out what your long term goals are in law enforcement and apply accordingly - scope of investigations, size, opportunities etc. Do you want to work municipal, county state or federal. You are young so pay/benefits/retirement will be less of a concern, but look into it anyway (means a lot more as you get to the far end of your career)
Be persistent! The hardest part is getting your foot in the door.
2007-03-21 16:14:20 · answer #2 · answered by dizattolah 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The EMT class is a definite plus, because it's above and beyond what they will train you for in the police academy (they usually just train to the first responder level).
National Guard experience is also helpful, especially if you did anything in security.
Is your bachelor's in criminal justice or something relevant to police work? If not, it might be a fantastic idea to take some relevant classes. Usually, college work (especially if it relates to police) is factored in when you apply.
Check with the area you are going to be applying in to see what their requirements are. Sometimes, they require you to take a written test when you apply. It couldn't hurt to try to find a study guide so you are better prepared.
It would also be a great idea to get into excellent physical shape before you apply.
Hope this helps...
2007-03-22 07:55:18 · answer #3 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You sound like you are on the right path. If your college major is not Criminal Justice, which I don't really even recommend, I suggest you take some classes on law/the Criminal Justice System. Also, research the agencies where you plan to apply in preparation for the oral interview and get into good physical shape for the academy.
2007-03-21 14:24:18 · answer #4 · answered by me 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are doing all of the right things. Keep it up. Also you might look into taking martial arts. Krav Maga, Kenpo, Aikido, etc. are all great. They will see that you know how to handle yourself and that will look great on an app. Another big boost would be an internship with the department you like. Along the lines of volunteering your time to the department, look into it's reserve officer program.
2007-03-21 16:21:48 · answer #5 · answered by ACeLoLo 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well there are lots of cop jobs availible www.officer.com has lots of depts and lots of police info and as far as emt certified that would be cool some depts u have to be emt and police certified so it would be a plus
2007-03-21 14:21:56 · answer #6 · answered by glock310 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start eating donuts, learn to hate minorities, start disobeying all traffic laws, don't ever fill out paperwork and start acting like an arrogant jerk..
J/K, my brother is a cop.
California and Arizona have a shortage of police officers right now.
2007-03-21 14:07:35 · answer #7 · answered by Mark M 3 · 0⤊ 6⤋