I'm 16 years old and I ....?

Question

want to be a police officer. What requirements do they have? Can you join if you have arthritis? And should I talk to someone from the police department ?

Its a small town and less pay doesn't really matter since the cost of living isn't that much here.

Answer 1

The Peace Officer Standards for Training, commonly called P.O.S.T vary from state to state. To find out what they are for your state, you can ask a local police officer. Some of the most common requirements are to be at least 21 years of age or 20 1/2 to enter training, not have any felony convictions, have normal color vision etc. If you make contact with your local police department and expressed interest, perhaps one of them could show you the complete requirements which are contained in the state code books.

Answer 2

Talk to your local police. They will be happy to help you with the state and local requirements for your area. Some places even have programs available for teenagers to do ride alongs with police officers. The one I did was called Explorers and I had a great time. I would strongly suggest it if available. (Bear in mind, that was more than a few years ago)

Answer 3

It depends on where you join up. In rural areas the requirements are lower, and so is the pay. Try to get a couple of years of college at least, and a four year degree if you want to advance in the profession.

Check the web sites of police agencies. Dalllas PD has billboards up advertising for trainees with 2 years of college, or militray experience.

Answer 4

I think the best recommendation I can give you is the one that you have really already come up with yourself. Talk to city, county and state law enforcement agencies and see specifically what their requirements are. I do know this. More and more officers, deputies and troopers are four year college graduates.

Answer 5

Talk to the police. The'd be delighted to help you. Sure beats having to arrest you!