How old do you need to become a cop? What Degrees? If any..?

Question

Ok im 16 years old and am going into my senior year at highschool. I will turn 17 in my senior year, my birthday is october 1st. Now i really want to become a police officer, my grandfather was a police officer, alot of my family is military, and I think joining the police force would be good. Whats the age to join? Can you be 18? Do you need to go to college? Then apply? I mean I can do that if needed. Do i need to get a degree in Criminal Justice? What exactly does that do with becoming a police officer? Where would I need to go? I'd like to be a patrol officer. Driving around, patrolling.

So whats the age? is 18 good? What should I do that would best benefit me into becoming a police officer? What degrees? or anything

Thanks.

Answer 1

It depend ENTIRELY on the department. I graduated from high school with someone who was working as a police officer by the end of the summer. Of course the city where I currently live has more people on the city payroll than the entire population of the town where I grew up.

Answer 2

Well the first thing to decide is whether to be local or state.

Most departments start hiring around age 21.

A 4 year degree is something good to have. A CJ is a decent degree for an officer, but you might want to go with something more specialized, for instance computer science. This way if you don't become an officer you have something to fall back on, and you will stand out more for promotion. Talk to officers, go on ride alongs, get the feel for what they think.

And you are starting driving now, make sure you don't get any tickets.

Also, stay off of all drugs and away from alcohol, and don't even think about committing any crimes or you will get nowhere in the force.

Answer 3

It depends on the department. In Iowa, most departments say 18. Some departments will substitute experience for education but some require at least some college education. I received a 4-year degree in Criminal Justice but I don't think the degree matters all the time. Some places just want the degree. I went to the academy with someone who graduated with a 4-year in business admin. If I were you, figure out some of the departments you may be interested in and find out what their requirements are. My best advice to you is get your foot in the door somewhere. I did ride-a-longs in a couple departments and an internship for the state patrol. I was hired by the state immediately after graduation. Talk with different officers, deputies, or troopers to find out what you may really want. If all you want to do is drive and work traffic, the state would probably be the way to go. They don't get many calls for service except for accidents and such.

Answer 4

Go for a degree first (4 yr. Criminal Justice Degree) in the long run you will wish you did. Above all, be patient ! Age ? I guess you would be around 21 or so after graduation. Most decent CJ programs will have placement programs. They want their students to succeed. Job fairs and such. Other police agencies are in contact with professors and heads of the departments to find the good students. It is a network. Sharing information about perspective students to insure they get who they want. After the degree, you may need to attend an academy before hire. Some (BUT FEW) agencies will put you through. 16 more weeks. Much more hands on, mock situations and local state laws, physical fitness, firearms training, hand to hand.

To better you for the role, get in touch with a local Sheriffs Dept. I started at a young age by joining up with our local Sheriff's Search and Rescue unit. No intention of being a cop, but that's where I am now. Oh yah... Get NO tickets (0) or you WILL be explaining yourself later, if you get anywhere.

Answer 5

it depends where u are. i believe nyc lowered the age from 21 to 19. most suburban communities are 18 while rural and urban communities are 21 and require at least 2 yrs of college.

you need to take the police officers exam
then if u pass go to training which i believe is 2-3 months
then you go through an intern period where u ride with a more experienced officer (you can actually do this before the exams while still in hs)

and

a criminal justice degree would help, any degree would help get a promotion but criminal justice would be most related
and in nyc the #1 criminal justice school is john jay

Answer 6

It depends on teh police dept...I'm just starting the acadamy and here you have to be 21 years old and have a high school deploma or GED...you don't need a degree unless you want to eventually become a sgt or Lt. but you can usually go to school while your working. They train you the way they want you trained. Just be in good physical condition and try to stay clean their polygraph and backround checks are really complete. Good luck!

Answer 7

I graduated in '04 with a B.S. in criminal Justice. I enjoyed my classes and gaining information of all the exciting issues that are taught. I say decide for it, it is going to help you comprehend the C.J. equipment greater perfect and supply you greater insite to whether you opt for to become a officer. i'm not a police officer, yet i do artwork in a regulation enforcement workplace and am practising using for a federal investigator place. i think of having the C.J. degree helped get me the place i'm. And in case you come to a determination to persue yet another profession, huge whoop - a minimum of you have A.S. - it quite is a leg up on some people, alot of agencies in basic terms care which you went, not as huge a deal located on considerable anymore.

Answer 8

Talk to someone at your local police office and tell them you would like some information to prepare for police work, and so on......bettyk

Answer 9

You must be 21 yrs old at the time of appointment and in most major cities you must have at least 60 college credits in any field.....good luck and keep your nose clean.