What kind of credentials do you need to become a police officer in Pennsylvania? I'm majoring in criminal justice at a university and am thinking of either being a cop or a forensics investigator. I'm not totally sure yet though.
2007-10-09 08:24:57 · 6 answers · asked by nic b 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Thanks art, I want to be active. I can't stand sitting around in an office all day. What type of jobs can I get that involve moving around with a CJ bachelors degree?
2007-10-09 08:34:16 · update #1
Most forensics investigators are sworn law enforcement officers that started out in uniform and worked their way up to an investigator position. Some of the larger agencies do hire civilians to collect evidence, etc. but not ot investigate.
If you decide to become a police officer, here are some important things to know:
First, it is important that you have not been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor. Some agencies will disqualify you for any convictions.
Second, you need to have a clean driving history. A DUI will usually disqualify you.
Third, you must not have used any illegal drugs within the last 1-5 years (depending on the agency) and usually only experimentation is acceptable.
Some agencies require at least a 2 year college degree; some will count military service, and some only require a h.s. diploma or GED.
It is important that you have a stable work history (and you must disclose EVERY job you have had) It is not favorable if you have ever walked off the job or been fired.
Medical questions usually cannot be asked of you until you have been given a conditional offer of employment because of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The most important thing to remember when applying is DO NOT LIE ABOUT ANYTHING. That is the #1 disqualifier! You will never get a law enforcement job if you do, because agencies share background information on applicants.
I hope this helps and the best of luck to you!
p.s. Some Pennsyvania agencies do not pay you while you are in the academy. Check into this. Most other states will give you full pay while you train.
2007-10-09 08:50:15 · answer #1 · answered by squeet3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Requirements to become a police officer vary, and how you become a police officer varies depending on the department. In Pennsylvania, many departments require that you already be an academy (Act 120 Training) graduate to apply. There are police academies that you can enroll for if you meet the requirements. You have to pay tuition. Many are run by colleges or universities, and sometimes you can get college credits for the academy classes. The cost can vary. Keep in mind that you might not get hired after completing the academy. You should get a college degree if you can. Getting a degree is one of the best things that you can do. Many departments require or prefer applicants to have a degree. Having a degree could help you get hired with some departments. Having a degree could also help you get promoted during your career. Getting police officer jobs is becoming more and more competitive. Do whatever you can to make yourself the best candidate that you can. For example, don't do anything illegal, maintain a good reputation, keep a good driving record, don't get bad credit, improve all of your communication skills as much as possible, and become as physically fit as you can.
2014-05-22 18:54:48 · answer #2 · answered by J.W. 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your on the right path. Get your degree, it will help now and later. The best thing you can do is stay out of trouble.
Forensics investigator is nothing like an officer and works indoors all day. They may respond to crime scenes, but is rare. It pays good, but might need a masters degree. Depends on the department and what exactly you will be doing. It is NOTHING like what tv shows it to be. It is all lab work. No gun, no power to arrest, no confronting criminals, etc etc.....
2007-10-09 15:29:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
first you go to preschool then you go to kindergarten,first-eight(grammar school), ninth-twelth(high school)graduate then go to college for 2-10 more years then you can get a degree in criminal justice and jion the police team another way to become a police officer is to jion the witness protection program
2007-10-09 16:26:56 · answer #4 · answered by Kikey W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It generally comprises of written test, medical test and interview. You should run daily and practice doing as many pushups and situps as you can. Then you need to contact a cop whom you see around. He can tell you much better about the rest of the details.
2007-10-09 15:32:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good start, you'll still need go through training at academy usual 6 months long...an investigator is position you earn i don't know if you can set directly into it..
i think up work your way up? start in fingerprinting first...
2007-10-09 16:31:10 · answer #6 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋