police officer qualifications?

Question

if i graduate high school and go to the military for 2-3 years would i have a good chance at being a police officer? what if i drop out of high school to join the military?

Answer 1

To be honest, dropping out will speak miles of your character. Dropping out then joining the military will not make up for that loss. Other may say otherwise but don't drop out. That can work against you even in the military.

Continue until your graduation. Then, join the military. Then apply yourself toward a 4 year degree in CJ. And think of an associate degree to accompany it. Psychology, sociology, communications, the mix of specializations will be impressive.

Answer 2

You can't drop out of high school to join the military. Now you have to have your diploma, or GED to join. Or at least be working on it.

The qualifications to be a police officer vary from city to city. In the major city near me, you need to be 25 and have a college degree. In my city, which borders the major city, you need to pass a physical test, then go to the academy.

If all you want to do is be a police officer, get online and look at what the requirements are in your town. Most places will take someone with 2 years military experience, but some places also have age requirements.

But dropping out of high school will only hurt you, for being a police officer or joining the military. All it says is you can't follow through on your commitments. Finish your education, and go from there.

Answer 3

Usually a diploma is REQUIRED! So dropping out is not going to work. Also, I echo what the first answer said, it speaks miles about your character - sometimes unfairly; but that is the impression you will have to overcome (not easy).

Military experience will be good towards police work. However, once you get out, you MUST remember that even though police departments are a paramilitary structure, they are not the military. They have difference goals, objectives and rules. You cannot equate military ROE (Rules of Engagement) to police work in any way or it will just confuse you as an officer. (I've seen it too many times).

Good Luck!
~Z~

Answer 4

For our area, the selection process is tough. There is a 6 month wait just to be on the list to take the test. A minimum of 4 year college is a requirement unless you have a HS diploma, at least 4 years military with at least 1 year MP experience and have made arrangements to complete a 4 year college program after the military. A minimum of HS diploma is necessary for most jurisdictions and I agree with pp that not getting it would make a bad impression of your character and integrity. Stick it out and then work on getting into a department.

Answer 5

DONT BE A FOOL STAY IN SCHOOL "MR T". Many good police department want ex military or College degreed applicants. Who graduated with min hs diploma and good service in military or good college GPA. If you drop out now you will be in charge of cleaning the taco bell toilet every night.

Answer 6

It depends entirely upon the needs of the particular law-enforcement agency.

I was deputized on three occasions and even issued a firearm for one of those occasions, before I graduated from high school. I'm sure that they all knew more or less what my grades were like, and knew that I was on well on track to graduate, but, still, I am living evidence that at least somewhere, some agency could decide to hire you even without a diploma.

Otherwise, I echo what the other contributors have said.

Answer 7

Drop out, no way. With diploma, maybe, depends on what you do in the military. A military cook would not have a good chance.