What are the educational steps, including police academy, if applicable, to becoming a police officer? Can you start as a detective in the police force or must you be a patrol man first? Is an associates degree required?
2007-12-30 17:19:26 · 10 answers · asked by A W 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Most require an associates degree. Some have no requirement, and some require a bachelors.
Even with the degree, you still need to attend an academy, or a certification course. This is where you get the weapons, vehicle operation, and other police specific training from.
Plan on starting in patrol. You will need to be good at that before you are considered for promotion or special assignments.
2007-12-30 17:24:43 · answer #1 · answered by trooper3316 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Some department requires a high school diploma, or GED, and some requires a college degree, best bet is to get a college degree, since you want to be a detective, and you need to patrol first for at least 3-5 years, and take a written test, again, it depends on the agency.
2007-12-30 17:25:26 · answer #2 · answered by jenny 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Educational requirements vary by department.
The academy will be necessary before you start working. Some departments will send you, and some require it prior to hire.
You will not start as a detective anywhere. 3-5 years minimum on patrol before you are eligible for promotion/transfer.
2007-12-30 17:26:40 · answer #3 · answered by Citicop 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
in every police department you must start at the bottom which is patrol...and thats not a bad thing as for education it depends on where you live some cities only require a high school diploma.
2007-12-30 18:23:14 · answer #4 · answered by Pacman 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I liked the Academy. It will train you to get started for the street. You need to contact your local law enforcement agency and talk it over with one of there recruiters. He/she will fill you in on all of what is required for you to apply (includes school , testing, physical abilities ect) All agency's are not the same.
2007-12-30 18:42:56 · answer #5 · answered by casperii69ii 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Where I'm at, you need 2 years of college (any subject)...and after so many years, you can apply within the department for detective when the test comes up.....
2007-12-30 17:24:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some departments require just a high school diploma, a certain amount of college credit, or an associates degree. Once you passed all the required steps necessary to get the job, you will go to the academy to receive your training. After wards you will work patrol. Depending on what the department you work for, you advance in position either by seniority, accomplishments, or testing. My department for example gives test to any officer who wishes to become a detective, field training officer, evidence technician, and Sergeant. Test for lieutenants and captains are only given to those Sergent's and lieutenants who possess a bachelors degree at least.
2007-12-31 03:33:31 · answer #7 · answered by Hardened Soul 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you aren't interested in working the streets, then go to a college that specializes in crime scene forensics. Some of the larger metropolitan areas will use you in the labs.
2007-12-30 20:22:36 · answer #8 · answered by Mary J 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the state in which you live, most departments require you to start out as a patrol officer, and then work your way up. I'm in the "ICE" unit for my department (immigration services) I had to work in patrol for approx. 5 years before I was able to promote. A degree is preferred for most departments, but not a requirement for mine. The best thing for you to do is to call the Human Resources department of the agency you would like to work for, and ask them for a list of requirements. Good luck!
2007-12-30 19:21:38 · answer #9 · answered by cclover _ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some departments only require a high school diploma, some require 60 hours (equivalent to an AA).
Detective is a promotional position within the epartment.
You must first serve in patrol, usually 3-5 years, then take the promotional exam to be considered.
The reason is, that you need the experience and time in the field in order to prepare for the job of Detective.
2007-12-30 19:04:28 · answer #10 · answered by CGIV76 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋