How To Become A Police Officer: Your Step
By on 02/10/2020
There are plenty of Hollywood movies out there that detail the rigorous physical training involved in becoming a cop. You might even be able to picture the obstacle courses, shooting ranges and tactical scenario training rooms. These are all important elements of police officer trainingbut they only make up one portion of the process.
Given the high level of responsibility and trust afforded to law enforcement, the standards for becoming a police officer are higher than what youll likely find in many careers. The specific standards and process will vary slightly based on the state, county or town youre applying to work in, but there are a few universal requirements to become a police officer you should be familiar with.
If youre wondering how to become a police officer, youre in the right place. Keep reading for a high-level breakdown of the path to pursuing a career in law enforcement.
What Is The Police Written Test
The police written test is typically the first step in applying for a position. Its important to know what subject areas will be covered and how much time youll have to complete each section of the exam so that you can prepare accordingly.
Some departments may administer verbal exams in addition to or instead of written ones, which could include listening comprehension tests or reading ability tests . Other questions might involve matching words with definitions, completing sentences based on context clues, determining if statements are true or false, etcetera!
Important Qualities For Police Detectives
An important distinction exists between police officers and detectives. Police officers respond to emergencies, issue citations, and patrol areas to practice law enforcement. Police and detectives are criminal investigators whose job it is to find a criminal and bring him or her to justice. At a crime scene, detectives obtain statements from complainants, witnesses, and suspects. They may record interviews and help gather criminal evidence. They investigate crime scenes, write detailed reports of their findings, follow leads, interview suspects, conduct background checks, and arrest the criminal or criminals responsible. In many cases, detectives and criminal investigators are called upon to testify in court as witnesses when the criminal stands trial. Successful detectives possess several key characteristics.
Attention to Detail
According to O*NET OnLine, a division of the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, detectives and investigators must be detail-oriented and thorough in completing work tasks. In addition, detectives must possess highly developed reasoning skills and have the ability to combine and distill a great deal of information to formulate logical theories and conclusions about the criminal who committed the crime.
Resilience
Physical Fitness
Deductive Reasoning
An Authoritative Presence
A Calling for the Job
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Day In The Life Of A Police Officer
When we think of a police officer performing his or her duties, we typically think of them patrolling the streets, arresting criminals, issuing citations for traffic violations, and even rescuing cats from trees. However, their day involves much more than just those duties. Their duties include the following.
- Patrolling specific areas
- Gathering and securing evidence found at crime scenes
- Handling domestic abuse cases
It should be noted that the department and geographic location of the police officer play a big role in determining their job description of duties. Their varied duties have an important part in why there is so much to learn regarding how to become a police officer.
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Successfully Pass A Background Check
You can expect any law enforcement agency youre applying for to conduct a number of checks into your background, including criminal history and even credit history. While this isnt literally the first step to becoming a police officer, it is the first one youll need to consider before you get too invested in the process. If you have concerns about how your background might impact your candidacy, you may want to consult a police academy admissions representative about it.
Your credit history may be analyzed because it gives potential employers an idea of your level of responsibility and potential problems like gambling-related debts. Police departments look into applicants history of criminal activity, employment, residency and academic records as well.
Basically, the police department is going to get deep into your business, says Adam Plantinga, and 17-year veteran sergeant with the San Francisco Police Department. Dont leave anything out on your background packet. If you omit something, even inadvertently, and it comes to light, you will likely be eliminated as a candidate. Departments are looking for responsible people who play by the rules.
Things like felonies and gross misdemeanors could disqualify you from becoming a police officer, but less serious offenses could also be problematicit really depends on the department and its policies.
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What Are The Requirements To Become A Police Officer In Jamaica
Answered by Isheba Cornwall, Associate Writer, July 2018Founded in 1716, the Jamaica Constabulary Force is the official police force of Jamaica, with their mission is to serve, protect and reassure with courtesy, integrity and respect for the rights of all. If you want to join the tradition, move according to the oath, and be a part of the family of dedicated police officers, I would like to thank you so much for considering this noble service. However, not everyone will be able to don the black peaked cap with the red striped trousers. It is of great importance that the people who serve will be fit for this duty. Thus, the Jamaica Constabulary Force has strict requirements to ensure that they find suitable candidates. Even if you are deemed eligible to serve, the application process is strong enough to filter only the best. So, are you a highly motivated and disciplined person of integrity who is committed to working in the community? Great! This is what the JCF is looking for, alongside with these other factors, in eligible candidates:
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Get The Right Police Education & Training
There was a time when becoming a police officer was as simple as graduating high school or earning your GED, then attending a short training academy before diving into on-the-job training. And though those opportunities do still exist, especially in smaller departments, most departments have raised their standards of education to at least two years of post-secondary work. This means pursing an associate degree in law enforcement or a related field, such as criminal justice, criminology, or police science should be the first option to consider. The associate degree can then serve as a stepping stone to the bachelors degree, which then leads to graduate degree options.
However, other routes to the profession do exist. In addition to the on-the-job training after completing academy training, there is also the military option. Those who work as military police or in a similar capacity while serving their country can be perfectly suited to move into a police force after their military time is up. Lets take a look at the options.
Associate Degree in Law Enforcement
Bestfor? Those who want to stand outagainst the competition, or need a basic college degree to apply fora particular job opening.
Bachelors Degree in Law Enforcement
Best for? Those who have the time and financial resources to earn a four-year degree, want to work in federal law enforcement, or anticipate future professional advancement.
Masters Degree in Law Enforcement
Military experience in lieu of a degree
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What Are The Police Academy Exams Like
In most academies, candidates have to take a handful of tests that cover reasoning, memory, English language, math, and more. There are usually an additional four practical tests on firearms, defense tactics, driving, and first aid. Academy tests are varied and challenging. They will push you mentally and physically and have been known to be quite stressful.
Police academy exams will be different depending on where you are training. The RCMP exam will be different from provincial exams and each provincial exam will be different from other provinces.
But there are some commonalities that can help you prepare for success, no matter which department youre vying for.
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Minimum Standards For Employment
The minimum selection standards for peace officers in California are set forth in Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031. Every California peace officer must:
- Be free of any felony convictions
- Be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record
- Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation
- Be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited institution and
- Be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
For more information visit the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Peace Officer Candidate Information web page.
More Information
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What Type Of Training Do Police Get
US police academies spend far more time on firearms training than on de-escalating a situation – 71 hours against 21, on average, according to a 2013 US Bureau of Justice Statistics report.
And in the US, the escalation of force is at the discretion of the officer, whereas in countries such as Norway and Finland, there are more rigorous rules as to what is considered justified use of force.
Prof Haberfeld says: “Most of the training in the US is focused on various types of use of force, primarily the various types of physical force. The communication skills are largely ignored by most police academies.
“This is why you see officers very rapidly escalating from initial communication to the actual physical use of force, because this is how they train.”
ICJTR executive director Randy Shrewsberry says more emphasis also needs to be put on mental-health training – both for when officers are responding to suspects and for officers themselves.
“Police officers are up to five times more likely to kill themselves than to be killed by homicide,” he said. “We’d like to see a greater emphasis on police officer mental-health training. Currently, they only get a few hours of training – if any – on self-care.”
The US spends almost 1% of its GDP on policing – and some activists are calling for this to be cut and directed to other services.
But Mr Shrewsberry says: “Unfortunately, when we look at defunding or budget cutbacks, training divisions are often the earliest to be hit.”
Preparing For A Police Officer Career: Find The Right Environment
When an aspiring police officer chooses to go to school to obtain formal education, a world of possibilities opens up. Here are some of the potential places where the certificate or degree can be earned.
Vocational/Trade School
Some vocational or trade schools have certificate programs that may count towards college credit, such as for a future associate or bachelor’s degree. Some might offer associate degrees. Vocational or trade schools can provide a way to save money on college costs while receiving necessary college course instruction.
Military
Military experience is well regarded by law enforcement agencies and police departments. Familiarity with firearms, mental toughness, physical conditioning, discipline and an understanding of command structure and culture are all benefits that come with hiring a recruit with military experience.
Community College
Community colleges provide multiple options for students who want to become police officers. Students can complete their associate degree in two years or a certificate in a few months. As an added bonus, many community colleges allow credits earned in a certificate program to go towards an associate degree.
Law Enforcement School
4-year schools
Departments that require a bachelor’s degree are often found at the federal level. However, even if a four-year degree isn’t required, getting a bachelor’s degree can be a prudent decision: it can increase the chances of getting hired and promoted.
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Impress At Your Police Officer Interview
Many hopeful applicants will be offered an interview during the hiring process. This is an opportunity to get to know you on a personal level, and sometimes that can be enough to land you that coveted job. Here are some questions you might encounter during that interview:
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Prepare For Your Career In Law Enforcement
For those considering a career in law enforcement in California, there has never been a better time. With great salaries and police shortages across the state, now is the time to put the wheels in motion.
Employment in the security industry is a great steppingstone and starting point to prove to Californian police departments that you have what it takes to meet their requirements and join the force. At PalAmerican, we offer industry-leading training for Security Officers to equip you with the necessary skills for a successful application. Through specialized courses, continuous mentorship and coaching, we ensure that our employees are ready to perform with the tools and confidence they need to be successful. Contact our Sacramento location to gain valuable training and experience in the security industry in California.
Check out our careers page for countless high-profile, dynamic and challenging work locations where you can hone your skills, gain experience, enhance your resume and prepare yourself for a career in policing.
For how to become a Police Officer in Texas or Florida, click on the links.
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Police Community Support Officer
Although they do not have the same powers as a police officer, PCSOs play a key role on the frontline of neighbourhood policing. According to the College of Policing, the job involves:
- dealing with minor offences
- providing support to police officers
- conducting house-to-house enquiries
- guarding crime scenes
- providing crime prevention advice.
Starting salaries are generally around £19,000, although North Yorkshire Police states that their trainees currently earn £21,135, which rises to £23,406 with experience.
This is a uniformed role, and you’ll work shifts including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Apply for PCSO positions directly through the police force that you want to join. You do not generally need any formal qualifications, but you’ll need to meet the basic eligibility requirements set by individual police forces. Check their websites for details.
The application process typically involves an application form, online tests, an interview and assessment centre. You’ll also have to demonstrate your fitness and pass a medical test. Successful applicants will then undergo a training programme lasting between three weeks and three months.
You may later decide to apply to become a police officer, or continue as PCSO.
Where Can I Find Additional Resources
If you are interested in becoming a police detective or working in the field of law enforcement, it’s a smart practice to make professional connections and to seek out resources that will help you advance in your career. Professional organizations and online resources can help you with the information and support you need.
Here are a few professional organizations to consider:
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Emergency Vehicle Operations Course
This segment of training begins with classroom lectures on topics including operational guidance, legal principles, officer liability, vehicle dynamics, risk management and the process of decision-making needed for collision avoidance. Next, the students use what they’ve learned in the classroom in practical driving situations that demonstrate the risks involved in emergency response and pursuit driving.
Through the development, understanding and applied knowledge of the vehicle, reading the roadway, driving skills and behaviors promoted during emergency vehicle operations, basic officers are able to successfully control the stress commonly associated with operating an emergency vehicle. They also learn vehicle handling and weight transfer techniques for high speed emergency response and pursuit driving.
All officers receive training in the proper use of tire deflation devices. Students are also trained in driving simulators, which places them in “virtual” situations that law enforcement officers might be faced with. The student must pass each segment of the driving instruction and a comprehensive written examination.
Can You Be A Cop And Go To College
Associate Degree in Law Enforcement For police officer positions that require a college education, this is one of the most popular degree paths, and for good reason. Since the degree takes two years or less of full-time study, its faster and cheaper than the bachelors degree.
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Police Training By State
As it was mentioned above, each state has the power to formulate its own police training. This was done due to the varying cultures and environments each state has. Hence, the training in Washington may not prepare police officers in Texas, and vice versa.
Every single day, police officers risk their lives to protect the citizens of the United States. Whether they get enough credit for it does not matter to them. What is important to them is the fulfillment they get knowing that they are keeping the fellow men safe.
The great power and responsibility vested upon police officers mean that a simple mistake on their part can end in a disaster. Luckily, the rigorous training they undergo creates respectable and reliable keepers of peace.
No doubt that each step of the way prepares a police officer into fulfilling their promise to Serve and Protect.
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