Entry Level Police Officer
The Plymouth Township Civil Service Commission will conduct an examination to create an eligibility list for the position of Police Officer-Entry Level of the Plymouth Township Police Department.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age before January 15, 2022. Every applicant for any position in the Police Department shall:a. possess a diploma from an accredited high school or a graduate equivalency diploma andb. be a United States Citizen andc. be physically and mentally fit to perform the full duties of a police officer andd. possess a valid motor vehicle operators license ande. No experience necessary. Act 120 NOT NEEDED, if offered employment we will put you through the academy
All applicants must complete a written application for employment. Applications can be obtained from Plymouth Township Police Department, 700 Belvoir Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 or downloaded from www.plymouthtownship.org. Completed applications must be hand-delivered to the Plymouth Township Police Department no later than 4:00 P.M. on January 3, 2022, or postmarked on or before January 3, 2022. No exceptions will be made. Applications shall not be submitted by facsimile or electronic mail.
Posted:11/23/21 Deadline: 01/03/2022
Requirements To Become A Police Officer In Philadelphia
Becoming a police officer in Philadelphia requires candidates to meet certain eligibility standards set by the City. Most of these requirements are quite similar to those in other states, with slight variations.
- Residency: Even though applicants are not initially required to be residents of the city, they are required to establish residency in a maximum of 6 months after they are promoted to the Police Officer 1 level. For members appointed to Police Officer Recruit position, the time limit is one year.
- Education: A high school diploma or a GED
- Age: Candidates must be at least 22 years of age
- Citizenship: Candidates must be US citizens
- Candidates must possess a valid drivers license
Pennsylvania Police Jobs Outlook
The average salary for police and sheriffs patrol officers in Pennsylvania is $66,460 per year.1 Careers in law enforcement in Pennsylvania are on a positive trajectory. Employment of police and sheriffs patrol officers in Pennsylvania is expected to increase 4.1% through 2026, with 1,910 average annual openings including replacements.6 Many of the job openings in the coming years will be due to replacement openings, mainly due to a large number of baby boomer-era veteran officers who are expected to retire over the next 10 years.
For more information current law enforcement openings, take a look at our police jobs page.
Don’t Miss: Can I File A Police Report For Domestic Violence
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
Police Education And Training
Police education prepares candidates to work as dedicated law enforcement officers in their respective state. Just like all the other states, Pennsylvania, PA also has specific education requirements to become a police officer. According to Pennsylvania State Polices cadet eligibility requirement, applicants must have an associates degree from an accredited university or 60 semester credit hours. Degree can be obtained in any related area like criminal justice, legal studies, criminology, forensic science, and law enforcement administration. Many people also consider getting a bachelors degree in law enforcement related field for better job opportunities and career advancement
You May Like: How To Make Police Report For Identity Theft
Starting A Career In Pennsylvania As A Police Officer
Police officers must be decisive, discerning, respectful, and flexible. In order to find people who would do well in this career, Pennsylvania has specific requirements. If you are ready for employment as a police officer in Pennsylvania, you should first discover the requirements for the city in which you hope to apply. It is best to directly contact the department to which you are applying to find out this information. If you find that you fulfill the essential requirements, you can then apply. You will then need to pass various tests, some oral and some written. Following these are other tests including polygraph, physical, medical, psychological, and reading. If you successfully complete the testing and are considered for an open position, you will then complete the process by attending a police academy which offers training.
Salary Information For Pa Police Officers
An average salary for a Pennsylvania patrol officer is 56,400 per year. This salary is slightly higher than the national average police salary. As with most any job, there is room for increase in salary for those who work many years in good standing. Promotions in rank are possible as well as achieving higher education or specific training which can increase an individuals pay. Detectives and other special investigators in Pennsylvania can make around 71,600 a year.
Recommended Reading: How Does One Become A Police Officer
Ensure A Career As A Police Officer Is Right For You
As with any job, its important to take a hard look at what the position requires to determine whether the career path is really right for you. Not only is it important to consider the career in general, its also important to look at the education required, the on-the-job intensity that police officers might experience on a day-to-day basis, and other factors. Its also a good idea to consider advancement if you have an eye toward higher-level administrative or federal work, is becoming a police officer the best stepping stone? Here are some questions to ask before diving into training to become a police officer.
- Do I have the physical strength to restrain dangerous individuals or save innocent civilians?
- Can I effectively read peoples emotions and feelings, in particular when it comes to assessing an individuals credibility and danger to others?
- Can I make difficult decisions that often have no ideal outcomes?
- Am I comfortable taking on a leadership role, whether it be as a community resource or point of assurance during a crisis?
- Am I good at communicating with others, especially in high stress situations?
If you answered yes to these questions, you may be an excellent fit for a police officer career.
Police Academy Requirements In Pa
If youre not in excellent shape before you attend the PA police training academy, you wont make it to graduation. Thats why you shouldnt think about enrolling if you are overweight or in poor physical fitness shape. I would wait until you drop the weight and improve your overall fitness level before enrolling. If youre planning on paying your way into the PA basic academy its more critical to be in great shape because you dont want to pay all that money and end up being sent home for failing the fitness test.
Here are the police academy requirments in Pennsylvania:
- Age Requirement Applicants must be at least 20 years of age on or before the date the application is completed. Applicants must be 21 years of age and cannot have reached their 40th birthday prior to or on the date of appointment as a State Police Cadet.
- Residency Requirement Applicants must be a resident of Pennsylvania at the time of appointment. Applicants must also possess a valid Pennsylvania drivers license upon appointment as a State Police Cadet.
- Educational Requirement Applicants must possess a high school diploma or a G.E.D. Certificate plus an Associates Degree or 60 semester credit hours in an accredited institution of higher education at the time of application. Only one waiver per candidate, as follows, is allowed:
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the PA law enforcement training academy, contact the approved training centers near you below:
Recommended Reading: How To Lookup Police Reports Online
A Michigan Police Officer Who Killed Patrick Lyoya With A Shot To The Back Of The Black Mans Head Has Been Charged With Second
- 1 hr ago
FILE – Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker speaks during a press conference at the Grand Rapids Police Department, Wednesday, April 11, 2018 in Grand Rapids, Mich. Prosecutor Chris Becker said he will announce Thursday, June, 9, 2022 whether charges will be filed in the death of Patrick Lyoya, a Black man who was on the ground when he was shot in the back of the head by Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr.
- Cory Morse – member online, The Grand Rapids Press
FILE -Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr stops to talk with a resident, Wednesday, August 12, 2015, in Grand Rapids, Mich. Prosecutor Chris Becker said he will announce Thursday, June, 9, 2022 whether charges will be filed in the death of Patrick Lyoya, a Black man who was on the ground when he was shot in the back of the head by Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr.
- Emily Rose Bennett – member image share, The Grand Rapids Press
FILE – Patrick Lyoya’s mother, Dorcas Lyoya, reacts during the funeral for her son Patrick Lyoya at the Renaissance Church of God in Christ Family Life Center in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Friday, April 22, 2022. Prosecutor Chris Becker said he will announce Thursday, June, 9, 2022 whether charges will be filed in the death of Patrick Lyoya, a Black man who was on the ground when he was shot in the back of the head by Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr.
- Cory Morse – member image share, The Grand Rapids Press
- Carlos Osorio – staff, AP
How To Become A Police Officer In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a great state to start a career for aspiring police and sheriffs deputies. In terms of both officer and civilian recruitment, the state offers a wide range of rewarding career opportunities. There are about 27,460 police and sheriff officers in Pennsylvania and at many major police agencies in the state recruitment is ongoing.1 Below you will find detailed information about state and local requirements for those looking to become Pennsylvania police officers, state troopers, or sheriffs deputies.
Don’t Miss: What To Major In To Become A Police Officer
Starting A Career As A Pa Police Officer
The base level requirements of police officers in Pennsylvania vary slightly between cities. Pittsburghs requirements are that a candidate be twenty-one, hold a legitimate drivers license, have graduated high school and have 30 college credits. Some cities in Pennsylvania may not mandate any college credit as a prerequisite for a police officer job, but it can be beneficial to attain such credits or even a degree to make oneself a more desirable candidate.
How Does Police Academy Training Work
No matter which program you choose, before beginning work at a police department, you will have to enter a police academy for formal training. This training will consist of various elements that prepare you for life as a police officer, including training it the classroom, field training that walks you through the rigors of the day-to-day work, and in-service training that allows you to begin working with the public on a probationary basis. Heres more about police academy training:
Classroom education
The classroom curriculum will focus on a variety of subjects, ranging from the law itself to administrative and department procedures. Cadets will also learn not just what the law is, but how to apply it in the real world. For example, a police officer may know that probable cause is required for a warrant to conduct a search, but what about the exceptions where a warrant isnt needed? Or what should the officer do or say if an individual contests the validity of the warrant? Much of this classroom training will be necessary before field training can take place or to put the hands-on skills into context.
Field training
In-service training
Also Check: What Is The Best Police Scanner For Home Use
Police Departments In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has approximately 27,460 police and sheriff officers working in more than 150 local police departments throughout the state.1 To become a law enforcement officer in the state you must meet MPOETC qualifications plus any additional requirements held by the hiring agency. Once hired, police officers will undergo rigorous training at one of the states numerous police academies.
Becoming A Police Officer In Allentown Pennsylvania
Becoming a police officer in Allentown, Pennsylvania means that you would join more than 1600 sworn police officers. In Allentown, police jobs are filled by dedicated officers who protect people and property throughout the city without limits.
Step 1. Meet the Basic Requirements for Allentown Police Academy Entrance
Before applying to become a police officer in Allentown, you must meet these requirements:
- You are a U.S. citizen
- You will be at least age 21 by the time you attend the Allentown Police Academy
- You have a high school diploma or GED
- You have a valid drivers license
- You have no criminal convictions above Misdemeanor of the 3rd Degree
If you meet these requirements, complete the Allentown Police Academy Civilian Application. Along with the completed application, send:
- A copy of your drivers license
- High school or college transcripts
- Copy of your high school diploma or GED
- Current criminal records check
Send all of the above to Allentown Police Academy, 2110 Park Drive, Allentown, PA 18103.
Step 2. Attend an Information Session, Interview and Civil Service Exam
Step 3. Pass a Physical Exam, Reading Test and Physical Fitness Test
- 300 meter run
- Sit ups
- Bench press
Step 4. Pass a Psychological Exam
Step 5. Attend the Allentown Police Academy
Don’t Miss: Should Police Wear Body Cameras
Complete The Screening And Testing Process
After reviewing applications, police departments select several recruits to complete the screening process. This is a process that allows them to determine if you’re eligible for training. This process begins with a full background check that provides an overview of your criminal record. It also includes your employment history. Then, you can complete an extensive interview with a police chief or recruiter that asks questions regarding your interest in becoming a police officer, your ethics and moral character and your respect for law enforcement.
You may also complete a polygraph test, which is an examination that allows you to provide honest answers about your qualifications and criminal background. The final part of this process involves a drug screening. After you successfully pass the screening process, you can do several physical, medical and psychological exams that demonstrate your readiness to work as a police officer. MCOETC also requires that all police officer recruits complete the Nelson-Denny Reading Test and a personality assessment.
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.
Also Check: How Long Is School To Become A Police Officer
What Is A Police Officer
A police officer is a law enforcement professional who’s responsible for maintaining the safety of communities. They do so by enforcing laws, responding to disturbances and patrolling areas to observe for crimes. They may work for police departments in a city, county, state or federal police department. Here are the duties that police officers complete:
-
Operate government vehicles, including police cars and motorcycles
-
Patrol communities to identity crime
-
Respond to emergency situations
-
Speak with individuals involved in a dispute
-
Document information about a violent or emergency situation
-
Perform community outreach activities to inform the public of law enforcement’s purpose and potential crime risks
-
Testify in court on a case they responded to
-
Perform arrests to detain and process individuals
-
Enforce traffic laws by performing traffic stops
Related:Learn About Being a Police Officer