Attend A Police Academy
Once you pass the required screening and testing, you can attend a state-approved police training academy. The length of time that training lasts may vary, though most training courses are 14 to 18 weeks. During this time, you can receive classroom and practical training on a variety of legal topics and law enforcement practices. You may also learn about de-escalation processes, policing techniques and safety protocols.
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Pennsylvania Trooper Or Highway Patrol Requirements
The Pennsylvania State Police are responsible for traffic control and enforcement on state highways as well as crime scene response and investigation on state property or in cooperation with local law enforcement. Anyone looking to become a Pennsylvania state trooper must meet MPOETC standards and:
- Be between 21 and 40 years of age
- Be a registered resident of Pennsylvania
- Have a valid drivers license
- Have at least 60 college credit hours OR four years of full-time law enforcement experience OR two years of law enforcement experience with powers of arrest plus 30 college credit hours
- Satisfy the PSPs personal appearance policies regarding hygiene, body art, and hairstyle
Once admitted to the recruitment program, all candidates must complete a training period of approximately 27 weeks, during which trainees will train in an intense paramilitary-style environment. The starting salary for Pennsylvania state troopers is $61,820 per year.2
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Corrections Officer Job Description
Under the umbrella of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections are 26 correctional facilities, 14 community corrections centers, 40 contract facilities, a motivational boot camp, and a training academy.
The inmate population in Pennsylvania has grown steadily since 1980, thereby highlighting the demand for well-qualified corrections officers:
Correctional Officer Job Requirements
State correctional officer jobs and federal corrections officer jobs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania require a distinctly different set of qualifications and minimum employment requirements:
Federal Correctional Officer Job Requirements
Individuals interested in pursuing entry-level federal corrections jobs in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvanias Western Judicial District, which includes the federal correctional institutions of FCI Loretto and FCI McKean, must:
- Be under the age of 37
- Possess a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university OR
- Possess at least three years of full-time experience in one or more of the following areas: counseling providing guidance responding to emergency situations dealing with domestic disturbances supervising or managing or teaching or instructing.
State Correctional Officer Job Requirements
There are 9 state correctional institutions within Pennsylvanias Western Judicial District, all of which hire correctional officers according to the standards set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
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What Does A East Pittsburgh Police Officer Do
Individuals are quick to belittle police officers. But they would be surprised to know the depth of a police officers duties. Law enforcement officers go through thorough training to reach where they are presently. The obligations of a law enforcement officer mainly depend on the area in which they are based. Their specialization likewise determines it. Nevertheless, lower frequencies of lawbreaking in areas outside urban centres means that there are few opportunities for someone to specialize in one field. Let us look at a few of the responsibilities of a cop.
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Earn A High School Diploma Or Ged
The minimum education requirement to work as a police officer in Pennsylvania is a high school diploma or GED. While earning your diploma or certificate, you can take courses that may teach you about the legal system or law enforcement processes. For example, taking a government course may help you understand local, state and federal laws.
Related:How To Get Hired as a Police Officer in 4 Steps
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:
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Operate government vehicles, including police cars and motorcycles
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Patrol communities to identity crime
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Respond to emergency situations
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Speak with individuals involved in a dispute
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Document information about a violent or emergency situation
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Perform community outreach activities to inform the public of law enforcement’s purpose and potential crime risks
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Testify in court on a case they responded to
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Perform arrests to detain and process individuals
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Enforce traffic laws by performing traffic stops
Related:Learn About Being a Police Officer
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Vice President Of Public Safety
The Vice President of Public Safety is an inaugural position for the Philadelphia Housing Authority , the fourth largest housing authority in the United States.
Reporting to the Senior Executive Vice President, Public Safety, Audit and Compliance, and an advisor to the President & CEO, the VP of Public Safety will lead the transformation of PHAs reimagined public safety initiative from the current policing workforce model, to a new public safety structure focused on crime prevention, diversion, social justice, and creating and sustaining secure, safe PHA neighborhoods through collaboration with myriad stakeholders, especially residents, who share PHAs goals for safe, crime free, respectful, inclusive and engaged communities.
The VP of Public Safety is a civilian, managerial position responsible for exercising department leadership, coordinating the administrative and operational functions of the office, and guiding the public safety office team to achieve results by setting clear work expectations, delegating responsibilities, and providing regular and timely feedback.
Essential Functions of the Position
Education and Experience
Bachelors Degree in criminal justice, public administration, or a related field AND a minimum of seven years of experience managing a law enforcement agency or department OR
Required Skills and Abilities
Becoming A Police Officer In Erie Pennsylvania
When the Erie Police Department was founded in 1856, it consisted of three police officers and a Chief of Police. Today, Erie police jobs include 173 active duty police officers. Becoming a police officer in Erie means that you are joining a modern, technologically savvy police department with room for advancement.
This article offers direction on how to become a cop by meeting Police Officer requirements in Erie, Pennsylvania:
Step 1. Meet the Essential Requirements for Erie Police Officer Candidacy
There are a few requirements you must fulfill prior to applying to become a police officer in Erie:
- Be between the ages of 21 and 65
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be a resident of Erie or live within a 15 mile radius of Erie
- Have a current and valid drivers license
If you qualify and there is an opening for a police officer job in Erie, you may pick up an application packet at the Human Resources Office, Room 300, Erie City Hall, 626 State St., Erie, PA 16501. You must return the completed, notarized application with a check for $50 payable to the City of Erie Civil Service Board one month prior to the next scheduled Civil Service Exam.
Step 2. Pass a Written Examination and Physical Agility Test
Step 4. Pass a Background Investigation
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What Does A Police Officer Do
Police officers are sworn to protect and serve the general public. They are tasked with preventing crime, arresting and detaining criminals, mediating disputes and protecting people and property. Responsibilities may depend on the level of experience, rank and geographical location. Some common duties include:
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Patrolling neighborhoods, either by foot, in a vehicle or on a bicycle
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Responding to emergencies and dispatch calls
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Interviewing witnesses after crimes, emergencies and incidents
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Documenting testimony and making notes of their observations
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Writing and filing official reports
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Testifying in court
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Performing community education and outreach, typically on public and personal safety
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Enforcing traffic laws, often pulling over drivers to ensure they are compliant
How To Become A Police Officer In Pennsylvania In 5 Steps
The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed’s data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.
There are a variety of jobs available in Pennsylvania that relate to local, state and federal law enforcement. These professionals can serve their community by ensuring the public’s safety and de-escalating dangerous situations. If you want to work as a police officer in Pennsylvania, learning the steps you can take to pursue this career may be useful for you.
In this article, we explain what a police officer is, share the steps you can take to become one in Pennsylvania and provide salary and job outlook information for this role.
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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.
Becoming A Police Officer In Reading Pennsylvania

Police officer jobs may be available within the many divisions of the City of Reading Police Department, including Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Bomb Squad, VICE and K-9 Unit. Becoming a police officer in Reading means that you will be in charge of serving and protecting the citys 80,000 residents. It is a challenging yet rewarding career choice.
The following guide presents instructions on how to become a cop in Reading by meeting police officer requirements:
Step 1. Meet the Basic Prerequisites for Reading Police Officer Candidacy
In order to become a police officer in Reading, you must first:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Live within a 25 mile radius of Readings City Hall
- Preference is given to applicants who are fluent in Spanish
If you meet these basic prerequisites, you may go on to the next step.
Step 2. Pass a Written Examination and Complete a Civil Service Application
Step 3. Pass a Physical Fitness Test, Oral Exam and Criminal History Check
- One minute sit-ups
Step 4. Pass a Medical Exam, Psychological Exam and Drug Screening Test and Background Check
If you pass these tests, you will receive a final job offer to become a Reading Police Officer.
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Do You Have To Go To College To Become A Cop
Becoming a police officer doesnt rely heavily on formal education in fact, a high school diploma is often the minimum formal education required. An associates, bachelors or graduate degree is rarely mandatory. This training is often provided by police academies on the local, regional or state level.
Pennsylvania Sheriffs Deputy Requirements
There are 67 counties in Pennsylvania and each county has an elected sheriff. For anyone looking to become a Pennsylvania sheriff deputy, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and the Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff Education and Training Board oversees the training and certification process. Requirements above state minimums may differ from county to county, but in order to be certified, all new recruits must complete a basic training program of at least 760 hours. The training is quite comprehensive and covers all facets of law enforcement in Pennsylvania including civil law and procedure, criminal justice, firearm use, patrol procedures, ethics, and professional standards.
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Is Becoming A Police Officer In Your Future
While the steps to becoming a police officer may seem lengthy, completing them is absolutely necessary if you want to achieve the fulfilling career youve set your sights on. And a good law enforcement program will help you navigate the process.
Now that youre familiar with the process of how to become a police officer, you may be curious if you have what it takes to excel on the job. Learn more in our article, Often Overlooked Qualities of a Great Police Officer.
If youre already set on becoming a police officer, visit our Law Enforcement degree page to learn how we can help you take the next step toward becoming a police officer in Minnesota.
The Law Enforcement programs at Rasmussen University are not aligned to the standards of any professional licensing body other than the MN POST and are not intended to satisfy professional licensure requirements of any professional licensing agency in any other state.Editors note: This article was originally published in June 2016. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2020. Insight from Shetler and Plantinga remain from the original.
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Investigate East Pittsburgh Crime
A lot of cops must examine the criminal offenses they encounter. For example, if they come across a murder, they are supposed to find out who did it and how it happened. Or if they come across any drugs they are supposed to investigate its source. They are obligated to collect whatever evidence that they think is relevant and submit it to their superiors or to the forensics department for additional inquiry. On some occasions, to obtain evidence, they are allowed to lie or mislead a suspect to get them to confess their guilt. A confession is the best proof any officer can have.
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Requirements To Become A Police Officer In Pennsylvania
Like most states, aspiring police officers in Pennsylvania need to meet a number of requirements before they can be eligible for duty. The Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission is responsible for supervising the entire process. However, many local departments have their own set of requirements as well, in addition to the state-level requirements. For instance, the MPOETC has the minimum education requirement set at a high school diploma or a GED, whereas many local departments require at least an associates degree or a higher qualification. Following are some of the requirements that you will need to clear: