How To Become A Police Officer: 4 Steps To The Best Job Outlook
Its hard to image our society without police officers.
Under-appreciated even in the most appreciative communities, police officers are the stewards of justice, peace, and safety all over the country. They may not be perfect, and their public images may not be flawless, but police officers and other law enforcement officials are vital to this county.
You can be one of the proud police officers who protect the peace and safety of our communities, but it takes the right attitude, fortitude, and education to make it a reality.
To make the right decision for your future, you probably have a lot of questions. This article walks you through each of the 4 steps needed to become a police officer, so you can make the right choice and hit the ground running in your new career.
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How To Become A Police Officer In Massachusetts
All you need to know about becoming a police officer in a Civil Service department
First, you need to apply for the exam. Next, you will want to be prepared for the written exam. Once you take and pass the exam, your name will be placed on a list to be considered. Registration for the Municipal Police Officer and MBTA Transit Police Officer exam has been closed.
What The Police Academy Could Be Like
At a police training academy, you can acquire the knowledge, skills, and physical ability to become a police officer.
A typical day begins with physical training to develop the strength and stamina that a police officer needs. This training can include running, lifting weights, climbing, and agility exercises.
Then, youll move on to the classroom, where you will learn about laws and the criminal justice system. Your classes may be taught by active duty or retired police officers, college professors, or experts within their field, Webb explains. For a course about law, your teacher may be a lawyer, for example.
Classroom studies also focus on communication skills and report writing.
Training in police techniques covers skills such as defense tactics, firearms handling, and pursuit driving. You will also learn the proper way to use tools such as a breathalyzer.
Once you pass all tests and meet all standards, youll graduate from the academy, but in most cases, you will still not be prepared for a job as a police officer. Its common for law enforcement agencies to require candidates to spend a certain number of weeks riding along with a police training officer on the job.
The length and timing of police academy training varies from location to the next. Some agencies have their own academies, Webb explains. Some form co-ops or regional academies.
It all depends on where you want to go and where you want to work, Webb states.
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Us Border Patrol Agents
Uniformed border patrol agents work to keep the United States borders safe by curbing illegal immigration, preventing illegal border crossings, and striving to keep dangerous drugs and weapons from entering the country.
Border patrol agents do not need a college degree but instead attend one of the most rigorous training academies in the United States. Like other police officer careers, an extensive background investigation is required, including a polygraph exam.
Border patrol agents must also be able to speak functional Spanish before they are released for patrol. Agents start around $55,000 and can earn up to $101,000.
Can I Become A Police Officer After Passing 10th
If you have just cleared your 10th grade and are determined to become a Police Officer then you are on the right track. Unfortunately, becoming a police officer after completing only 10th grade is not possible. You need to complete at least 12th grade to be eligible for various posts in the police force. So, after passing your Class 10, take up any of the Science, Commerce and Arts streams and prepare for your goal. Participating in sports or NCC/ Scout and Guide would also be helpful for your career.
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How Long Does It Take To Become A Police Officer
When choosing to embark on any career, its certainly helpful to know how long the educational process will take. For those wanting to work as a police officer, there is no clear-cut answer to the question of how long training and education will take. It really depends on your long-term career goals, as well as which path you choose to get there. Here are some of the most common timelines you might encounter when looking at becoming a police officer.
Nowthat you have a rough idea of how long each educational pathwayusually takes before being able to serve as a law enforcementofficer, lets talk about what to expect from each specific path.
Step 2
How Hard Is Police Academy
The police academy is, above all, an educational institution. In classroom settings, youll learn the basics of law enforcement, crime prevention, patrol, conflict management, and investigations. You will also complete field training that will cover firearms proficiency, self defense, agility and strength training, and more.
Similar to basic training for a military recruit, this all-encompassing education requires physical and mental endurance. Youll be up early for exercise, attend strict classroom settings, drill in firearms, learn how to use non-lethal measures, and likely spend hours in the hot sun running, jumping, wrestling, and becoming a more physically-fit police recruit. Its not easy, but at the end you will be prepared to face the physical, mental, and emotional rigors of police work.
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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.
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Post Application Physical Examination And Fingerprints
Once a background investigation is complete, register on the Georgia POST website as a new user so you can begin your online application. It is essential that you complete this application correctly or your admittance to the Basic Training Course will be delayed. There are several attachments to the application as well as a requirement for a physical examination and a requirement that you are fingerprinted. You should go to Georgia Applicants Processing Service to be fingerprinted. Physical examinations generally cost about $30 and the fee to be fingerprinted is roughly $53. If you have any questions, contact your chosen academy for assistance.
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Extra Opportunities With A College Degree
While a college degree is not required to become a police officer, it can give you an edge in the hiring process and help you advance your career.
With a degree, you will have the opportunity to take on more responsibility and leadership roles. You will also be able to command a higher salary. So, if you are looking to move up in your career, a college degree may be the way to go.
For example, lets say you got a degree in criminal justice. You would then be qualified for positions such as detective, crime scene investigator, and more. These positions would most likely be impossible to obtain for someone without a degree unless they demonstrated exceptional skills in the field.
The same goes for a degree like Forensics or Psychology. Both of those would put you ahead of your peers with just a high-school diploma.
So, if you are considering a career in law enforcement, remember that a college degree can give you an advantage. But it is not required to enter the field or have a successful career.
The Daily Life Of A Cop
Before enrolling into a police academy, its important to understand what youll be doing most days. If you thought youd live a real-life action move, think again.
The reality is that most of your days will be pretty routine. Youll be responding to calls, writing reports, and conducting investigations.
But there will also be the occasional high-stress situation. You may have to chase a suspect or deal with a violent individual.
So, if you are looking for continued excitement, a career in law enforcement may not be for you. But if you are looking for a stable career with the opportunity to help people, then a career in law enforcement may be perfect for you.
What matters is that you keep your empathy and humanity with you at all times.
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How Long Does It Take To Become A Police Officer In Ontario
There is no set time period for the hiring process. It varies between police agencies and also depends on the successful completion of all the stages in the application process. You can expect to set aside 6 months for the application process.
If you are not successful in any part of the process, some police agencies may require a one-year waiting period before another application can be submitted.
To find out how long it takes at the police agency of your choice, contact the police agency directly.
You can also read more about the general guidelines for becoming a police officer in Canada here.
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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How To Become A Police Officer After Graduation
After completing graduation in any subject candidates are now eligible to become a Police Officer across various higher designations. Students who clear UPSC or IPS Entrance Exams are eligible to join the Police force across several higher designations such as Superintendent of Police, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police etc.
The table below will discuss some of the top posts that can be joined post clearing the entrance exams that are conducted by the states or center based.
| Designations |
|---|
| 11,830 |
What Do Related Occupations Make
If you’re interested in how to become a police officer, you might also be interested in related professions. Working as a correctional officer, EMT or paramedic, firefighter, probation officer, security guard, gaming surveillance officer, game warden or firefighter might be on your radar. If that’s the case, you can peruse the list of related occupations below, which includes average salaries:
What you earn depends on where you live, including the region, state or city. To help determine what you can expect to make in your particular area, our handy salary comparison tool can help.
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Get Accepted & Paying Your Way
Admission requirements can vary widely depending on the type of program and institution offering it. Another consideration is how to pay for this education and training. During your application process, keep the following pointers in the back of your mind to help you get into the best program to meet your needs and goals as a future police officer.
Entrance requirements
Entry into various degree programs in law enforcement will all require some general points, such as completing an application, paying an application fee and presenting proof of high school graduation.
The associate degree program might require:
- A personal statement
- Transcripts from any other college courses taken
The bachelors degree might require additional information:
- Transcripts from associate degree work
- Completion of certain prerequisites
- A resume of related experience
Application process & fees
Paying for Your Program
How much a training or educational program costs depends greatly upon the degree level you want to obtain. For instance, obtaining an associate degree will cost much less than a bachelors degree will. To learn more about financial aid options and how those will affect your financial bottom line, visit our online financial aid handbook:
Step 4
Eligibility To Become Police Officer
‘How to Become a Police Officer?‘ is a question that is in every aspirants’ mind. But first, an aspirant must decide which designation she/ he is targeting. The eligibility and recruitment process of various designations under the police department. is different. If you are targeting SP/ ASP/ DSP, you must clear the IPS examination. Meanwhile, For other posts, state governments hold separate recruitment exams. The recruitment exam will comprise both a written and physical test. The candidates must meet the proper height and weight description, depending on the post. The details regarding physique will be specified in the recruitment notifications. Staff Selection Commission is another authority that conducts the recruitment exam for Sub-Inspector of Police in several states.
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Tip 2 Dont Listen To Barracks Lawyers
When I was first thinking about applying, I heard nuggets of wisdom such as If youve ever smoked weed or driven drunk, dont admit it no matter what because youll never be a cop. Well, heres the reality: every agency has its own standards, but Im not aware of any agency that would reject a 40-year-old retired colonel because he smoked a joint once in high school.
We dont expect perfection. If we rejected anyone who ever smoked marijuana, cities like LA would have about three cops to patrol the whole city. No, you wont be hired if you show up to your first interview high because you just burned one in the parking lot to calm your nerves. You probably wont get hired if you hang out in head shops with potheads every weekend. But if youre a normal guy or girl who experimented with marijuana long ago, or even did more than experimentation, you should be fine as long as you disclose it.
Same deal with driving drunk. Again, dont drive drunk to your interview. But if you screwed up in the past and drove when you know you shouldnt have, disclose it. Explain it, own it, get it in the open and move on. Most police departments arent going to kick you out and tell you to never come back if you honestly disclose past mistakes.
Pass The Licensing Exam
The next step to becoming a police officer is to earn a passing score on your states police licensing board exam. Your education and training will prepare you to take the Peace Officer Standards and Training exam.
Each state has its own licensing board, so the tests will also vary. But generally speaking, most POST exams cover topics like: practical application and techniques, civil and criminal law, community policing, victims rights and management and communication. By passing this capstone exam, you are licensed to become a police officer and enforce the law in your jurisdiction. You are now free to seek employment with a police department.
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Municipal Law Enforcement Officer Certification
The MLEOA Municipal Law Enforcement Officer Certified designation is recognized by municipalities across Ontario and has become a standard requirement for many employers.
The MLEOA is the only organization and governing body authorized to issue certification to Municipal Law Enforcement Officers in Ontario. This authorization was granted through Bill Pr83, Municipal Law Enforcement Officers’ Association Inc. Act 1997 which, received Royal Assent on July 21, 1997.
Certification is available to those members who have achieved a recognized standard of professional development and have contributed to the field of municipal law enforcement. The MLEOA Municipal Law Enforcement Officer Certified designation is recognized by municipalities across Ontario and has become a standard requirement for employment in municipal law enforcement careers.
The goal of the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer Certification program is to recognize MLEOA member achievements in the following categories: