Can You Become A Michigan State Police Officer Without A Degree
by Rachelle | Dec 7, 2022 | Law Enforcement
Can you become a Michigan state police officer without a degree? The Michigan State Police is a highly respected law enforcement agency that has been protecting and serving the citizens of Michigan for over 100 years. The MSP is a professional organization that is looking for the best and brightest to join their ranks. While a college degree is not required to become a Michigan state police officer, it is strongly recommended. A degree will give you the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this demanding and ever-changing field. The MSP is looking for applicants who are dedicated to public service and have the ability to think critically and act decisively in challenging situations. If you are interested in becoming a Michigan state police officer, the first step is to contact your local MSP recruiting office. The MSP has a rigorous application and selection process, but if you are up for the challenge, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career.
A high school diploma or GED is required for employment.
How To Become A Marine Corps Police Officer
The Marine Corps like most branches is best known for its foot soldiers.
Nonetheless, there are several other worthwhile professions to consider if you plan to enlist in the Marines.
For example, a Marine Corps Police Officer plays an important role in the branch even if its not as glamorous as combat.
There are many reasons why you should consider the military profession, including the opportunities it creates after your service agreement concludes in the USMC.
Learn more about what it takes to become a Marine Corps Police Officer, including entry requirements and training expectations.
Also Check: Can I See A Police Report Online
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.
Dont Miss: Can You Obtain A Copy Of A Police Report
You May Like: Can Police Check Insurance Status
Apply To Become A Police Officer
The application process for cops consists of more than just completing an application. Getting hired as a police officer usually means you have been vigorously vetted in a multi-step process. While this process varies with each police department, you can typically expect some combination of the following:
The Application
When an agency posts an announcement, it may want a preliminary online application, to be followed later by the most extensive paper application that most people will ever see in their lives, or it may ask for the latter right away. Either way, the application may precede the written examination, or in some cases, applicants submit their applications when they report for the entrance exam.
The Entrance Examination
The Physical Abilities Test
Sometimes called a physical agility test or physical fitness test, this may occur on the same day as the written test, or the department may schedule it separately. PATs vary greatly from agency to agency, but they are designed to measure a recruits general health and fitness. Recruits may be required to run a moderate distance, perhaps a quarter mile, for speed, or a department may prefer to measure recruits endurance with a run from one to two miles that they must complete within a maximum allotment of time.
The Oral Board
The Psychological and Physical Examinations
The Executive Interview
Recommended Reading: How To Become A Military Police Officer
Detroit Police Department Careers
WHY DPD?
The Detroit Police Department welcomes individuals who are looking to enter an exciting career in law enforcement. We are the largest sworn law enforcement agency in Michigan, having more than 2,500 law enforcement officers, who cover nearly 140 square miles with a population in excess of 670,000 residents. When you join DPD, you join a family and can count on having the opportunity to work at one of the hundreds of units, while having the opportunity to quickly advance to the ranks of Corporal, Detective and more. Come join the team!
MEET THE FIELD RECRUITING TEAM
Are you interested in speaking with a recruiter and getting more information to apply?
What questions do you have? You can text, call or e-mail us.
OVER 100 UNITS TO CHOOSE FROM
DPD has over 100 units, assignments and teams to join. We offer many opportunities for movement due to being a larger department. Are you interested in working with K-9 or Special Operations? Maybe you enjoy working in a community policing role or as a Crime Analyst? Click below to see some of the different units we have within our agency.
The Detroit Police Department would like to thank all military veterans for proudly serving in the United States Armed Forces. We want to offer you the opportunity to continue the professionalism, pride and dedication of service you started in the military by serving the citizens of Detroit as a Detroit Police Officer.
Also Check: How To Become A Police Officer In Michigan
Are You Ready To Find A School That’s Aligned With Your Interests
The Detroit Police Department is tasked with protecting and serving the approximately 677,000 citizens in the city of Detroit.1 Detroit’s patrol districts are divided into 12 precincts, within each of which are long-term Neighborhood Patrol Officers who are assigned to specific neighborhoods located within that precinct. Other community-focused policing programs within the department include the Citizens Police Academy, Clergy Advisory Board, and an expanding Cease Fire program.
Qualifying To Become A Criminal Investigator At The County Level In Michigan
County-level criminal investigators in Michigan may be found within sheriffs departments. Not all sheriffs departments in Michigan have investigative units or detective bureaus, as some concentrate more on corrections and jails. The following county sheriffs departments in Michigan do, however, employ criminal investigators:
- Macomb County Sheriffs Office Detective Bureau Located in Mt. Clemens, detectives working within this bureau conduct all manners of detective duties, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. They investigate crimes occurring within Macomb County, including computer crimes, in the townships of Harrison, Armada, Richmond, Lenox, Ray, Bruce, Washington and Macomb.
A Detective Lieutenant is in charge of the bureau, with an Administrative Sergeant as second-in-command over the bureaus Detectives.
One cannot become a detective in Macomb County without first becoming a Police Officer within the Sheriffs Office.
Requirements for this job include:
- 18 years of age or older
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Have a valid Michigan drivers license and good driving record
- Pass the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards police tests in writing, reading, and physical agility
- Pass the Michigan Sheriffs Coordinating and Training Councils exam for corrections officers
Training for new police officers in Macomb County will be at least 160 hours in duration, per Michigan state law.
Recommended Reading: How Long Is Police Academy In Iowa
Also Check: How To Obtain A Police Background Check
Physical Fitness / Agility Testing
Law enforcement has physical demands, and the Michigan City Police Commission is empowered to ensure their recruits are fit to serve.
Applicants can expect to take the Indiana Law Enforcement entrance standard physical agility test during this hiring process. Our agency then adds a job simulation test.
A fitness test measures a candidates overall level of fitness through structured activities that assess strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health. Job simulation tests are designed to be job samples, measuring your ability to perform certain job-specific tasks such as running stairs, dragging a weight, carrying equipment, loading a magazine, or climbing a wall.
Police Officer Salary Michigan:
The police officer salary in Michigan varies depending on several factors, including experience, education, location, and police department size. In general, police officers in Michigan earn a good salary and enjoy a challenging and rewarding career.
The average police officer Michigan police salary is $62,960. The median police officer salary in Michigan is $61,700. The top ten percent of police officers in Michigan earn an average of $81,490. The bottom ten percent of police officers in Michigan earn an average of $43,900.
If you are interested in becoming a police officer in Michigan, contact your local police department for more information.
Read Also: How To Get A Police Record Check
Michigans Largest Firearms Range
Its true that were the countys only regional Police Academy, training cadets from across southeastern Michigan. And its also true that we offer reduced rates for firearms practice to current officers. But beyond demand, there is another reason we built the largest indoor firearms range in Michigan.
We care about your safety and the safety of those you will be sworn to protect. Your Police Academy training will provide ample time and opportunity to practice your marksmanship.
Jessica R / Atlantic City Nj
Verified Review
The state police written exam is what I really sucked at. This course helped, a lot! Far more than outdated textbooks I was using. I can really recommend their practice exams, too best experience yet to know if you are prepared! I would not have passed without this course a must-have study tool!
Read Also: How Do I File A Police Report For Identity Theft
Becoming A Police Officer In Grand Rapids Michigan
The Grand Rapids Police Department has been fighting crime in Michigan since 1871, and has grown to a current staffing level of nearly 400. Grand Rapids police jobs are competitive and only offered to the top-qualifying candidates.
Learning how to become a police officer in Grand Rapids by meeting the established requirements will make you a more confident and better prepared candidate.
Step 1. Meet the Basic Qualifications and Apply
Before you fill out any applications, your first step should be to ensure you are capable of meeting police officer requirements in Grand Rapids. You will actually have to meet two sets of standards because becoming a police officer in Grand Rapids requires state certification. However this is not as hard as it sounds because both the city and state requirements are very similar:
- High school diploma or GED
- No felony, domestic violence, or sexual crimes convictions
- Valid drivers license
- At least 18 years old
Step 2. MCOLES Tests
Your physical fitness test does not have to be taken concurrently with your multiple choice test. The only stipulation is that you must complete the physical fitness test within 180 days of your field training program, which will be discussed later. This test is graded as pass/fail, and includes:
Step 3. Interview and Orientation
Step 4. Background Investigation
- Ex-spouses or partners
Step 6. In-House Orientation and Field Training
Take The Reading And Writing Examination
If a police department selects you during the hiring process, the next step is to take the required examinations. MCOLES mandates a reading and writing examination, which covers the basic skills you may use on the job. It consists of 120 multiple-choice questions on topics like detail, clarity, spelling and word choice. A passing score on the reading and writing examination is valid for life.
Related:11 Writing Strategies for Effective Communication
Don’t Miss: How Much Is A Police Report
Police Officer Salary In Michigan Average Cop Salary In Mi
According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics , a police officer in the state of Michigan makes between $49,250 $54,140 per year. However the data collected by BLS arent very accurate since it does not record overtime pay or off duty work. These two factors, if included in the data, would increase the average salary of a police officer in MI.
Abortion Rights Constitutional Amendment Should Take Effect Next Month
, Senior News Editor
Michigan voters collectively passed Proposal 3 in this weeks general election, effectively codifying abortion rights for people in the state under the Michigan Constitution.
Proposal 3, also known as the Reproductive Freedom for All initiative, is a proposed constitutional amendment that would protect the legal right to abortion and contraceptives in Michigan. The proposal passed with majority support 56% for compared to 44% against early Wednesday morning. See the latest tally below.
Don’t Miss: Where To Buy Police Cars
Police Departments In Michigan
In addition to the Michigan State Police and the county sheriffs offices, candidates for law enforcement who meet the MCOLES requirements may consider working for one of the states many local police departments. Two of the largest forces in the state are the Detroit Police Department and the Grand Rapids Police Department. In addition to the minimum requirements for being any kind of law enforcement officer in the state, those wishing to apply to a particular citys force must also meet the standards of that department.
Police Training Academies In Michigan
One of the basic requirements set by MCOLES for all law enforcement officers in the state is to complete an approved police training academy program. These programs are designed to be intensive and provide new recruits with training in the essential areas of police work. This includes firearms training, traffic codes, criminal law, ethics, and physical fitness. Some academies are based on college campuses and are combined with two-year associate degrees in criminal justice. The list of MCOLES-approved police academies comprises 21 institutions, including:
- Lake Superior State University Sault Ste. Marie, MI
- Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, MI
- Oakland Police Academy Auburn Hills, MI
- Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MI
- Detroit Metropolitan Police Academy Detroit, MI
- Kalamazoo Law Enforcement Training Center Kalamazoo, MI
For a complete list of the approved academies see the MCOLES website.
Recommended Reading: Where Can I Get A Copy Of Police Report
Requirements To Become A Cop In Mi
The minimum standards begin with U.S. citizenship and an age minimum of 18 years old. Minimum education is a high school diploma or a GED equivalent. No candidate can have a felony conviction or an expunged conviction on his/her record, and good moral character must be verified through a comprehensive background investigation of school and employment records. Home environment and personal traits will be examined as part of the background investigation. A valid drivers license is required and it may not be in a state of suspension. All candidates will undergo fingerprinting for as part of the background check and will be tested for use of controlled substances.
Detroit Police Department Officer Requirements
CriminalJusticeDegreeSchools.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Recommended Reading: How To Listen To Police Scanner On Phone
Sarah T / Nashville Tn
Wow! I was looking for a one-stop shop for all my police test needs and this is EXACTLY what I needed. Ive tried other courses, but they have never lived up to expectations. This test prep guide, in contrast, contains everything to help guide your way through all aspects of the state trooper test.
Also Check: Do Reserve Police Officers Get Paid
Law Enforcement Salary And Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police officers in the US earn an average salary of over $63,000 per year.5 The outlook for police and sheriffs patrol officers is also positive, with an overall 7% increase in job openings expected through the year 2026, which is about the same as the average for all occupations.6 This equates to about 4,700 new police jobs added to the workforce every year including replacement positions, however, an average of 49,500 annual openings are expected each year.6 So while the projected growth of new positions is around average at 7%, the real opportunity is in replacement hiring, where nearly 50,000 jobs are expected to be available every year during that same 10-year period.6 Sue Rahr, retired King County Sheriff, agrees: There was massive police hiring done in the late 70s and early 80s. Were all getting ready to retire. I think this is the best time to become a copright now.
While there is a wide range of income potential for cops, which is strongly correlated to the size of the department, location, and other factors, becoming an officer remains an excellent middle-class career option for those seeking job growth and security. For more information on law enforcement pay and benefits, see our Police Officer Salaries page.
Donât Miss: What Do I Need To Get Into The Police Academy
Read Also: How To Become A Police Officer In Mississippi