What Classes Do You Need To Be A Police Officer

What Degree Do You Need To Be A Cop

If youve come to the decision that college is probably a wise decision for realizing your law enforcement career ambitions, the next question to ask is what degree you need. Most police officer job listings dont specify a college major or subject of study, but they may specify a level of education required for candidates to be considered.

High School Requirements For Criminology

Police officers work hard to protect their communities by enforcing laws, identifying criminals and offering education to help people stay safe. To become a police officer, youll need to complete a high school degree and some police departments require additional college or academy training. Get a strong foundation by meeting high school requirements for degree completion, giving special focus to those classes that teach analytical and communication skills crucial for police officers. Potential police officers often ask what subjects are needed to become a police officer. There are a few important details.

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

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Discover Your Program In Minutes

Being a police officer is a meaningful and impactful way to serve a community. Becoming a police officer doesn’t rely heavily on formal education in fact, a high school diploma is often the minimum formal education required. An associate’s, bachelor’s or graduate degree is rarely mandatory. Instead, extensive and specialized training is required. This training is often provided by police academies on the local, regional or state level.

So why get a law enforcement degree? Two reasons: Potential higher pay and better advancement opportunities. This guide focuses on how education can help an aspiring police officer realize their dreams.

What Gcses Do You Need To Study Policing Related A

The GCSE subjects which are compulsory at Secondary School are very important for your progression in to Sixth Form.

The subjects which you may find useful at A-Level include Law, Sociology, P.E. and Modern Foreign Languages and so if you would like to pursue any of these, you may want to consider entry requirements for Sixth Form courses when choosing your GCSEs.

To join most A-Level courses, it is not necessary for you to have any specific subjects at GSCE apart from the core subjects listed above.

For those considering taking our suggested A-Levels at Sixth Form, this applies to Law, Sociology and P.E., as these have strong groundings in core subjects. You may find that Sciences are very useful for studying Sociology , and that English is important for those who want to study Law because of the essay-based nature of the course. Additionally, although GCSE P.E. is useful if you would like to continue with P.E. at A-Level, it is not necessary and it is actually more important that you have strong Science grades because of the amount of Biology in the course.

However, if you want to take a Modern Foreign Language at A-Level, you must take the course at GCSE , so it is important to consider this option at GCSE level.

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Salary And Career Outlook

Police officer salaries vary depending on many factors, including job type, location, and additional compensation and benefits. Some police departments even offer higher pay for officers with college degrees and who speak multiple languages.

According to the BLS, the lowest-paid police officers earned less than $37,710, while the highest-paid officers earned an annual salary exceeding $109,620 as of 2019. Police officers often earn additional pay through overtime and special assignments.

In this field, individuals can increase their salaries through education and job experience. According to the BLS, detectives and federal agents earn the most of all police officers, taking home a median annual salary of $83,170 as of 2019. Aspiring federal police officers and detectives typically must possess a college degree and prior job experience.

As the need for public safety continues, the BLS projects employment for police to grow on pace with other occupations. Demand for police officers varies by location and depending on state and local budgets. Due to low job turnover, police candidates may face competition. Candidates with college degrees, law enforcement or military experience, and knowledge of other languages may stand out among job applicants.

What Are The Job Requirements

While specific requirements can vary from state to state and even agency to agency, most departments look for these minimum qualifications in their applicant pools:

• The applicant is a citizen of the United States.
• The applicant is at least 18 years of age .
• The applicant is a high school graduate or has obtained a GED.
• The applicant has a valid driver’s license.

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Law Enforcement Degrees & Training

What Does A Police Officer Do

In the simplest sense, police officers enforce laws and protect life and property. But of course, there is much more to it than that. Here’s how it breaks down:

Policeofficers are sworn to protect and serve the communities in which they live andwork. They enforce laws, obtain warrants, arrest and interview suspects, securecrime and accident scenes, write detailed reports and testify in court, amongother duties. Officers often respond to emergency calls, working shifts thatoperate around the clock.

The specific duties of a police officer will be numerous and diverse. Based on appointment, length of service and training, they may work with a K-9 unit responding to suspicions of drugs or dangerous weapons in vehicles and other property. Or, they might take a role on the SWAT team where they need to know tactics and procedures for working under dangerous conditions. Much of their daily routine will involve patrolling a certain area, such as a portion of a town or city. As they move up the ranks, they may investigate crimes ranging from petty theft to murder.

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Apply To Become A Police Officer

Working as a police officer is a popular job, so it makes sense that each job opening has more than a few applicants. In fact, in some areas of the country, becoming a police officer can be a highly competitive process, with hundreds of qualified applicants vying for only a handful of positions. Given this, its very important to learn how to stand out from the pack of hopefuls and get the attention of those who call the shots when hiring time rolls around. The following resources can help you with everything from cleaning up your resume to understanding how to interview for the job you really want.

Step 7

Spanish For Better Communication

While not always a high school requirement, some schools do require one year of foreign language prior to graduation. Learning any foreign language helps develop adaptation skills, problem solving and open-mindedness towards different cultures. Choosing to learn a language commonly spoken by community members can help police officers interact with people whose first language is not English more effectively.

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Associate Degree In Law Enforcement

An associate degree in law enforcement prepares graduates for police careers by providing the information necessary to pass police academy entrance exams. The associate degree usually takes two years to complete, is a well-rounded degree with general education courses mixed in, and serves as a stepping stone to the bachelor’s degree. Because each associate degree program will be tailored to the requirements of the local and regional law enforcement departments, curriculums will vary. However, some of the classes incoming students can expect include:

Crime Types

• Utilizing crime reconstructions methods

What Gcses Do You Need To Become A Police Officer

In order to become a Police Officer, you will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at pass grades and above. These should include English Language, Maths, and Science as a baseline. However, you may find it useful to have GCSEs in a Modern Foreign Language or P.E., as these could contribute to the skillset that you will need as a Police Officer.

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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.

Police Officer Skills For Resume And Cover Letter Documents

When applying for jobs with police stations, it’s important that you highlight your skills in your resume and cover letter documents. This allows employers to determine how you compare to their employment needs. To ensure you provide the right skills, create a skill section on your resume and review the job description to select the skills or qualities you possess. You can also highlight your skills by incorporating them into your professional experience section.

For example, if you list teamwork as one of your skills, you can highlight it by saying: “Collaborated with other officers in my unit to enforce alcohol policies in the downtown area.” Additionally, your cover letter provides a format where you can discuss your skills more in-depth.

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Police Officer Job Training

Law enforcement careers usually require some on-the-job training. After graduating from the training academy, police officers usually undergo a probationary period under the supervision of a superior officer. During this probationary period, inexperienced police officers learn how to apply techniques in the real world.

After probation, officers qualify for promotion. To become a corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, or captain, applicants must pass a written exam in addition to on-the-job training. In large departments, candidates may qualify for detective positions or specific criminal fields, such as homicide or juvenile crime.

Students can also acquire on-the-job training while pursuing a criminal justice degree. Many colleges and universities offer internships for law enforcement students. Learners can also apply for internships at local police departments, giving students the chance to network with veteran police officers and gain first-hand experience in protecting local communities.

Paid internships also exist with the CIA, the FBI, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The U.S. Treasury Department also provides internships for students interested in learning about financial crimes. These internships can also help degree candidates gain necessary skills and stand out among job candidates when entering the workforce.

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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Police Officer Jobs By Jurisdiction

Another aspect of law enforcement to take into consideration is the jurisdiction of the agency you want to work for. Across the U.S., there are city, county, and state levels of law enforcement. City police officers stay within city limits and often patrol the streets or work on citywide investigations. Police detectives usually require a bachelors degree as well as experience in street patrol.

County law enforcement typically consists of a sheriff and several deputies who serve warrants, subpoenas, and respond to rural civil disputes. Bailiffs and constables are under the sheriffs department and often serve the courts.

State law enforcement officers patrol highways, interstates, and county roads the jurisdiction of a state patrol officer is designated to a region of the state and includes those jurisdictions covered by city and county officers. Each law enforcement agency, no matter the size, has specialized units such as narcotics and SWAT, and offer specialized training through the academy for each unit.

Federal agents often travel across the nation or are assigned to various states, which can be a bit unstable if you have a family. For example, working as a federal air marshal requires air travel across the nation to secure domestic and international United States flights. The hours and requirements can be physically and emotionally demanding with little recovery time between assignments.

The Application Process For Police Officer Candidates

It isnt easy becoming a police officer. Potential candidates need to go through a stringent application process designed to weed out those who dont have what it takes to become outstanding police officers.

Police officers help maintain peace and order and ensure that members of the community stay safe. This job comes with immense responsibility. The application process itself is not for everyone.

Canadian police agencies generally follow the same process which involves a series of tests, checks and interviews, including:

• A polygraph exam
• A background investigation

Some of these tests require detailed paperwork but minimal preparation. For some tests, like the physical tests, you would be best prepared if you did a fitness training program, prior to, depending on your fitness level. Other tests, like the polygraph exam, require no preparation at all.

Applicants can be declined at any point in the stages listed above and even if a candidate passes every stage, an offer of employment is not guaranteed.

Once you have completed all assessments, your entire application package is reviewed and measured against other applicants to determine the most suitable candidates for the role as a police officer.

If you are recruited, you can expect a conditional offer of employment that allows you to advance to the final step before you become a police officer: cadet training.

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What The Police Academy Is 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.