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What Degree Do I Need To Become A Police Officer

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Pass The State Officer Certification Examination

Police Jobs : How to Become a Police Officer Without a Degree

Before prospective police officers can be sworn in, they must successfully pass the state officer certification examination . The state certification exam is 200 questions long and candidates must achieve a passing score of 80% to advance.

There is a fee of $100 for taking the SOCE. If a candidate fails three times, they must re-enroll and complete the Basic Recruit Training Program again before attempting the State Officer Certification Exam again.

Police Officer Salaries In Ontario

The provincial hourly rate ranges from $30.05-$57.69/hr with a median hourly wage of $46.15/hr. The salary range for police officers in Ontario is $56k-$117k/year, while the median annual salary is $97,115/year.

The median employment income in 2015 for police officers in Toronto was $107,627. The median employment income in 2015 for police officers in Ottawa was $105,533, and the median employment income in 2015 for police officers in Hamilton was $106,485.

The starting salary at the Toronto Police Service is $70,643.30/year. By the fourth year, expected the annual salary to be $100,923.48/year. Benefits include paid vacation, family medical and dental benefits, life insurance, pension plan, and paternal and maternity leave.

The starting salary at the Ottawa Police Service is $67,615.92/year. By the fourth year, depending on your performance reviews, the annual salary is expected to increase to $99,434.93/year. Benefits include education reimbursement programs, a generous pension plan, medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, as well as long-term disability insurance.

Meanwhile, if working for the Ontario Provincial Police , the average salary is roughly $100,500/year.

Here is a list of average salaries for police officers in Ontario, according to Glassdoor:

Department
$98K – $104K

How Much Does It Pay

According to the most recent occupational data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and sheriff’s patrol officers in California make an average salary of $107,440 per year.

And even though California is one of the most expensive states to live in, the state makes up for that by offering the highest pay to police officers in the country. In fact, cops in California make nearly 60% more than the national average police salary of $67,290.

For a look at some of the police officer jobs currently available in California, visit our careers page. You can also check out POST listings here.

This article, originally published May 2018, has been updated.

Do you think you have what it takes to be a cop? Download a veteran police officer’s list of the 10 questions you need to ask yourself before starting a career in law enforcement by filling out the form below:

10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER

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    Pros And Cons Of Becoming A Police Officer

    This isnt an 8 to 5 office job. Its an on-your-feet, always-alert, out-and-about career. And while thats a good thing, it also comes with a few downsides. Heres the straight story on what to expect in a career as a police officer:

    Pros:

    • Job stability: Police officers work for the local, state, or federal government, which dont generally go bust or downsize like companies.
    • Benefits: Many government agencies, unlike most private companies, still provide pension plans so people can comfortably retire not to mention life insurance policies and more time off.
    • Advancement opportunities: The combination of job stability and retirement benefits leads to a fairly consistent hierarchy in constant need of new people moving up the ranks.
    • Training: Police officers receive excellent training that can be used beyond their careers in police work, should they want to go into private security, firearms training, or similar work.
    • Sense of pride: In a 2016 study of law enforcement officers, 58% reported feeling proud of their work nearly always or often.
    • Collegiality: Like other coworkers, police officers bond over shared duties. But those bonds are reinforced with constant teamwork in the face of danger.

    Cons:

    Choosing The Right Degree For Law Enforcement

    Why Become a Police Officer? 5 Reasons You Can

    Selecting the degree that is right for you is a decision that you should make after conducting thorough research. After all, the career path that you choose will likely be the focus of your life for several decades. If you choose a degree program that you will enjoy, you are likely to be motivated to get a high-paying job and to achieve further advancement. Therefore, you can set yourself up for success by putting in the effort to conduct your own research before diving into the degree of your choice.

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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 bachelors 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

    Impress At Your Police Officer Interview

    Many hopeful applicants will be offered an interview during the hiring process. This is an opportunity to get to know you on a personal level, and sometimes that can be enough to land you that coveted job. Here are some questions you might encounter during that interview:

  • What would you do if you witnessed another officer commit a crime?
  • If a superior officer told you to do something you knew was against regulations, what would you do?
  • What de-escalation techniques would you use to prevent a physical altercation?
  • Would you be able to arrest a family member if you had to?
  • Describe a time your ethics were tested. How did you handle the situation?
  • This job can be emotionally challenging. How would you reach out for help if needed?
  • Give an example of a time when the right thing contradicted the rules of a certain situation. How did you handle that?
  • What do you consider your greatest strengths in communication? How about your greatest weakness?
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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.

    How To Complete Police Courses Online

    What its like to be a new police officer | The Recruits

    Lauriers online police degrees are administered via the schools online learning portal. Lectures are recorded, and you can access the videos 24/7 through the portal.

    The professors notes and additional instructions are posted each week, and most textbooks are digitally accessible. Courses also include discussion boards so you can talk about lessons with your fellow students. You can also contact instructors through the messaging system, and the library offers extensive online resources.

    To assist you throughout your entire time as a student, you will be assigned a student success advisor to ensure youre able to access all the materials and resources you need.

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    How To Become A Police Officer In Canada & Disqualifiers To Avoid

    Choosing a new career , can be an overwhelming process. Opportunities are endless in a country like Canada. Its not easy figuring out which direction to take in the first place.

    Canadian Business helps you narrow down your options with a list of The Top 25 Jobs in Canada. And were here to help you break down #14 on that list: police officer.

    Being a police officer comes with great responsibility, authority, and trust. Therefore strict standards are upheld in the selection process to ensure only the right candidates are hired. This process typically includes:

    • A written exam
    • Have no criminal convictions and no criminal charges pending

    In addition to the above list, each police force adds its own list of requirements.

    Those applying for the RCMP need to meet the following additional requirements:

    • Permanent resident applicants need to have resided in Canada for the last 10 years.
    • Be at least 19 years old
    • Possess a valid, unrestricted driver’s licence
    • Be able to spend 26 weeks at the RCMP Academy in Regina, Saskatchewan
    • Be willing to relocate anywhere within Canada
    • Not have any tattoos that depict or incite hate, harassment, or discrimination against individuals on the basis of the grounds listed in Canadian Human Rights Act, section 3.
    • Not wear any personal effects on the body that may interfere with the personal protective equipment.

    The Vancouver Police Department asks that their applicants meet the following additional requirements:

    The Chance To Be Active

    While working as a police officer does come with administrative requirements, including the need to fill out paperwork promptly, the job provides many opportunities to be up and about and physically active. Examples include patrolling a neighborhood, pursuing a suspected criminal, or simply making the rounds while offering security at a public event.

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    The Benefits Of A Career As A Police Officer

    There are SO MANY benefits of a career as a police officer, where do we start?! Well, lets talk about the obvious, which is you have the opportunity to save lives and impact them in meaningful ways. In addition, theres never a dull day on the job as no two days are ever the same. Another benefit is that no other career, expect perhaps a career in the military, offers the same camaraderie among coworkers. And finally, youll feel tremendous satisfaction each day knowing you are protecting and serving your community.

    Meet The Minimum Requirements

    What Degree Do I Need to Become a Police Officer?

    Before a candidate can apply to become a law enforcement officer in Florida, they must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below:

    • Age: Must be 19 years of age or older.
    • Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen.
    • Education: Must be a high school graduate with a high school diploma. A bachelors degree in a relevant field such as criminal justice is encouraged but not mandatory.
    • Valid Florida drivers license: All candidates must have a valid drivers license in the state of Florida. You must not have any repeat traffic violations, as this may hinder your chances and will be uncovered during the driving history check of a background investigation.
    • Affidavit of Application: Applicants must fill out anAffidavit of Applicant Form and submit it to their hiring Criminal Justice Employing Agency.

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    Gain Training And Experience

    Police officer candidates are not required to have received training for the job if they are applying for an entry-level position. The training takes place after they are hired when they are sent to a police academy. Either academies are agency academies, which provide both basic police training and training that is specific to the agency, or they are regional or state academies, which train officers from several different jurisdictions. Training covers field-training topics, such as first aid, driving and firearms, and classroom topics, such as relevant laws and police ethics.

    Associate Degrees In Criminal Justice

    An associate degree is a two-year program that requires at least 60 semester credits . Most criminal justice programs are actually in the 64- to 66-credit range. Of those credits, around 40% are general education requirements such as English, math, science, humanities, and other topics. Another 20% of credits are elective courses. The actual major is around 40%, or eight classes.

    Because most associate degrees are meant to build into bachelors programs, the classes are, by definition, lower-level. They cover introductory material meant to be explored more in-depth in the final two years of undergraduate study.

    Those classes might include the following:

    • Introduction to criminal justice: You will learn who the different actors are from police officers to lawyers to judges and legislators and how they work together to form the criminal justice system.
    • Communication: Learn the building blocks for writing a police report, interviewing suspects and witnesses, and deescalating tense situations.
    • Judicial system: Explore the layers of the federal, state, and/or local court systems and which cases go where.
    • Corrections: Examine how jails and prisons function and explore concepts such as rehabilitation and punishment.
    • Research: Learn to analyze data to understand what different criminal statistics actually mean.

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    How To Become A Police Officer In California

    Like most of the country, California is in need of police officers here’s what you need to know

    It doesnt get much better than the Golden State. From the stunning sequoias in Yosemite to the beautiful beaches of Santa Monica, California truly has something for everyone.

    And with a total of 509 law enforcement agencies in the state, there are plenty of places to choose from. Here’s how to become a police officer in California.

    How Long Does It Take To Become A Police Officer In Ontario

    How to Become a Police Officer

    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.

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    Step : Interview With The Academy Manager

    After completing the above steps, your chosen academy will contact you to schedule an appointment for an interview with the Academy Manager. This should be considered a formal interview, so please dress accordingly. The Academy Manager will determine the candidates demeanor and suitability to become a certified Peace Officer in the State of Georgia.

    Decide If The Career Is Right For You

    Do you consider yourself brave, honest, and physically fit? Before beginning your journey to become a police officer, the first step is determining whether you possess the necessary police officer qualities. The work of a police officer is not for everyone. Those that are most suited for this career possess the following qualities:

    • Physical fitness
    • Communication skills

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    What Is The Employment Process

    From there, the employment process to become a police officer in California is:

    • Submit an application.
    • You must pass a number of background checks that may include a polygraph. “Past behavior will be closely scrutinized,” reads the LAPD recruitment website, “and only candidates with the highest probability of success will be appointed as Police Officers.”
    • Undergo a medical exam.
    • Some counties also require a Personal Qualifications Essay . In Los Angeles, a score of over 70 is required to be added to a list of qualified candidates. You may re-take this test again in 6 months if you dont get a high enough score.

    It can take anywhere between six months to a year to complete the hiring process.

    Municipal Police Force Salaries & Benefits

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    In comparison to the federal police force, the municipal police agencies offer slightly higher salaries.

    The Calgary Police Service offers a starting salary of approximately $66,000/year.

    The Vancouver Police Department offers new hires $70,154/year with an incremental increase to $90,198 after 3 years. Benefits include paid vacation, medical and dental benefits and a BC Municipal Pension Plan membership.

    The Toronto Police Service has a starting salary of $63,564.98 for their cadets. After year 3, police officers receive an annual salary of $90,836. Benefits include paid vacation, family medical and dental benefits, life insurance, pension plan, parental/maternity leave and more.

    Considering that the median income for individual Canadians was $36,400 in 2018, according to Statistics Canada, the starting salary for a Canadian police officer is an attractive one.

    When deciding between the federal or municipal level, keep in mind that while the RCMP might have a lower salary, the role involves police duties at the international, federal, provincial and municipal levels with a much wider variety in operational and administrative opportunities.Some specializations that are unique to the RCMP are: Integrated Border Enforcement Team, National Security, Marine Services, International Peace Operations and many, many more.

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    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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