How To Become A Police Officer
8 Things you need to become a police officer
Areas Of Specialization In Detective Work
Police detectives typically specialize in one or more areas. In addition, some departments rank detectives based on their level of supervisory responsibility. For instance, in Los Angeles, the Detective II and Detective III ranks are both supervisory positions, which means these individuals are responsible for hands-on training and oversight of Detective I personnel and police officers. Some of the specialty areas that police detectives focus on include:
Law Enforcement Detective
A law enforcement detective, or police detective, is a police officer who works specifically within a department. They work to solve a wide variety of crimes, including burglary, assault, theft, illegal sex activities, juvenile crime, arson, drug sales and trafficking, gang-related crimes, fraud, and more. While they may assist with homicides, a specially trained homicide detective usually takes the lead on murder cases. They may assist in preserving evidence and ensuring its not tampered with at the scene of a crime.
Forensic Detective
Forensic detectives must follow specific protocols when collecting and examining evidence. Failure to do so correctly can render evidence inadmissible in court, which could lead to the exoneration of a guilty party.
Homicide Detective
Cybercrime Detective
Narcotics Detective
Private Detective
What Happens If You Dont Answer Police Questions
According to the First Amendment, you have the right to remain silent. Even if you do not feel free to walk away from an officer, you are still in jail or may be arrested. Failure to answer a question does not constitute a violation of the law.
According to the US Constitution, people have the right to remain silent. The Minnesota Criminal Code states that refusing to answer a question to police officers does not result in an arrest. Depending on the type of encounter, you may be arrested if you refuse to answer police questions. Interviews with police can be voluntary, investigatory, or criminal. Dont try to explain your situation, make excuses, or make excuses. If you are driving a vehicle, the police may request your drivers license and proof of insurance. If additional questions are being asked, you can ask whether or not you are being detained.
Don’t Miss: How To Get In Shape For The Police Academy
Challenges Of Being A Police Detective
Of course, the work of a police detective is not without challenges. Police officers report some of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. But the challenges of a detective career dont end there.
Unpleasant Job Situations
Officers regularly work at crime and accident scenes and frequently encounter suffering and violence. Detectives and investigators never know what they will confront on any given day, which leads to stress.
Personal Safety
Robberies can turn violent, and standard arrests can escalate quickly without warning. Public safety must be the detectives number one priority. Its dangerous work, and detectives must remain alert and poised to react during their entire shift.
Taking the Job Home
For detectives and investigators, their job often becomes part of their identity. Marital and family life can suffer from a detectives inability to stop thinking about an active investigation. In addition, law enforcement work is usually shift work, which makes maintaining a successful marriage and family life difficult.
Mundane, Boring Tasks
Stressful Environment
New Challenges
Become A Police Officer: Step
In Georgia, the peace officer certification process is regulated by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council . Therefore, some of the processes and paperwork you must complete will be through POST, while others will be completed directly through the GPSTC regional academy where you will receive your training.
Students attending basic training who are not employed by a law enforcement agency are referred to aspre-service candidates. Below are the steps that pre-service candidates must take before being accepted into a police academy to become certified as a Peace Officer in the state of Georgia.
You May Like: How Do You Become A Detective In The Police
Bachelor’s Degree In Law Enforcement
A law enforcement degree at the bachelor’s level typically takes four years to complete and can include many different topics or subjects. There are prototypical degrees such as criminal justice, criminology and law enforcement studies. But there are other majors that can hold police officers in good stead. For example, graduates with a degree in accounting are excellent candidates for a career in white collar crime investigations, while computer science majors can have an advantage if they’re interested in pursuing a career in computer forensics or cyber crimes.
Those in a bachelor’s degree program in a law-related field can expect to find courses like these:
Police Ethics
How Long Is The Training Process Before Im On Patrol
ENTRY-LEVEL
The Basic Law Enforcement Academy is approximately 4.5-months . Recruits are NOT housed at the academy and will be responsible for their own housing.
Upon graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy you will become a Student Officer. You will spend approximately 4 weeks at the Seattle Police Department Advanced Training Unit in Post-BLEA. You will learn the laws specific to the City of Seattle, department policy and procedures and services specific to Seattle.
After completing advanced training, you will enter the Field Training Program, with an experienced officer who will evaluate your performance in the patrol division.
LATERAL-ENTRY
All certified law enforcement officers from outside of the State of Washington must take and pass the 2 week Police Officer Equivalency Academy administered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
While attending the equivalency academy, you will also learn Seattle Municipal Laws, policies, procedures, and services specific to Seattle. This will be followed by Field Training for Lateral Officers.
Also Check: How Can I Get A Police Report
Do You Need A College Degree To Be A Cop In New York
There is no specific educational requirement to become a police officer in New York State. However, candidates must be at least 21 years of age and must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
In the NYPD, there are no specific college degrees required to become a police officer. Some college degrees, on the other hand, may assist you in your pursuit of higher education. A degree in criminal justice or psychology, for example, can teach students skills that could be useful if they wanted to enter the field of law enforcement. Furthermore, many colleges and universities have ROTC programs that provide members with valuable skills that can help them stand out in their competition. Students applying to the NYPD must have at least 60 credits to qualify for employment. A bachelors degree is required for captain and higher levels. Robert B. Kronenberg, an expert in police recruit and candidate evaluation, can assist prospective candidates in overcoming their character, medical, or psychological disqualifications to become NYPD police officers.
What Does A Police Officer Do
Police officers are individuals empowered by the government to enforce the law. They apprehend criminals, assist and ensure the safety of the public and prevent and detect crime.
The day to day duties of a police officer are varied and will differ depending on location and unit. Patrol officers are responsible for monitoring an assigned area to prevent and discover crime and to enforce regulations. Officers respond to calls regarding crime or disturbances and take necessary action, conduct investigations, collect evidence, make arrests, testify in court, issue citations and complete reports/forms and routine paperwork. Police ensure public safety and aid in emergency situations including fire, medical and search and rescue.
Read Also: What Drones Do Police Use
Police: Drunk Suspect Smashes Bus Window Assaults Officer
- SUN GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
On Dec. 14 at 2:15 p.m., an Arlington Transit bus was slowing to a stop at Columbia Pike and South Dinwiddie Street when an individual approached and kicked the door, causing a glass panel to shatter, Arlington police said.
Responding officers located the suspect and took him into custody, police said. While conducting the investigation, the suspect twice kicked an officer, police said.
The suspect 31-year-old Yohana Gebremeskel of Arlington was arrested and charged with assault on police, destruction of property and public intoxication. He was held without bond.
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.
Also Check: How To Report Scam Calls To The Police
Ontario Police College Physical Component
As of September 2019, all applicants that have been offered a pre-employment letter by a police service will be required to successfully pass the PREP during their Basic Constable Training course at the Ontario Police College. The Ontario Police College is located in Aylmer, Ontario, which is the official training facility for all police constables across the Province.
- For Support, contact us at:
When Can Police Seize Your Phone
In order for a police officer to seize your phone, they must have either been granted a warrant to do so or after an official arrest.
The police in the UK cannot legally obtain your mobile device without good reason. Therefore, if you find yourself in a situation where the police are involved, you do not need to hand over your mobile phone without a warrant or before an arrest.
But what if you have been arrested?
Legally, if you are involved in an investigation and the police have reason to believe you are in possession of evidence, your phone will be rightfully seized for analysis.
Even without an arrest, the force may be granted a warrant to obtain your phone.
Read Also: How To Get Into Police Academy Nj
How To Become A Police Officer In Toronto
The Toronto Police Service is an elite law enforcement organization dedicated to serving and protecting the people of Toronto. As the Canadian metropolitan area with the most police officers, Toronto has many career opportunities for aspiring and current police officers, but the hiring process can be competitive. A policing degree or a criminology degree can set candidates apart, lead to promotions, and open doors to a broad range of job opportunities.
Lauriers online Bachelor of Arts in Policing and online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Policing develop analytical and critical thinking skills, foster key competencies required for leadership roles, and give public safety professionals an edge in their overall careers and salary potentialno matter where in Canada they may be studying from.
Training Institutions For Police Officers
Now that you know what options there are for becoming a police officer, its important to know where they are offered. There are many schools that exist to help you move into the law enforcement career of your choice. Here are the options:
Vocational/trade schools
These post-high school institutions focus their programs and curriculums on skill-oriented or hands-on training. This training can come in the form of what effectively amounts to an in-house police academy. Vocational and trade schools can provide the fastest way to obtain the training necessary to become a police officer and allow students to receive police academy training without attending the official police academy. Its also fairly affordable compared to earning a college degree. Keep in mind that graduation doesnt guarantee a job in law enforcement and may not result in an academic credential that provides opportunities for professional advancement.
Best for? Those confident in obtaining a job offer after graduation and want to serve as a police officer as quickly as possible.
Community colleges
Best for? Students who would like to earn a college degree along with their law enforcement training.
Military
Best for? Those who love serving their country or community will benefit from the rewarding experience that can come from military service.
Four-year schools
Best for? Aspiring police officers who want an extra way to stand out from the pack of applicants, as well as those looking for federal work.
Also Check: How Many White People Killed By Police 2017
Are You Already A Police Officer
If you are a working or retired police officer, Lauriers Honours Bachelor in Policing degree is just for you. Designed for those with at least a year of full-time professional work as a police officer, this program is a great fit for those with experience seeking to elevate their career and understanding.
Depending on your prior education and professional experience, you may be eligible to transfer up to 10 of the 20 total credits mandated for the program’s completion. to learn more.
While police organizations provide new recruits with basic constable training, obtaining a policing degree provides the necessary skills to evaluate and apply different perspectives to better operate in a society that often scrutinizes and challenges police actions. You’ll combine the real-world skills and experience you have acquired in the service with a broader understanding of justice, investigative technique, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving that will help you better serve citizens. Earning a degree later in your career expands your options for new higher-paid roles after retiring from the service.
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.
Recommended Reading: How Do I Find Police Reports For Free
Consider A Bachelors Degree
There are many reasons why earning a bachelors degree may be an important step in becoming a police officer. Becoming a police officer does not automatically require one, but some employers may favor candidates who hold a relevant degree.
Police officers who want to pursue more advanced or specialized forms of police work are typically interested in supervisory roles, management positions, criminology sciences, governmental advisory positions, or security jobs in private institutions. Although it is possible for police officers without bachelors degrees to advance to these roles, having a higher education may give these candidates competitive advantages.
Recommended Reading: How To Work Undercover For The Police
How Do You Prepare To Become A Police Officer
Before applying to take the law enforcement exam, ensure that your criminal record is free of major charges that may otherwise disqualify you. Also, check that your driving record is also clear of tickets or other minor offenses.
You can also complete physical conditioning to improve your fitness before the exam. Both endurance running and weight training can help you to prepare your body for the police academy.
You May Like: How To Train A K9 Police Dog
Other Helpful Skills And Experience
Additional skills, such as physical strength and stamina, can help candidates meet police officer requirements. To keep up with daily job requirements, apprehend suspects, and pass required physical tests for entry into the field, officers and detectives must maintain good physical shape and demonstrate strength. Employers see prior military or security experience as a plus, since these candidates undergo previous physical and firearm training.
Moreover, police officers must possess good written and oral communication skills to effectively give detailed incident reports and speak with the public during fact-gathering. Law enforcement agents may also speak with suspects who communicate in other languages. To help diverse communities, officers should understand many different perspectives and display empathy. Law enforcement agents must also practice good judgment by determining the most effective way to solve problems.
Officers holding higher positions, such as detectives and fish and game wardens, may need critical thinking skills and perception to determine in advance why suspects act in certain ways. Since the public looks to officers for assistance in emergency situations, these professionals become highly visible community members. In their public roles, officers often serve as role models and must possess leadership skills.