If becoming a police officer has been a dream of yours, why not make that dream a reality? Do you have what it takes to become part of this elite group of people? Are you ready to uphold the law and to serve and protect your community? A career in law enforcement can be a challenging, yet fulfilling job. Not everyone is made out to become a police officer, so being prepared for this highly competitive process is very necessary to standing out among the crowd. Opportunities in law enforcement are not only restricted to police officers. You might consider becoming part of the urban police force to even a rural sheriff. The following are essential tips to becoming a police officer.
1. Get an Education
Here at Classes2Careers, we are always stressing the need for a strong education before you start a career. Police departments will require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent GED. Earning an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree is highly recommended if you want to the job. Colleges like the University of Phoenix and Everest College offer excellent programs in Criminal Justice. In a Criminal Justice degree program you will learn about human behavior, legal issues, computer systems, and a variety of subjects that currently assist law enforcement officers in their day-to-day work. An education in Criminal Justice is ideal if you want to join the law enforcement because of the real-life training it provides you. Check out our list of the best Criminal Justice schools to apply to, or use our degree finder to help choose the best school for you.
2. Get Physically and Mentally Fit
Being a police officer is not all donuts and coffee. The police department will be seeking the most physically and mentally fit candidates to hire. Take up a sport, go to the gym, or begin training on your own to meet the needs of the law enforcement. When applying for law enforcement, you will be given a physical exam testing for agility, strength, vision, and hearing, so being prepared will give you the advantage in getting hired.
3. Be Aware of Background Checks
If you want to become a police officer, you are going to have to pass a series of background checks. Your troubled past, including extensive traffic violations, drug convictions, or other indiscretions may cause you to get a rejection. If you currently have a clean record now, make sure you keep it clean. Avoid getting into any potentially illegal or dangerous situations that may cause you to ruin your future as a police officer. You will be given a drug and lie detector test when you begin interviewing with a police department.
4. Prepare for the Civil Service Exam
When you are ready to apply to a police department, you will be required to take a civil service exam. There are several companies that offer guides to help you prepare for the exam. Do your research to determine what will be on your exam. The exam will be offered whenever the police department you are applying for has openings. Some police departments always offer civil service exams to establish a pool of eligible recruits.
5. Stay Focused
When accepted into the police academy, you are very close to beginning a career as a police officer. Stay focused on the end goal as you complete the police academy program, which can last anywhere from three months to a year. The police academy will prepare you fully for your career as a police officer. Some states allow you to attend a police academy not affiliated with the police department you aim to work for. If given this option and unsure about which area you would like to work, attend the academy first then apply into a police department as a fully trained officer.
