You’ve wanted to be a police officer since you were a kid, but now that you’re finally old enough and ready to apply, you find yourself unsure of how to land your dream job.
There are many steps involved in the application process, and we’ll cover everything from how to get hired as an officer all the way through interviewing, polygraph tests, training and more.
In this guide we’ll break down each step so that when it’s time for you to apply and hopefully get hired! you’ll know exactly what to expect.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Research the requirements and qualifications needed to become a police officer. |
| 2. Consider pursuing a degree in criminal justice or a related field to enhance your chances. |
| 3. Prepare physically by maintaining a fitness routine and meeting the physical fitness standards. |
| 4. Gain relevant experience through internships, volunteer work, or joining law enforcement explorer programs. |
| 5. Ace the police entrance exam by studying and familiarizing yourself with the content and format. |
| 6. Prepare for the police interview by practicing common interview questions and showcasing your knowledge and skills. |
| 7. Complete the necessary background checks, medical evaluations, and psychological assessments. |
| 8. Attend a police academy and successfully complete the required training program. |
| 9. Network with current law enforcement professionals to gain insights and potential job opportunities. |
| 10. Continuously develop yourself personally and professionally to excel in your career as a police officer. |
Stay Physically Fit
A lot of police officers have a history of good physical fitness. They were once in the military, or they grew up playing sports and started running when they were teenagers.
In fact, many police departments require you to take a physical fitness test before you can be hired. But what happens if you’re not in shape?
It’s never too late to get yourself into better shape and get that dream job as a police officer! You could start by going on walks with your dog every day or taking the stairs instead of an elevator whenever possible.
And if your current exercise routine isn’t enough, consider adding some weight lifting or strength training exercises into the mix!
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Have Your High School Diploma Or GED
While some police departments accept a high school diploma or GED, most require at least a bachelor’s degree. Some want master’s degrees, others want PhDs.
In order to join the force, you’ll need to know what the requirements are for the department you’re looking at, and then start planning your education accordingly.
If you have questions about how to get into law enforcement with a particular agency, check out their website or contact them directly for more information on what they are looking for in an applicant.
Consider Getting A Bachelor’s Degree
Though most police departments require a bachelor’s degree, some require a master’s degree. Some departments even require a PhD (or higher).
If you want to make sure you can fulfill those requirements before applying to any department, it might be worth your while to consider getting your education finished on the front end.
Some departments will also want you to have studied criminal justice or psychology as part of your undergraduate studies.
To check whether or not this is true for the department you’re hoping to join, it’s best that you search their website directly for job postings and look at what they ask their candidates for each position.
Understand The Requirements Of The Police Academy
Understanding the requirements of the police academy will help you know if you can meet them. You’ll need to be at least 21 years old, a US citizen, and have a high school diploma or GED.
You also need to pass a written exam and physical agility test as well as several interviews. You must have good vision (20/100 in each eye) and hear (20 decibels or better in both ears).
The first step is to find out what’s required by your state’s department of criminal justice services (DCJS) by contacting them directly or checking their website.
Take The POST Test
The POST test is an evaluation that’s given by a state agency. It’s a standardized test, meaning it will be the same for everyone in every state.
In other words, if you take the test in one state and move to another, you’ll have to take the same test again to be considered for a job there.
Before being given the opportunity to take this exam, applicants must first pass through several steps:
- All candidates must be at least 21 years old (some departments have lower age limits)
- Applicants must have either completed high school or hold an equivalency diploma or certificate from another source (such as military service)
- All applicants must pass all aspects of physical ability tests conducted by their respective agencies
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Focus On Your Physical Exam
The physical fitness test is one of the most important parts of your application package. You will have to pass a physical fitness test during your first few weeks as a police officer, so this is something that you should start preparing for now.
Physical Fitness Tests
Many different physical fitness tests can be used to test your abilities and determine if you’re fit enough to be a police officer. The exact tests may vary depending on what city or state agency you apply with, but some examples of common tests include:
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups – Abdominal Strength
- Agility Run – Speed, Endurance & Flexibility
Practice On The Shooting Range
There are two types of weapons you should be familiar with: those that can kill and maim, and those that can incapacitate a person.
Shooting range time for a gun is recommended, but not required. If you have experience using firearms in the line of duty or as part of your job description, then you’re already ahead of the game. If not, this will help you get up to speed on their use and handling.
A taser is another form of nonlethal force that police officers use to subdue suspects without killing them (unless they really want to).
You’ll need some practice with it before going out into the field so that when someone tries to run away from you or rush toward another officer during an arrest.
It won’t be your first time firing one off at point blank range at someone who may have been injured by gunfire earlier in their life and therefore isn’t aware how powerful these things are or even if they’re real!
Police batons also come in handy when dealing with violent offenders who are still armed despite having been shot several times already by other officers’ guns; however, they can cause serious damage if used improperly (like hitting somebody over the head).
Make sure all proper procedures are followed while practicing with them at home (or wherever else) beforehand so there won’t be any accidents later down the line when things get real messy out there on the streetside after dark…
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Learn To Drive Like A COP
Driving is a fundamental part of the job, and you’ll need to be able to drive efficiency in all types of situations.
You’ll need to know how to drive with other officers and passengers in the car, so practice this with your partner. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B safely; it’s also about being able to carefully navigate through traffic safely as well as quickly when needed.
You should also practice driving under various weather conditions like rain or snow, as well as at night or during rush hour traffic jams. You might think that you’ve got these things down by now but trust me on this one: you haven’t seen anything yet!
Practice With Defensive Tactics
In addition to taking part in martial arts training, you can practice defensive tactics. Defensive tactics are a great way to learn how to protect yourself and others from harm. You can practice this on your own or with the help of a partner.
You should learn how to defend yourself against an attacker who is bigger than you, stronger than you, or has more experience in fighting than you do.
You should also practice defending your partner from being attacked by someone larger or stronger than them even if it’s just a practice dummy!
You should also know how to use basic strikes like knees and punches when necessary (but only when necessary). If someone tries to hurt one of these vulnerable populations: children, women, elderly people, disabled people… men… they don’t deserve our mercy!
Work The Desk At The Station House
Once you’ve completed your training and passed the requisite exams, it’s time to join the force. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with multiple law enforcement agencies, there could be a long wait for your preferred agency.
While waiting for that ideal job offer, consider working at a nearby police department as a dispatch officer or desk clerk.
This will help familiarize yourself with all things police-y (and make sure no one steals any of your stuff while you’re out on patrol). You’ll learn how to use equipment such as:
- Computer systems
- Radios
- Telephones
- Fax machines
- Printers/scanners/copiers
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Be Prepared For Interviews And Polygraph Tests
Once you’ve passed the written exam, physical agility test, and medical exam, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step: interviews. During these interviews, a representative from your department will ask you questions about your qualifications and background experiences.
The polygraph test is another important step in the hiring process.
It’s used by many law enforcement agencies as an additional layer of security to ensure candidates aren’t hiding any skeletons in their closet that could hurt public safety or damage their credibility as officers.
At least one polygraph may be administered before being hired as an officer; others could occur during training or at other times throughout your career so candidates must pass with flying colors!
Apply To Multiple Departments If You Aren’t Accepted Right Away
If you don’t get accepted right away, don’t give up! You can apply to multiple departments in your area and keep trying. If your application is rejected, ask the department for feedback on what they liked or didn’t like about your application.
This will help make your next one better. If you are accepted, ask for feedback from people who have been through the process before to help figure out where things went wrong so that it doesn’t happen again. Then keep trying until you are successful!
Learn How To Make A Good First Impression During Your Ride-Alongs
Be friendly, but not too friendly. You’re supposed to be a professional, so try not to joke around too much with your colleagues. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you’re confused, though!
Ask questions, but don’t be annoying. One good question is better than five bad ones this is the best way to learn what you need in order to succeed in this line of work and impress everyone who’s watching your ride-along.
Don’t be afraid of asking for help if you don’t know something about police work or have any concerns about one of your colleagues’ actions during their shift (like if they seem rude or inappropriate).
Asking questions shows that you care about getting it right and making sure everything goes smoothly for everyone involved throughout the day.
And as long as there isn’t anything illegal going on behind closed doors at headquarters, most people will appreciate this kind of behavior from their new colleague!
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Conclusion
If you’re ready to start your journey as a police officer, then the first step is to get in shape. Your physical fitness test is one of the most important parts of the hiring process and will determine whether or not you’ll be accepted into the academy.
Once you’ve passed that hurdle, it’s time to apply for an opening at a local police department or sheriff’s office near where you live or work. You can also join law enforcement teams at colleges or universities across America!
Further Reading
Achieving Your Dream of Becoming a Police Officer: Discover valuable insights and practical tips to help you achieve your dream of becoming a police officer.
My Dream is to Become a Police Officer: Explore personal experiences and motivations behind the aspiration to become a police officer.
My Dream Job to Be a Police Officer: Gain an in-depth understanding of the responsibilities and challenges of a career as a police officer.
FAQs
What are the requirements to become a police officer?
To become a police officer, you typically need to meet certain requirements, which may include completing a specific level of education, passing physical fitness tests, undergoing background checks, and attending a police academy for training.
What skills are important for a career as a police officer?
Some essential skills for a career as a police officer include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, physical fitness, decision-making skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
How long does it take to become a police officer?
The duration to become a police officer can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific requirements. On average, it can take several months to years to complete the necessary education, training, and application processes.
What are the main responsibilities of a police officer?
Police officers are responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, responding to emergencies, conducting investigations, patrolling assigned areas, making arrests when necessary, and providing assistance to the community.
Are there opportunities for career advancement in law enforcement?
Yes, there are opportunities for career advancement in law enforcement. With experience and further training, police officers can progress to higher ranks such as sergeant, lieutenant, captain, or even pursue specialized roles such as detective, SWAT team member, or criminal investigator.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.