How To Become a Police Officer

Steps to Become a Police Officer

1. Complete necessary education.

   To enter the police academy or pursue a career as a police officer, you'll be required to have at least a high school education or GED. Many police officers seek an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field like criminal justice, as it's sometimes required. Those with a military background may have this requirement waived.

2. Meet other requirements.

   • You may need to be a minimum of 18 or 21 years of age.
   • You must have a valid driver's license with a clean driving record, as you'll likely need to use a patrol car on the job.
   • You must be able to pass a criminal background check.
   • You need to pass a physical examination and medical exam.
   • You need to pass a psychological examination to ensure that you'll be able to act and react appropriately in high-pressure situations.

3. Pass a law enforcement exam.

   • A written exam with various true and false questions, short essay questions, and multiple-choice questions is designed to test your knowledge about the job. These may test your mathematical skills, grammar, reading comprehension, decision-making skills, and logic in scenarios you may encounter while on the job.
   • An oral exam may be given in the form of an interview to test your general presentation and communication skills.
   • You may also be required to write an essay to test your ability to use logic, express ideas and thoughts clearly, and provide reasoning for your logic as well as the evidence needed to support your claims.You must pass this entrance exam to be accepted into the police academy.

4. Attend police academy training.

   • Classroom education: This will provide an overview of law enforcement, including criminal investigation methods, laws and regulations, arrest and detainment procedures, and approaches to public safety and policing in general.
   • Refining your skills: During your training, you'll refine skills like stress management, negotiation, and communication.
   • Field training: This will introduce you to administrative duties, how to properly use a firearm, defense tactics, vehicle operations, the proper use of force, and how to handle hazardous materials.

5. Apply for jobs.

   • Detective.
   • K-9 officer.
   • Sheriff and deputy sheriff.
   • State police officer.
   • Highway patrol officer.