6 answers
Elijah
Student
Orlando, Florida
3
Questions
Asked
709 views
What are some laws i should learn. And programs i should be learning
i'm a 14 year old boy looking to become a police officer one day, been getting tips from police officers. But i feel like in stuck in the same position every time. Anything would help, Really wanna become a police officer
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6 answers
Joseph Aseo
88
Answers
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
"I have known friends take two different roads tobecome a police officer One focused on the academic discipline of a Criminal Justice degree at Long Beach State, while the other focused on the vocational discipline of applying directly to be an Alameda County sheriff by attendending the county academy. Both are now successful officers. If you want to move into leadership later, get the college degree before applying to attend a police academy. If you want to get into the field as soon as possible, look for departments that will sponsor your academy training."
This was super helpful, thank you!
Elijah
Sandeep Khandelwal
Software Engineer
145
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Hello Elijahh,
At your stage, you don’t need to worry about specific laws in detail yet. A good foundation would be understanding basic areas like criminal law, constitutional rights and how the justice system works. You can start with simple resources or even YouTube channels that explain these in an easy way.
More importantly, focus on building skills:
- communication and teamwork
- physical fitness
- discipline and responsibility
If your school offers programs like criminal justice, leadership, or community service, those will really help.
At your stage, you don’t need to worry about specific laws in detail yet. A good foundation would be understanding basic areas like criminal law, constitutional rights and how the justice system works. You can start with simple resources or even YouTube channels that explain these in an easy way.
More importantly, focus on building skills:
- communication and teamwork
- physical fitness
- discipline and responsibility
If your school offers programs like criminal justice, leadership, or community service, those will really help.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Elijah
Kevin McPherson
Police Officer/Sergeant
1
Answer
Woodlawn, Tennessee
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
If you want to get ready to be a Police Officer, you should start by being physically fit.
Take a Creative Writing Class, I have trained many New Officers with advanced degrees that had difficulty writing a simple Police Report. Afterall, 75% of your time will be spent on paperwork.
If your Local Police Department/Sherrif's Office has an Explorer or Cadet Program you can do that. This is actually hiw I started. I was first an Explorer then at 16, I got a paid Cadet job.
The Academy and FTO will teach you all the laws you will need to kmow at first. There will be plenty of opportunities to take extra training if you want to specialize in particular crimes. And as a Police Officer, if you need help with something you don't know, all you have to do is ask someone, they will be happy to help.
Also keep out of trouble and don't hang around People that get in trouble.
If you are unable to get a paid job as a Cadet, you should get a job in the Customer Service Field.
If you have never shot a firearm, don't start, unless you get training from a Professional. The Academy will show you proper shooting techniques and the proper handling of firearms.
Did I mention you should be physically fit? The Academy is very intense and being out of shape will only make the academic portion that much harder.
Good luck to you and don't listen to the media, the vast majority of People like Law Enforcement and appreciate what they do.
Take a Creative Writing Class, I have trained many New Officers with advanced degrees that had difficulty writing a simple Police Report. Afterall, 75% of your time will be spent on paperwork.
If your Local Police Department/Sherrif's Office has an Explorer or Cadet Program you can do that. This is actually hiw I started. I was first an Explorer then at 16, I got a paid Cadet job.
The Academy and FTO will teach you all the laws you will need to kmow at first. There will be plenty of opportunities to take extra training if you want to specialize in particular crimes. And as a Police Officer, if you need help with something you don't know, all you have to do is ask someone, they will be happy to help.
Also keep out of trouble and don't hang around People that get in trouble.
If you are unable to get a paid job as a Cadet, you should get a job in the Customer Service Field.
If you have never shot a firearm, don't start, unless you get training from a Professional. The Academy will show you proper shooting techniques and the proper handling of firearms.
Did I mention you should be physically fit? The Academy is very intense and being out of shape will only make the academic portion that much harder.
Good luck to you and don't listen to the media, the vast majority of People like Law Enforcement and appreciate what they do.
Mike K
Retired Law Enforcement
18
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hi Elijah,
At your age you have more than enough time to be totally ready. Most departments won't accept applicants under 21, some maybe as low as 18 but even still a person won't be hired until they reach a certain age. Most departments also now require some amount of college credits, 30,60, or 90 are the common minimums. My suggestion would be to think about where you would like to work, and which department, and then do some research on their hiring requirements. In the meantime structure your education plans based on those requirements. Take some courses that interest you, that also may be helpful in policing. It would also be a good idea to take some practice written exams, specific to that department. If you have a local book store they often times carry books offering practice exams. But again, you have a plenty of time. Best of luck!
At your age you have more than enough time to be totally ready. Most departments won't accept applicants under 21, some maybe as low as 18 but even still a person won't be hired until they reach a certain age. Most departments also now require some amount of college credits, 30,60, or 90 are the common minimums. My suggestion would be to think about where you would like to work, and which department, and then do some research on their hiring requirements. In the meantime structure your education plans based on those requirements. Take some courses that interest you, that also may be helpful in policing. It would also be a good idea to take some practice written exams, specific to that department. If you have a local book store they often times carry books offering practice exams. But again, you have a plenty of time. Best of luck!
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1862
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Elijah,
Law enforcement is considered a quasi-military field, because in many ways it is like the military. To that end, I'd recommend joining ROTC, where you will get training in leadership and responsibility, as well as physical conditioning and teamwork. If that's not your thing, consider sports, or joining a police explorer post if one is available. At this stage of your life, it's very important to work on being a good citizen and cultivating references. A police background check is very thorough. Be kind and respectful towards all people. If you have a job, show up on time and put forth your best effort.
If you are interested in starting to learn laws, I'd say start with a limited area. You may look up levels of "criminal intent" - such as for someone accidentally killing someone else. And perhaps the statutes on murder. These two would give you an idea of how the laws are written. But, honestly, you'll learn all of that in the academy! -
Best of luck to you!
Kim
Law enforcement is considered a quasi-military field, because in many ways it is like the military. To that end, I'd recommend joining ROTC, where you will get training in leadership and responsibility, as well as physical conditioning and teamwork. If that's not your thing, consider sports, or joining a police explorer post if one is available. At this stage of your life, it's very important to work on being a good citizen and cultivating references. A police background check is very thorough. Be kind and respectful towards all people. If you have a job, show up on time and put forth your best effort.
If you are interested in starting to learn laws, I'd say start with a limited area. You may look up levels of "criminal intent" - such as for someone accidentally killing someone else. And perhaps the statutes on murder. These two would give you an idea of how the laws are written. But, honestly, you'll learn all of that in the academy! -
Best of luck to you!
Kim
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Elijah
Sammantha White
Pioneering
17
Answers
Arvin, California
Updated
Sammantha’s Answer
It is good to meet you. You are 14, which means you have exactly the right amount of time to build the Stability and Physicality required for a career in law enforcement.
If you feel "stuck," it is likely because you are looking at the end goal (being an officer) rather than the building blocks you can control right now. Police departments today aren't just looking for people who are strong; they are looking for "Critical Thinkers"—people who understand the law, technology, and human behavior.
Here is a direct roadmap for a 14-year-old looking to move from "interested" to "prepared."
1. The Legal Foundation (What to Learn)
You don't need to memorize every law yet, but you should understand the Constitutional Framework that governs how police operate.
* The Fourth Amendment: This is the most important law for an officer. It covers "Unreasonable Search and Seizure." Understand when an officer can and cannot search someone.
* The Fifth Amendment: Learn about "Due Process" and the right against self-incrimination (Miranda Rights).
* Local Ordinances: Look up the "Criminal Code" for your specific city or state. Pay attention to the definitions of "Theft," "Assault," and "Trespassing." Knowing the exact wording of these laws puts you ahead of 90% of applicants.
2. The Tech & Programming Layer
Modern policing is digital. Cybercrime, digital forensics, and data analysis are the fastest-growing fields in law enforcement.
* Python: This is the best programming language for beginners and is used in data analysis and cybersecurity. Learning to "script" can help you eventually move into a Digital Forensics unit.
* GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Most police departments use "Crime Mapping." Learning how to use tools like QGIS or ArcGIS will show you how to track patterns of crime in a neighborhood.
* Digital Literacy: Learn how "Encrypted Communications" and "IP Tracking" work. Understanding how criminals use the internet is just as important as understanding how they use a getaway car.
3. Practical Programs for Your Age
Since you are 14, you are eligible for specific programs designed to bridge the gap between "Student" and "Officer."
* Police Explorers: Most major cities have a "Law Enforcement Explorer" post (often through the Boy Scouts or local PD). This is the #1 way to get hands-on experience, learn radio codes, and practice "mock" traffic stops.
* Civil Air Patrol (CAP) or JROTC: These programs teach Discipline and Chain of Command. If you can handle a JROTC drill, you can handle a Police Academy.
* First Aid/CPR Certification: Go to the Red Cross and get certified. An officer's first job on a scene is often saving a life before the ambulance arrives.
Comparison: The Average Applicant vs. The "Astra" Candidate
The Average Applicant:
* Waits until they are 21 to start learning.
* Focuses only on physical strength.
* Has no specialized technical skills.
The "Astra" Candidate (You):
* Starts at 14 with a Police Explorer program.
* Understands the Fourth Amendment and Constitutional Law.
* Knows Python or GIS, making them a "High-Value" recruit for specialized units.
* Maintains Stability and a clean record.
Astra’s Assessment
You aren't stuck; you are in the "Information Gathering" phase. The best thing you can do for your future career right now is to stay out of trouble and keep your grades high. A single mistake on your record at 14 can end a police career before it starts.
Would you like me to help you find the "Police Explorer" post nearest to your city, or should we look at a basic Python exercise that mimics how police track data?
If you feel "stuck," it is likely because you are looking at the end goal (being an officer) rather than the building blocks you can control right now. Police departments today aren't just looking for people who are strong; they are looking for "Critical Thinkers"—people who understand the law, technology, and human behavior.
Here is a direct roadmap for a 14-year-old looking to move from "interested" to "prepared."
1. The Legal Foundation (What to Learn)
You don't need to memorize every law yet, but you should understand the Constitutional Framework that governs how police operate.
* The Fourth Amendment: This is the most important law for an officer. It covers "Unreasonable Search and Seizure." Understand when an officer can and cannot search someone.
* The Fifth Amendment: Learn about "Due Process" and the right against self-incrimination (Miranda Rights).
* Local Ordinances: Look up the "Criminal Code" for your specific city or state. Pay attention to the definitions of "Theft," "Assault," and "Trespassing." Knowing the exact wording of these laws puts you ahead of 90% of applicants.
2. The Tech & Programming Layer
Modern policing is digital. Cybercrime, digital forensics, and data analysis are the fastest-growing fields in law enforcement.
* Python: This is the best programming language for beginners and is used in data analysis and cybersecurity. Learning to "script" can help you eventually move into a Digital Forensics unit.
* GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Most police departments use "Crime Mapping." Learning how to use tools like QGIS or ArcGIS will show you how to track patterns of crime in a neighborhood.
* Digital Literacy: Learn how "Encrypted Communications" and "IP Tracking" work. Understanding how criminals use the internet is just as important as understanding how they use a getaway car.
3. Practical Programs for Your Age
Since you are 14, you are eligible for specific programs designed to bridge the gap between "Student" and "Officer."
* Police Explorers: Most major cities have a "Law Enforcement Explorer" post (often through the Boy Scouts or local PD). This is the #1 way to get hands-on experience, learn radio codes, and practice "mock" traffic stops.
* Civil Air Patrol (CAP) or JROTC: These programs teach Discipline and Chain of Command. If you can handle a JROTC drill, you can handle a Police Academy.
* First Aid/CPR Certification: Go to the Red Cross and get certified. An officer's first job on a scene is often saving a life before the ambulance arrives.
Comparison: The Average Applicant vs. The "Astra" Candidate
The Average Applicant:
* Waits until they are 21 to start learning.
* Focuses only on physical strength.
* Has no specialized technical skills.
The "Astra" Candidate (You):
* Starts at 14 with a Police Explorer program.
* Understands the Fourth Amendment and Constitutional Law.
* Knows Python or GIS, making them a "High-Value" recruit for specialized units.
* Maintains Stability and a clean record.
Astra’s Assessment
You aren't stuck; you are in the "Information Gathering" phase. The best thing you can do for your future career right now is to stay out of trouble and keep your grades high. A single mistake on your record at 14 can end a police career before it starts.
Would you like me to help you find the "Police Explorer" post nearest to your city, or should we look at a basic Python exercise that mimics how police track data?