6 answers
Adalie
Student
Decatur, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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what types of training and classes will i need to attend to become a police officer?
i want to either become a police officer or sheriffs deputy. i am looking to find out what is needed of me to be able to be in this line of work.
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6 answers
Emily Flores Zevallos
photographer and receptionist
2
Answers
York, Pennsylvania
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi Adelie! I trust you're doing great. It would be a good idea to take a moment and research the place you're interested in applying to, as each location has its own set of requirements. Once you have that information, it will be much simpler to understand and start the process step by step. Wishing you all the best!
Kimberly Krebs
Corporate Security Manager
78
Answers
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Hello Adalie, you've asked a very common question. Some smaller police departments, due to limited funds or resources, may not provide a police academy. As a result, they often require their officers to already possess a police certification, which you can acquire through a larger department or a community college.
However, it seems like you're more inclined towards a department that offers its own academy. In this case, you would need to apply, typically online, and then wait to be contacted for an interview. If you succeed in the interview, you'll proceed to the next stages, which include a polygraph test, fingerprinting, a background check, and a physical fitness test.
Once you've successfully completed all these steps, you'll receive a contingent job offer and a spot in an academy class. A contingent offer implies that you'll be officially hired as a police officer upon successful completion of the academy.
Most police departments mandate 60 college credits, a bachelor's degree, or a military background. It's advisable to verify the specific requirements with the department that interests you.
There's no need for any particular knowledge or experience to be hired as a police officer, as they will provide you with all the necessary training and education. However, they do look for certain qualities in a candidate, such as good writing and communication skills, a personable nature, likability, and a level-headed temperament.
I recommend reaching out to the department you're interested in for further guidance. Best of luck!
Go on a ride-along with your local department
However, it seems like you're more inclined towards a department that offers its own academy. In this case, you would need to apply, typically online, and then wait to be contacted for an interview. If you succeed in the interview, you'll proceed to the next stages, which include a polygraph test, fingerprinting, a background check, and a physical fitness test.
Once you've successfully completed all these steps, you'll receive a contingent job offer and a spot in an academy class. A contingent offer implies that you'll be officially hired as a police officer upon successful completion of the academy.
Most police departments mandate 60 college credits, a bachelor's degree, or a military background. It's advisable to verify the specific requirements with the department that interests you.
There's no need for any particular knowledge or experience to be hired as a police officer, as they will provide you with all the necessary training and education. However, they do look for certain qualities in a candidate, such as good writing and communication skills, a personable nature, likability, and a level-headed temperament.
I recommend reaching out to the department you're interested in for further guidance. Best of luck!
Kimberly recommends the following next steps:
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
472
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Adalie,
Generally, each police department may have its own requirements, so I suggest you focus first on where you would like to be an officer. Are you aware that Decatur has a reserve police program, where you can learn about the police and ridealong once a month? That could be an excellent way to explore the career itself, plus would let you get more information on the requirements and preferences. This website has introductory information: https://decaturinpolice.com/interested-in-joining/ I wish you the best.
Generally, each police department may have its own requirements, so I suggest you focus first on where you would like to be an officer. Are you aware that Decatur has a reserve police program, where you can learn about the police and ridealong once a month? That could be an excellent way to explore the career itself, plus would let you get more information on the requirements and preferences. This website has introductory information: https://decaturinpolice.com/interested-in-joining/ I wish you the best.
Sigrid Yeh
1
Answer
Taipei, Taiwan
Updated
Sigrid’s Answer
Based on your country's specific needs, it might be necessary for you to enroll in certain courses at the Police Academy. This will provide you with the knowledge you need. It's a great opportunity to learn and grow!
Juanita Brown
Vendor operations specialist
21
Answers
Apopka, Florida
Updated
Juanita’s Answer
Hi Adalie!
I actually wanted to become a police officer when I was younger. The requirements vary from state to state so you will want to base this off of the state that you are in. I do know that in Georgia there is a peacer officer certification that must be passed! Be sure to research where you currently are.
Hope this helps, good luck to you!
I actually wanted to become a police officer when I was younger. The requirements vary from state to state so you will want to base this off of the state that you are in. I do know that in Georgia there is a peacer officer certification that must be passed! Be sure to research where you currently are.
Hope this helps, good luck to you!
Baljit Gill
tutor
28
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Baljit’s Answer
Hi Adalie,
To become a police officer you need to complete the necessary education and training. You need to complete high school and a degree (not required but highly recommended). Then you need to attend the police academy after a lengthy interview process. The interview has a physical, references, lie detector test and interviewing with numerous officers (rankings highly). There is also a state law enforcement exam to pass.
To become a police officer you need to complete the necessary education and training. You need to complete high school and a degree (not required but highly recommended). Then you need to attend the police academy after a lengthy interview process. The interview has a physical, references, lie detector test and interviewing with numerous officers (rankings highly). There is also a state law enforcement exam to pass.