what course do i need to become a police officer

• Military training: The time required depends upon the commitment to service; this might be anywhere from a few years to a few decades
• Police training academy: Up to one year
• Associate in Law Enforcement: Two years of full-time study
• Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement: Four years of full-time study
• Master’s in Law Enforcement: One to three years of full-time study

Full Answer

What subjects do you need to study to become a police officer?

Oct 20, 2021 · Prospective police officers must have at least a high school diploma or GED and be 21 years old before entering a police academy training program. Training in the police academy includes classroom learning as well as physical fitness exercises.

What classes to take in college to become a police officer?

Oct 20, 2021 · Police officers must first earn a high school diploma or GED before they can then receive training at a police academy. Some police officers complete degree programs in law enforcement or criminal justice as well, which can be helpful for career advancement.

What training do you need to become a police officer?

Basic requirements for becoming a police officer include a high school diploma or GED, some post-secondary education or a degree and completion of police academy training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, to become a police officer, you need to be a U.S. citizen 21 years old or older. You must pass both physical and written exams.

Do I need a college degree to become a police officer?

Feb 22, 2021 · To become a police officer, you must complete the following steps: Complete the necessary education. Meet other minimum requirements. Pass the law enforcement exam. Graduate from the police academy. Gain experience as an officer. 1. Complete necessary education To pursue this career path, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED.

How to Become a Police Officer

Police officers enforce the laws of a community and ensure the safety of citizens and property. While there is no degree needed to be a police officer, some police departments prefer applicants who have taken at least some college courses for future police officers or who have completed police officer certification.

Education Requirements for Police Officers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), prospective police officers must meet certain minimum physical, mental, and legal requirements to be considered for employment ( www.bls.gov ).

Career Outlook

The BLS reported that police and sheriff's patrol officer jobs were predicted to increase by six percent from 2019-2029. Applicants who speak a second language or who have prior law enforcement or military experience will have access to the best work opportunities.

What is the noblest calling?

One of the noblest callings you can answer is that of protecting your community, and one of the most direct ways of doing that is by becoming a police officer. Those who aspire to work in the criminal justice field will find a variety of settings to explore, in addition to that of being a patrol officer, including security, forensic science, ...

What are the areas of criminal justice?

Criminal justice programs are likely to provide competencies in areas relevant to police officers nationwide, including courtroom procedures, security, surveillance, anti-terrorism and Homeland Security, gangs and organized crime, juvenile justice, and border security. Among your core subjects, you would most likely be required to take courses such ...

What degree do police officers need?

While some future police officers take courses in pre-law, most seek an associate's degree in criminal justice. As with most fields, higher education can make a difference in the criminal justice field when it comes to attaining advancement and higher pay. You may not always want to work as a patrol officer, so an investment in college can pay ...

What jobs require a bachelor's degree?

Bachelor's degrees are usually needed for jobs at the federal level, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the FBI. Increasingly, bachelor's degrees are in greater demand for promotions to detective, police supervisor, and fish and game warden.

Is ECPI University a website?

The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.

How do I become a police officer?

Generally speaking, the training process for aspiring police officers follows two routes: 1 Completing training by earning a two- or four-year degree in Criminal Justice or similar field from a Peace Officer Standings and Training (POST)-certified college or university, or 2 Completing training through a government-approved police academy or training program.

How often do police officers train?

In addition, active officers are required to train annually in use of force and once every five years in emergency vehicle operations/pursuit driving. Specialized training may also be directed by your police department based on federal and local needs.

What tests do police officers take?

Prior to becoming a police officer, law enforcement agencies will likely evaluate recruits for psychological stability and mental fitness. These psych tests vary, but generally include lengthy written exams and possibly a one-on-one interview with a psychologist.

How many hours of continuing education do you need to renew your police license?

For example, Minnesota police officer requirements mandate a minimum of 48 hours of continuing education within the three-year licensing period in order to maintain their license.

What is the post exam?

But generally speaking, most POST exams cover topics like: practical application and techniques, civil and criminal law, community policing, victims’ rights and management and communication. By passing this capstone exam, you are licensed to become a police officer and enforce the law in your jurisdiction. You are now free to seek employment ...

Do police officers have to be college educated?

The requirements for this step will vary substantially depending on the state in which you plan on becoming a police officer. Some states do not require their officers to be college-educated, even if they may prefer it.

Is it necessary to become a police officer?

While the steps to becoming a police officer may seem lengthy, completing them is absolutely necessary if you want to achieve the fulfilling career you’ve set your sights on. And a good law enforcement program will help you navigate the process.

Police Officer Requirements

Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining peace within communities. There are several key requirements to become a police officer:

How Do You Become a Police Officer?

You may have wondered, 'How do I become a police officer?' Here are five steps you need in order to achieve this:

Education and Career Advancement

There are a wide variety of opportunities for police officers to continue their education or advance their career. Continuing education can occur in the form of seminars or training courses through a police department or other organizations.

What are the requirements to become a police officer?

Basic requirements for becoming a police officer include a high school diploma or GED, some post-secondary education or a degree and completion of police academy training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, to become a police officer, you need to be a U.S. citizen 21 years old or older.

How long does it take to become a police officer?

Training through a police academy takes, on average, around 19 weeks and may include an additional period of mandatory field training on top of that.

How do police officers maintain the safety of others?

Police officers maintain the safety of others by making sure laws are upheld and criminals are apprehended. These law enforcement professionals receive specialized training through post-secondary education and police academies. Read on to learn specific requirements for becoming a police officer. View Schools.

Can a felony disqualify you from a job?

A felony record may disqualify you as an applicant. Depending on specific job requirements, you may need to hold a driver's license and have a good driving record as well.

What is the purpose of classroom training for police officers?

In classroom training, future police officers gain an overview of law enforcement as a whole, including laws and regulations, criminal investigation methods, arrest and detainment procedures, as well as the various approaches to policing and public safety.

Why do police officers need a background check?

Background check: Aspiring police officers must pass a criminal background check to ensure they have not committed any major crimes or offenses.

What do future police officers do?

In the field, future officers practice defense tactics, administrative duties, properly using a firearm, handling hazardous materials, vehicle operations and the proper use of force. Additionally, they may be required to interact with the public as well as simulate common or complex scenarios to practice problem-solving, investigation and decision-making skills.

What is a CPR certification?

With this kind of certification, a police officer will know how to address minor injuries and administer CPR.

What are the requirements for a police officer?

Psychological evaluation: Police officers are required to make challenging decisions in high-pressure situations , which requires sound mental health.

What are the different types of police officers?

After completing the training academy, you can establish clear professional goals to become a certain type of officer or to work in a specific department on a force. Some potential paths include: 1 Detective 2 K-9 Officer 3 State Police Officer 4 Highway Patrol Officer 5 Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs

What do you need to be a law enforcement officer?

If there is a certain field of law enforcement you'd like to work in, such as narcotics or arson, you could complete the necessary education, training and examinations to earn a certification.

What are the similarities between community colleges and trade schools?

Community colleges are similar to trade and vocational schools in that their curriculum is more oriented toward real world knowledge and skills and less on theory. In addition to college degrees in fields useful for police officers, like criminal justice, community colleges may also have special law enforcement programs that provide similar training to what cadets at a police academy would receive. These law enforcement training programs can sometimes be combined with other coursework so graduates will finish with an associate degree. The disadvantage is that obtaining this training and degree may cost more than going to a dedicated police academy, vocational, or trade school.

What is the minimum training a police officer must take?

Law enforcement school . Law enforcement school, or a police academy, is the bare minimum training a future police officer must take. At the police academy you will learn the rules, procedures, and skills a police officer uses on a day-to-day basis.

What is the post exam for police?

In order to work as a police officer, aspiring applicants must pass the Peace Officer Standards and Training or Police Officer Standards and Training exam. Commonly known as the POST exam, this is required for each state except Hawaii (though some states might allow passing of an equivalent examination instead).

How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in law enforcement?

It takes four years of full-time study to earn the bachelor’s degree and it provides ample opportunity for advancement in a police officer position, It is also the required academic credential to move into law enforcement at the federal level.

What degree do police officers need?

For police officer positions that require a college education, this is one of the most popular degree paths, and for good reason. It provides a college degree and teaches not only subject matter in law enforcement, but also requires general education courses to create a well-rounded curriculum.

What do police officers learn in field training?

Field training is where the most “fun” takes place. Cadets will learn the skills and techniques that most people think of when they imagine a police officer’s work. Skills include firearms training, patrol procedures, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operation, emergency first aid, and physical fitness training.

What do cadets learn in the classroom?

The classroom curriculum will focus on a variety of subjects, ranging from the law itself to administrative and department procedures. Cadets will also learn not just what the law is, but how to apply it in the real world. For example, a police officer may know that probable cause is required for a warrant to conduct a search, but what about the exceptions where a warrant isn’t needed? Or what should the officer do or say if an individual contests the validity of the warrant? Much of this classroom training will be necessary before field training can take place or to put the hands-on skills into context.

What license do police officers need?

Police officers must have CPR and first aid certification and be skilled in the use and care of firearms. A driver's license is required, and in some cases, a special motorcycle license will be required.

What does a police officer do?

Officers respond to calls regarding crime or disturbances and take necessary action, conduct investigations, collect evidence, make arrests, testify in court, issue citations and complete reports/forms and routine paperwork. Police ensure public safety and aid in emergency situations including fire, medical and search and rescue.

What are the skills required to be a police officer?

What skills are required to be a successful police officer? 1 Interpersonal skills 2 Empathy and compassion for others 3 Effective communication (speaking another language is helpful!) 4 Clear and concise writing 5 Critical thinking and problem-solving skills 6 The ability to remain calm 7 Working knowledge of public safety software/systems 8 Understanding of regulatory reporting requirements 9 Good physical condition

How long does it take to become a police officer?

It typically takes a total of 2 and a half to 4 and a half years to become a police officer. This includes college coursework, police academy curriculum, and other training.

Do police officers have to have thick skin?

Police officers are subject to a lot of difficult situations when people are killed or injured that may have an emotional impact on them. The public does not always treat police officers with the respect they deserve so an officer needs to develop a thick skin.

What are the tests required to become a police officer?

This consists of physical, mental, emotional, psychological and medical tests. There are also other kinds of tests involved to see if you are fit for the job. You are then accepted into the police academy where you are taught a variety of skills required for the job. After graduating, you are a licensed law enforcer.

What are the different fields of police?

These fields include Arson Investigator, Crime Scene Technician, Criminal Investigator, Narcotic Investigator , and many others. You can get more information about these specializations.

Why do police officers need to analyze computers?

This is because you will be able to speed up the investigation process.

What happens after graduating from law school?

After graduating, you are a licensed law enforcer. However, you are put on a short lease called the probation period. To know more about how to become a police officer, please refer to the other articles on our website.

Do police officers need a gun license?

However, in other states, you are required to buy a gun of your own and earn a license for it. It is our understanding that it is relatively easy for police officers to get a gun license. You might also need additional licenses for guns of a higher caliber.

Can a police officer carry a gun?

As a police officer, you are allotted an on-duty weapon. This weapon you are free to carry almost anywhere except a few courthouses, prisons or federal establishments. When you are off-duty, the story changes a bit. Some states allow the officer to carry his or her own on-duty pistol, while off-duty.

Do police academy instructors certify you?

As a part of your training in the police academy, you are taught how to provide first aid. However, they do not certify you. If you want, you could choose to complete a more comprehensive course of first aid and thus achieve a certification for it. This will be useful for other jobs as well later in your life.