what course to take to become a police

^Education

• High school diploma- No matter what branch of law enforcement you go into, a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement. ...
• College courses- While not all local law enforcement agencies require college courses, some do. ...
• Civil Service Exam- This is a requirement for every police officer. Before you can be hired as a police officer, you must pass a civil service exam. ...
• Police Academy- Yes, it’s real, and it’s nothing like what is portrayed on TV. After you are hired, it’s likely that you will be enrolled in the police academy. ...
• Promotion- You should begin as a uniformed police officer after graduating from the Academy. ...

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

A high school diploma is the minimum educational prerequisite to become a police officer. The College Board, an organization that connects students with educational opportunities, suggests that future law enforcement officers take classes in math, science and psychology while in high school (www.collegeboard.com).

What is the best degree for becoming a police officer?

• An associate’s degree or the equivalent amount of college credits (60). An associate’s degree is an undergraduate course of study typically completed at a community college or junior college. ...
• A bachelor’s or baccalaureate degree or the equivalent amount of college credits (120). ...
• A master’s degree or graduate certificate. ...

What are the educational requirements to become a police officer?

• Citizenship Requirement Agencies often require applicants to be U.S. ...
• Minimum / Maximum Age Requirement While most agencies require you to be 21 by academy graduation date, some take cadets as young as 18. ...
• Education Requirement Most agencies expect officers to have a high school diploma or GED at a minimum. ...

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

^{College Classes Needed for Police Officer Requirements}

1. English 101. It seems like a basic class, and that’s more or less its purpose. ...
2. Introduction to Criminal Justice. This class is among the basic requirements to declare a criminal justice major at schools conferring both associate and bachelor’s degrees in the field.
3. Criminology 101. This class builds off a student’s understanding of law enforcement after an introductory class in criminal justice.
4. Introductions to Corrections. Introduction to corrections emphasizes the aftermath of an arrest and provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the American jailing system.

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 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 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.

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.

What Makes Lauriers Police Studies Degree Different

Laurier is recognized by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development as one of the strongest schools for crime, justice and police degrees in Canada.

North Carolina Police Jobs Outlook

The outlook for cops in North Carolina is positive.

Ensure A Career As A Police Officer Is Right For You

As with any job, its important to take a hard look at what the position requires to determine whether the career path is really right for you.

The Application Process For Police Officer Candidates

It isnt easy becoming a police officer. Potential candidates need to go through a stringent application process designed to weed out those who dont have what it takes to become outstanding police officers.

Job Outlook And Salary

With respect to job outlook, the rate of employment growth in this field is expected to increase at a rate of 5% between 2012 and 2022, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . The importance of public safety necessitates that there will always be demand for police officers.

Importance Of Physical Education

Make no mistake, police officers spend hours at their desks writing reports, documenting crime incidents and researching cases. But police officers must be ready to spring into action any moment, which may involve running, climbing or grappling with an uncooperative suspect. Many high schools ask students to complete one or two years of P.E.

Municipal Police Force Salaries & Benefits

In comparison to the federal police force, the municipal police agencies offer slightly higher salaries.

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 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 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 are the advantages and disadvantages of going to the law enforcement academy?

The advantage of going straight to the academy is that it’s the fastest route to the training necessary to serve in law enforcement. The disadvantage is that you won’t receive the in-depth theoretical training and general education experience you’d get if you obtained a college degree.