Let's Consider The Prerequisites To Be A Police Officer

Posted by The Popular News Today on Wednesday, October 3, 2012

By Randy Jetterson


Because of the escalating terrorist threats in this country and overseas, the law enforcement industry has been rapidly expanding having a growth rate ranging from 8% to 21% dependant upon the market. Together with the need, there will be plenty of applicants and level of competition is very stiff as you would expect. Getting in will demand that you be well prepared both mentally and physically because only the finest would make the cut. Here are the the steps you need to accomplish to allow you to get ready for the challenging road ahead.

Listed here are the basic steps to become a cop:

1. Get the right education

Despite the fact that a high school or a GED will be sufficient in order to meet the qualifications, a growing number of law enforcement agencies happen to be angling towards prospects who have a degree in public administration, political science or criminal justice or possibly a similar program.

2. Be in great physical condition

Being a police officer is tough because while you patrol the neighborhoods, your own life may possibly be dependent upon how in shape you really are. Additionally it is a key factor between arresting an alleged crook or letting them get away. It isn't only challenging physically but mentally also due to the stress that comes with law enforcement work. Make sure you develop an exercise program to enable you to be in shape, not only working out but you also need to eat right.

In the process of the steps required to become a cop, you're going to attempt a physical test intended to look at how good a shape you actually are, envision stepping into a boot camp by which authorities will push you to your boundaries, so you've got to get ready with this.

3. Submit an application to the agency that you like

Right after choosing the agency you would like to become a member of, be sure you gather all of the necessary requirements and fill up the application. After the application is acknowledged, candidates are going to be placed in a pool of qualified applicants. Following step will be the requirement to successfully pass a series of tests - written, oral and physical examinations. Upon finishing all these tests, the prospect goes through an intensive criminal history check which includes a polygraph exam to ensure all the details they wrote in the application holds true.

4. Getting into the police training academy

Hence, after concluding all the requirements in the previous steps, the prospect goes thru more training inside of the academy. The curriculums are made up of a mixture of practical and instructional classes which will further develop the appropriate skills needed by a future police officer. Courses in the police academy quite often will last anywhere between six to twelve months without any vacation aside from holidays. Potential police officers shall be properly trained in many different protocols and laws they will execute as a peace officer. They will undertake quite a few training courses to help them get ready with their job down the road.

5. Real world training with a field training officer

Soon after graduating from the academy, officers will move through field training in which they will be taught the basics of police work. After a couple of weeks, they will be all on your own, so be sure you pay attention to your FTO and soak up just as much as you are able to. Bust your tail and obtain even more training as needed when you are qualified for it. This could be also a stepping stone to much more attractive options in various organizations such as the FBI or Secret Service.




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