Tips to Become a Police Officer
A career in law enforcement is highly rewarding and full of opportunity to qualified individuals. LAPD alone has over 200 job opportunities ranging from the K9 unit to the bomb squad. Despite the number of job openings available, it takes a special breed of individual to actually become a cop. It takes a lot of commitment, sacrifice and hard work, money shouldn't be your prime objective why you want to join, it should be that desire to serve and protect the citizens of our great country.
The follow are just some tips for those of you who are thinking of joining any law enforcement agency:
For more information about the steps to becoming a police officer, visit our website. We have a lot of free information about the different topics in law enforcement training online that includes a state by state how to guide for perspective candidates.
The follow are just some tips for those of you who are thinking of joining any law enforcement agency:
- The most important factor that will determine your success is the person you are looking at the mirror. What are your reasons for joining? Is it the fast lifestyle you see on TV? Is it the money (or above average salary)? Is it the power that it brings the individual? Or is it your passion to serve and assist other people. Your motives will determine your success. If you have the right motivation on why you want to join the police or any law enforcement agency, chances are you will be successful because when the going gets tough (yes it's gonna be tough!) you'll find that extra gear that will help you make it over the top.
- Stay out of trouble with the law and keep your nose clean. Law enforcement agencies puts a premium on high moral standards with their police officers and other agents of the law. They want the citizens in their city or county to have confidence in them to help them maintain peace and order in the community. If you have been convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, DUI or DWI, you will be automatically disqualified from joining the force. If you have been caught with illegal drugs, that also can be a grounds for disqualification so be careful. If you have any dirty laundry hidden it will be picked up in the background investigation, yes it is that thorough.
- Maintain a good credit score. This may sound odd but it goes with what the law enforcement agencies' goal of high moral values among it's ranks. If you're finishing high school try to save up and open a account with a local bank that can be a good start. Avoid making loans that you cannot afford to pay. Avoid a high spending lifestyle and find ways to save. If you have a credit card, make it a point to pay the whole amount on time to avoid interest rates pilling up, the 1-2% interest per month may sound small but it adds up over time.
- If you have the opportunity to get a college degree go get it. Although a lot of police departments require only a high school diploma, you'll give yourself a leg up against other candidates with a college degree related to law enforcement like criminal justice. You'll have an opportunity to have a higher starting salary with our opportunities down the road. Maybe a career in a federal or homeland security agency.
- Pass the three tests you will take - the written, oral interview and physical test. Review guides are available for written and the oral interview either in the agency you are applying to or through a third party vendor for a fee. But it is a worth while investment because it will help you prepare for the test.
- Be in great physical shape so that you can pass the physical test.
- During the written exam and oral interview be early, it shows the higher ups that you are serious about this career. Before the exam get a good nights sleep and do not cram!.
For more information about the steps to becoming a police officer, visit our website. We have a lot of free information about the different topics in law enforcement training online that includes a state by state how to guide for perspective candidates.