How to Become a Police Officer

Some of the candidates make the decision of becoming a police officer at a young age while others decide about making a career in this occupation later in life. In both the cases, candidates should consider the tough competition that a career as a police officer involves. Though a law enforcement career brings multiple challenges, the occupation also brings a lot of satisfaction. If you have a strong sense of duty have a keen interest in serving the society, becoming a police officer can be a good idea. Read on to equip yourself with some essential career information.

 

What are the job duties of a police officer?
Local government is the largest employer for police officers. Others are employed state and federal agencies. All the officers work towards a common goal - providing protection to people's lives and property. Depending on the type and size of the agency or the organization, officers perform their responsibilities in several ways. Due to higher salaries, competition for state and federal agency policing jobs is tougher. Better employment opportunities are available with local police agencies and in urban communities.

 

Police agencies are divided on the basis of geographical districts. Each agency has a specific geographical district to control. These agencies are provided with uniformed police officers who have a wide range of job duties to perform. Some of these job responsibilities include investigating robbery cases, directing traffic at accident spots, providing first aid to accident victims etc.

 

Police officers have specialized work responsibilities to perform in large departments. Specialized duties may include microscopic analysis, fingerprint identification, firearms instruction and training among others. Apart from specialized job duties, there are specialize police unites as well. These may include horseback patrol, motorcycle patrol, harbor patrol etc. Some officers are employed in courts to perform jail related duties. Police officers are required to maintain meticulous record of cases they handle.

 

At all levels of policing occupation, law enforcement officers have job titles according to their specialization.

 

Sheriff
State Trooper
Detective
Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent
US Marshall
US Drug Enforcement Administration
Department of Homeland Security Officer

 

Steps to Follow for Becoming a Police Officer

 

Step #1. Candidates should complete the required education. The level of education you need will depend on the level at which you aspire to work. At least an associate degree or a bachelor degree is required to kick-start career in the law enforcement occupation. Those who wish to work with federal and state police agencies should possess a college degree. To become an FBI agent, candidates will need to acquire a graduate degree from an accredited law school or college. There are several colleges and universities offering degree programs in criminal justice to become a police officer.

 

Step #2. To become a police officer, candidates need to be physically fit. Participation in organized sports can help candidates and prepare them for a career as a police officer. Physical fitness is important to perform your job duties efficiently.

 

Step #3. Candidates will also go through a background check for consideration. Those who have a history of drug offenses, traffic violations and similar convictions will be rejected for the job position. Therefore, it is important to have a clean background.

 

Step #4. Every time there are openings in the police departments, civil service examinations are conducted. Applicants will need to pass this written examination, aside from a physical examination to test the candidate's stamina, vision and hearing. Study guides and classes can help students prepare for the civil service examination.

 

Step #5. After successfully passing the examination, candidates will be required to join a police academy for a training period of 3-4 months. Training will include classroom instructions, fire arms safety control, first aid procedures, self defense techniques, physical training etc.