How to become a police officer

To safeguard American society and its citizens, police officers take it upon themselves to enforce local and national laws as a means of ensuring peace and order. Generally, police officers are responsible for responding to both emergency and non-emergency calls while regularly patrolling their specific jurisdiction checking that laws are being adhered to. As first responders, they often place themselves in harm’s way, positioning themselves between criminals and the citizens they protect.

Police officers are ultimately responsible for a wide range of tasks that can vary from day to day, but their duties typically include the following:

• Patrolling neighborhoods to prevent unlawful acts
• Engaging in community outreach to offer services related to public safety
• Arresting suspects, gathering evidence, testifying in court
• Responding to calls and documenting interactions with suspects and witnesses

Police officers play numerous roles on a local, state, and national level, all of which focus around preventing crime and protecting citizens. Once in the position, police officers are tasked with controlling traffic, issuing citations, conducting preliminary investigations, preparing field notes, arresting and processing criminals, testifying in court, as well as other essential duties that help safeguard their assigned community.

Becoming employed as a police officer provides various benefits and, while there are risks that come with the job, there are numerous advantages to help counter any challenges that may arise. Since police officers are needed at every level of law enforcement from local to national, there are no geographic constraints. Every day on patrol is also unpredictable due to the wide variety of tasks and duties, which limits a monotonous daily schedule. The personal satisfaction that arises from protecting citizens and communities can be a positive motivating factor for many in this job.

Police officers are required to serve their community, safeguard lives and property, protect the innocent, maintain peace, and provide justice and liberty for all.

The BLS predicts a 5% job growth for this professional until 2029, which is a higher-than-average growth rate for all other occupations. However, this demand does depend on location, as budgets provided by local and state governments can impact the number of available positions. Despite the unknown influence of governmental budgets, communities continue to demand an increase in officers, even when crime rates fall. This demand for police officers is predicted to continue to rise, thereby providing professional stability.

One of the most crucial characteristics a police officer must have is the ability to perform their duties impartially. They must be able to enforce laws without allowing sex, race, religion, or political affiliations to impact their responses. Officers must maintain their integrity to effectively carry out their duties or risk losing their standing in the community and thereby becoming ineffective. Police officers are required to serve their community, safeguard lives and property, protect the innocent, maintain peace, and provide justice and liberty for all.

What does a police officer do?

Respond to emergency calls

When someone needs immediate assistance, the police typically answer the call and arrive at the scene first. Emergency calls can range from violent crimes to noise complaints, and as a result,  police officers require the ability to quickly adapt to any given situation.

Patrol neighborhoods

When not responding directly to emergency calls, police officers patrol an assigned neighborhood for reasons that vary from the regulation of traffic to protecting lives and property.

Write citations

A citation is a directive given to an individual by an officer that typically requires the person to appear in court to answer for an alleged misdemeanor or infraction. If found guilty of a misdemeanor, there is the possibility of incarceration, whereas an infraction usually carries a fine.

Deliver warrants

Once a judge determines if there is enough evidence that suggests an individual has committed a crime, they issue an arrest warrant, which authorizes the police to arrest the individual identified in the warrant.

Arrest and process criminals

Once a police officer is called to the scene and makes an arrest, they must escort the alleged criminal back to the police department for processing. This consists of entering the charges regarding the crime the individual allegedly committed.

Testify in a law court

Police officers are often asked to testify in court for reasons that can range from moving violations to more intense violent crimes where the officer intervened.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a police officer

Step 1: Education

Becoming a police officer does not require post-secondary education; in fact, a high school diploma is typically all the formal education that is needed. Note, while associate’s and bachelor’s degrees are not obligatory, they can provide the officer with a competitive edge compared to those who have not earned a post-secondary degree.

Step 2: Entrance exam

Prior to being accepted into a police academy, potential officers are required to pass an entrance exam. Police academies have different requirements depending on location. Consequently, entrance exams can differ from one jurisdiction to the next. The written portion of the exam focuses on testing the applicant’s math, reading, language, and writing skills. Most police departments also require candidates pass a psychological, physical, and polygraph test.

Step 3: Pass interview

During the oral interview, applicants are assessed on their communication skills, comprehension of the law, and their evaluation of various scenarios. This provides the opportunity for an oral review board to determine the competency and capability of the prospective officer.

Step 4: Graduate from a police academy

Upon completion of the entrance exam and interview, trainees need to attend the police academy. The academy typically consists of training in first aid, emergency response, firearm usage, traffic control, and self-defense. Officers complete coursework that teaches them local and state laws, constitutional law, civil rights, and police ethics. Training can take up to 6 months and is recognized as forming the foundation to the process of becoming a police officer.

Step 5: Complete field training

An important step in their professional development, field training provides new police officers with practical experience of law enforcement. In addition, police officers develop an understanding of the professional culture of the agency they work for. Field training is generally for 12-18 weeks, and in this period officers participate in active duty under the tutelage of a field training officer.

Education and training

Associate degree in criminal justice

The majority of associate programs for criminal justice require the completion of 60-68 credits and include the following coursework:

• Criminology – Provides information that focuses on the examination of psychological, sociological, and moral issues that influence criminal behavior
• Criminal justice ethics – Coursework revolves around how principles of ethics and morality impact the criminal justice and court systems
• Police Studies – Delves into foundational aspects of the policing system by providing an overview of law enforcement history, crime patters, and the advancement of police procedures

Programs usually provide courses that focus on criminal law, law enforcement, and community relations. Outside of the core courses, students are often also provided with certification options within areas of study such as corrections or forensics. Some associate programs are offered online.

Skills acquired

Throughout the course of an associate program in criminal justice, students develop various essential skills such as:

• problem solving
• critical thinking
• active listening
• time management
• ethical leadership

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice typically requires 120 credits to complete and includes the following coursework:

• Criminal justice system – Focuses on an analysis of the rights of citizens and how communities play a role in reducing and preventing crime in conjunction with local law enforcement
• Criminology – Provides the impact that society and social structures have on crime while learning various methods on how to reduce crime
• Service learning – Details how participating in public affairs and local government can help communities limit criminal behavior
• Ethical dilemmas – Examines the dilemmas currently faced by law enforcement and how ethics can aid in positive reformations
• Forensic science – Explores best practices regarding handing a crime scene and evaluating evidence

Skills acquired

After earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, graduates developed various skills that include the following:

• critical thinking
• personal ethics
• effective leadership
• effective communication
• analysis of evidence/suspects/witnesses

Why get a degree before starting the Police Academy?

Prior to applying to a police academy, some applicants choose to earn an advanced degree. In doing so, prospective officers may increase their chance of attaining a leadership role, improving their earning potential, and expand their opportunities to pursue various positions within law enforcement.

What can you expect to learn in a police academy?

To be accepted into a police academy, applicants must initially pass a written exam that tests their aptitude regarding their skills in math, reading, language, and writing. They also must pass a fitness test and psychological screening. While the specifics change depending on the location of the academy, applicants are fundamentally tested on the same skills:

• Must be at least 18 (21 in some states) and have earned at least a GED
• Drug screening

Physical exam

• running: 1.5 miles
• push-ups: depends upon applicant’s age/gender (average range – 14-37)
• sit-ups: depends upon applicant’s age/gender (average range – 13-37)
• bench press: depends upon applicant’s body weight
• vertical jump: depends upon applicant’s age/gender (average 11.5 – 21.5 inches)
• agility: activities that mimic chasing a suspect

Psychological evaluation

• Psychological evaluation which generally includes a written exam and a session with a psychologist to assess mental stability. This can also include a polygraph test to confirm answers providing throughout the application process.

Licensing exam

• Pass licensing exam: Although each state does have its own licensing board, exam generally includes topics such as civil and criminal law, community policing, victim’s rights, and communication.

Upon admission, prospective police officers are instructed both in the classroom and in the field for approximately 6-8 months of intensive training that includes the following:

• Physical fitness
• running
• weight lifting
• sit ups and push ups
• calisthenics
• Techniques
• self defense
• use of non-lethal tools
• use of firearms
• marksmanship
• emergency vehicle operation

Coursework

• role of law enforcement
• law and the media
• use of force
• ethics
• decision making

Upon completion of the training, trainees can apply for full-time positions where they will participate in field training.

Field training

Within the police academy individuals are trained in a controlled environment, with field training encompassing actual field work that takes place in the real world where each action has a consequence. The recruit is assigned to an experienced police officer who guides them through their field training for around 12-18 weeks. The field training officer’s evaluation at the end of this period determines if the rookie is ready for independent work or if remediation is needed.

What are the differences between a police officer, detective, SWAT team member, and sheriff?

Within law enforcement, they are various positions that provide a range of opportunities within the law enforcement field. Although many of the positions are fundamentally similar, the roles within law enforcement can include a wide-range of responsibilities and require specific academic and professional backgrounds.

What tools do police officers use?

• Bulletproof vest – Protects officers from gunshot wounds to the chest and is worn when they are on active patrol or in a high-stakes situation.
• Drones – Surveillance technology that provides police departments with the ability to provide aerial images to monitor and/or track criminal behavior.
• Mace or pepper spray – Aerosol containing chemicals that when sprayed can cause burning, tears, and pain when sprayed in someone’s face. Pepper spray is typically used as self-defense or in a scenario where lethal measures are not warranted to hinder illegal actions.
• TASER gun – Causes an electrical current to surge through an individual, often leading to incapacitation. Officers use TASER guns as a non-lethal measure to disable an individual who is committing a dangerous or illegal act.
• Handcuffs – Restrains suspected criminals so they cannot escape custody. Handcuffs are typically used at the scene of the alleged crime as well as in areas where the arrested individual might be a danger to others.

Additional career progression

Police detective / SWAT officer / K9 officer (lateral movement)

• Step 1: Earn a degree in criminal justice, criminology, or another related position
• Step 2: Enroll in a police academy
• Step 3: Complete field training
• Step 4: Focus on gaining experience in the desired position as a police officer (1-3 years)
• Step 5: Take the appropriate certification exam
• Step 6: Fulfill local certification requirements if necessary

Sergeant

• Step 1: Earn a degree in criminal justice, criminology, or another related position
• Step 2: Enroll in a police academy
• Step 3: Complete field training
• Step 4: Work as a police officer for 5-10 years

Lieutenant / captain

• Step 1: Earn a degree in criminal justice, criminology, or another related position
• Step 2: Enroll in a police academy
• Step 3: Complete field training
• Step 4: Work as a police officer for 5-10 years
• Step 5: Apply for promotion after 1-2 years

Majors, lieutenant colonels, commanders, assistant chiefs

• Step 1: Earn a degree in criminal justice, criminology, or another related position
• Step 2: Enroll in a police academy
• Step 3: Complete field training
• Step 4: Work as a police officer for 5-7 years
• Step 5: Consider completing a master’s program in criminal justice
• Step 6: Apply for promotion after 1-2 years

Police chief

• Step 1: Earn a degree in criminal justice, criminology, or another related position
• Step 2: Enroll in a police academy
• Step 3: Complete field training
• Step 4: Work as a police officer for 5-7 years with 3 years in police administration
• Step 5: Complete master’s program in criminal justice
• Step 6: Earn certification in law enforcement training