Top Criminal Justice Schools

1. Strayer University Online Click for Recommended Degree Program
2. Everest University Online Click for Recommended Degree Program
3. Liberty University Online Click for Recommended Degree Program

How to Become a Police Officer

The job of the police officer is one of the most personally and financially rewarding jobs that you can have, although many aspiring officers are confused about how to become a police officer. Therefore, they do not become qualified for the job and miss the opportunity. The task of how to become a police officer requires a few prerequisites that involve personality traits, education, and physical capabilities. Once you have met the prerequisites, you can gain employment with a law enforcement agency as an entry-level police officer. As you gain experience, you will have opportunities to secure higher-ranking positions and if you choose, eventually move up to premier government level law enforcement positions, such as homeland security or Secret Service agent.

How to Become Police Officer Personality Traits

When looking into how to become a police officer, you must first take a good look at yourself, including an analysis of how well you handle stressful situations and conflict. If you are the type of person that holds up well under immense pressure and is not afraid of confronting somebody, then police work may be right for you. On the other hand, if you buckle under pressure and are unable to function when it really counts, then this type of work is not going to be a good match for you. Police officers are under an unbelievable amount of stress each day because they deal with the worst people in society. In addition, police officers constantly look over their shoulders and running what-if scenarios in their minds. Police officers constantly watch for illegal activity in they are in the middle of a large crowd. They must prepare an exit-strategy that will prevent them from incurring serious injuries. If you can handle dangerous situations with grace, your personality will be an asset to the law enforcement community.

Education

There are numerous routes you can take in your quest of how to become a police officer. The route that takes the least amount of time is earning a two-year associate’s degree in criminal justice. With this degree, you can begin working as an entry-level police officer or corrections officer. This program provides you with the basic knowledge needed in areas such as law, corrections and psychology, and history of law enforcement. You must understand the implications of following the United States Constitution.

After working in you entry-level police officer job for a while, you can go back to school and earn your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. This four-year undergraduate degree program takes longer than earning an associate’s degree. However, a bachelor’s degree is the most widely accepted degree throughout the law enforcement field. Once you earn a bachelor’s degree, you will be eligible to continue your education and earn a master’s degree. This program will take an additional two years to complete. You will gain unlimited promotion opportunities by earning a master’s degree in criminal justice.

You can complete all of the degree programs in a distance education format, where you have the ability to attend all of your classes online. You never have to attend class. Instead, you log in when it is convenient for you. In addition, through the various accredited online colleges that offer degrees in criminal justice, you will also be able to enjoy the same financial aid benefits as any other college or university. For instance, you will be able to qualify for federally funded financial aid packages. Many people have taken the online education route when they wanted to learn how to become a police officer.

Police Academy Training

Police academy training is different from the training you receive throughout your college education. While there is some book work required, most of the training provided will to enhance your physical capabilities. In order to be a successful police officer, you must be in good physical condition, since there will be times when you must be able to run, jump, and fight to apprehend an accused criminal. The training you receive at the police academy will ensure that you are physically ready for this type of work.

Once you have determined that you have the personality traits recommended, required degree, and police academy training, you have completed the requirements of how to become a police officer for most jurisdictions. With the training you have received, you will be fully prepared to enter into this fast-paced career, with the skills and knowledge needed to become successful and surpass all of your career goals.