When it comes to being a police officer, there's no magic degree that qualifies you for the field. Instead, there are a number of different education tracks you can take that will qualify you for a position in law enforcement.
Criminal justice, accounting, information technology, computer science, foreign languages, and law programs are all good options. Taking first aid classes, self defense, psychical education courses, and health classes may also be useful, depending on the type of career you plan to pursue.
Training to be a Police Officer
Many positions in law enforcement require at least a couple of years of college, and most require a bachelor’s degree. Some departments do take recruits directly out of high school, but these recruits generally work as cadets in the offices during the first few years of their careers.
The education required to get a job in a police department comes mostly from courses at a police academy and from on-the-job training. The academy courses are typically run by the department and usually last a few months, giving an officer all the training he or she needs to begin working in the field.
Once they’ve completed the academy, officers continue to learn while on the job. Most new police officers are partnered with a senior officer and mentored by him or her during their first few years of service.
Because of the physically demanding aspects of the job, a police officer must also be in good shape. Generally, prospective police officers must pass physicals in order to enter the academy. Once you’re on the force, you should exercise regularly and stay in good health. Police officers may need to run, lift people or heavy objects, and restrain criminals. Participating in sports is one way to keep your body in prime condition and prepared for the rigors of police work.
While the classes and training at the academy can prepare future police officers for their duties, there are several other qualifications that are outlined by local, state, and federal agents. A police officer must be a United States citizen and has to be at least twenty years old. There are physical, mental, and emotional tests that must be passed before training to be sure you can handle the challenges involved in the field. Your vision and hearing will also be tested. Finally, there are several written tests and exams that must be passed.
Do note that there are some police officer positions – such as county sheriff – that work a little differently. These positions are elected county positions. Many of the qualifications needed to hold the office of sheriff are the same as those need to be a police officer. However, instead of passing tests and physicals in order to qualify for a job, you'll need to be elected in to office by a majority of the constituents in your county.
Personality-wise, police officers have to have communication skills and be able to interact with people and the general public. It’s important for officers to be honest, have good judgment, and be responsible. Because of this, entrance to the academy is dependent on background checks and interviews. In fact, some jobs with agencies like the FBI even require a psychiatric review to ensure that you're fit to handle the challenges of being a police officer.
