To become a police officer, you generally need to follow these key steps:
Basic Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old (some places require 21).
- Be a citizen or have permanent residency (varies by country).
- Have a clean criminal record and good moral character.
- Hold a high school diploma or GED; some departments prefer or require college education
Education and Training Routes
There are several pathways to enter policing:
- Complete a university degree in any subject and then apply to police entry programs.
- Enroll in a 3-year Professional Policing degree at a participating university.
- Take college courses related to protective or public services.
- Pursue a police degree apprenticeship.
- Apply directly to a police force and attend a police academy for training
Application Process
- Pass a written entrance exam (often a state licensing exam like the POST exam in the U.S.).
- Pass a physical agility test.
- Complete an oral board interview.
- Undergo a thorough background check including criminal history, credit, employment, and references.
- Pass psychological evaluation, medical exam, polygraph, and drug screening
Additional Notes
- Training continues on the job, with ongoing education and specialized courses.
- Some countries (e.g., UK) now require police officers to be educated to degree level as part of new professional standards
- The entire process from application to appointment can take several months to a year
In summary, becoming a cop involves meeting minimum age and citizenship requirements, obtaining relevant education or training, passing exams and physical tests, clearing background and psychological screenings, and completing police academy training. Continuing education and specialization are common throughout a police career
