How to Become a Police Officer

) Earn a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree first (A criminal justice degree is the most commonly held degree by police officers) Most state agencies require a college degree. An associate's degree has become a hiring standard in most departments.
2) Review more requirements below.
3) Contact your local police department and request their police officer requirements as well as application materials. (Links to some of the most well known police departments and information on how to become a police officer with those departments can be found on the left side of this page near the bottom)

Police Officer Job Description
In most local or city police departments a uniformed police officer’s job is to patrol a given geography and respond to calls. Many times the job requires the directing of traffic, investigating a crime or aiding a victim of an accident or crime. In local, state and federal police related departments a police officer’s career description includes maintaining law and order, collecting evidence and conducting investigations.

Training, Prerequisites and Educational Requirements for Becoming a Police Officer
The majority of police departments require applicants to be 20 years old, a U.S. citizen, GED or equivalent and many now require an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree to become a police officer. State and Federal agency jobs require applicants to possess a 4-year college degree. Being able to speak a second language fluently is a definite plus for applicants. Police Officer applicants also undergo a variety of tests including physical, medical, written and psychological. Once accepted to a police department you will attend training at an academy for 12 weeks to 1 year depending on the department.

Request free information from University of Phoenix Online and learn more about how a degree in criminal justice or another field can help you succeed in a Police Officer career.

Keep in mind that the higher paying police officer jobs are in more affluent areas and are therefore much more competitive jobs to apply for. Make sure you can set yourself apart from the competition by earning a college degree before applying or during the application process. A college degree will also start you off at a higher salary in any area, affluent or not. The Bureau of Labor Statistics actually states that those applicants with college training in criminal justice or police science should have the best opportunities.

Police Officer Job Salary and Job Outlook
The median Police Officer salary as of May, 2004 was $45, 210 a year as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Los Angeles Police Department offers a starting salary of $56,898 a year for police officers with a bachelor’s (4-year) degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that there will be a continued high demand for police officers through 2012.

There are many career paths to pursue once you become a police officer including sergeant, lieutenant, chief and more. Most of these promotions or specialties require advanced education. A Criminal Justice school in your area will have more information.

Request free information from the fully accredited online schools below and see how a degree in criminal justice can help you succeed in a police officer career.