The minimum age will vary but most police departments set it at 21. The maximum age in most police departments is 35, though an extension may be given to veterans who have served for at least two years and have been honorably discharged. Most police departments only require a high school diploma or GED, but you should get a four-year college degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) because police recruiters value candidates with higher education, and you are likely to get a raise or be promoted quickly. Having military service is also a bonus. If you were honorably discharged, it will be very compelling to police recruiters but if you were dishonorably discharged, you can try to not mention it but if they ask, be honest.
Having a felony conviction, a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction, or a conviction for a crime related in any way to race (a hate crime) disqualifies you from being able to pursue a career as a police officer in most jurisdictions. If you were convicted of a crime as a juvenile, you should know police departments can still see your juvenile record regardless if it is sealed or expunged so be honest about any crime you committed before the age of 18. While staying out of trouble may be life compelling experience, any conviction, including a past juvenile record, will be used against you. [2] X Research source
If you don’t have good credit, take steps toward building it back up. Even if your credit score is low, the efforts you make to attain better credit will show that you’re a responsible person.
Consider taking a job that requires you to interact with the public. Police officers need excellent communication skills. Other government jobs, such as a job at your local state park, can give you a sense of what it’s like to work as part of a law enforcement team. Some choose to join the military service for a year or two before joining the police force, as this prepares them physically and mentally for the duties of a cop. However, military service doesn’t exempt you from police academy in most jurisdictions.
To schedule a ride-along, contact your local police department.
Some departments provide tuition assistance to offers pursuing a degree.
Not all departments have their own police academies. Be sure to check with yours first. Police academies are usually part-time but some may be full-time. Tuition depends on location, but be prepared to spend several thousand USD.
First aid/CPR State, federal, and local laws Firearm use Patrol procedures Ethics Investigation and report writing Criminal law Leadership
Most police jobs are not publicly advertised. Call your local department for openings. Applications vary by department, but most of them are long and complex. Be prepared to wait for months after applying to jobs.
Be sure to tell the department beforehand if there is any reason you may not pass a test. For example, if you have recently purchased a house, your credit score might not be accurate.
A police officer’s resume should contain their education, police academy training, work or military history, and any volunteer experience that might be relevant. Be assertive. This is an important quality for a police officer to have. If you’re feeling nervous in the days leading up to the interview, do a practice interview with a friend or family member to help build up your confidence. Be honest. Don’t lie about past crimes you have committed or mistakes you have made. Honesty and integrity are of utmost importance in police work. Be prepared to discuss sensitive issues, such as police brutality.
