- Every police force in the United States requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Depending on size, demand and position, some may also require an associate's or bachelor's degree. Police candidates also must pass the civil service examination, a test that all candidates who are applying for government or civil service positions must pass. States also have their own tests, which can include the law enforcement examination, written and oral exams for police officers and the state trooper exam. Certain tests are also administered to individuals who want to be promoted to police lieutenants, captains, sergeants and detectives.
- Prospective cops must attend a police academy to receive proper in-field training. If you are applying for a job in a large metropolitan area, chances are every police force will have its own training center and program. Rural areas may combine their programs, resulting in one academy per county or so. To be accepted into a police academy, a candidate must be at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on the unit's age requirements. Some applicants apply to a training program before they have been hired by a police force. Others attend only after they have secured the promise of employment upon completion of their training. Most programs include both theories that are taught in classrooms and practical training in police procedures, such as arresting and booking, writing a report, driving a police car and investigating an incident. After the training, which can last between three months and one year, has been completed, the candidate can officially be hired as an active member of the police force and can begin taking assignments. If employment has not been found prior to the police academy commencing, an individual can complete the training and then begin applying as a full-fledged police officer. Those seeking employment should contact their local law enforcement agency.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident in order to become a policeman in most jurisdictions. Individuals who have been convicted of a felony cannot become cops, regardless of how much time passes from the date of that felony conviction and regardless of whether it was committed as an adult or juvenile.
