Step1
Keep a clean record.
Most people who apply for the position of a Law Enforcement Officer are disqualified because they can not pass a Background Check, it is important to have a clean background. If you have a domestic charge against you, it is unlikley you will get hired.
Step2
Get Some College Education.
There are a lot of agencis that do not require one but it is a good start. It will also help you with your day to day activities on the job.
Step3
Get in good Physical Shape.
Most agency require a PT Test (Physical Assessment Test). You must pass this before you are allowed to start most training classes. Ask your local law enforcement agency about their test, most of them are willing to give out this information, this will give you an idea of how to train.
Step4
Become a Volunteer Officer.
A lot of agencies have a Reserve Program, made up of volunteer officers. Many times you can do this while waiting to get hired full-time. It is a great way to get your foot in the door and way to give back to your community.
Step5
Keep a good Driving Record.
With the rise of wreaks within a lot of agencies many of them are now considering the driving records. If you have a lot of speeding tickets, slow down. Many times if it has been years since your last speeding ticket you are ok. If you have a lot of wreaks on your driving history be careful and try to limit this. Law Enforcement Agencies don't want wreakless drivers in their cars. Its too much of a liability.
Step6
Becomes friends with a Police Officer.
Many times they can let you know when the next opening will be and it would be great to use them as a reference.
Step7
If you can pass the above qualifications, start your search.
Go to your local governments law enforcement website, many times the jobs are posted on the website or have an e-mail address that you can use to inquire about openings.
Check you local newspaper. Many times the local paper will advertise jobs from outside agencies in the paper.
Check law enforcment forums, many time agencies will use this because it is a way to cut down on the cost of using the local paper.
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Comments
Urimaginaryfrnd said
on 10/5/2008 There are additional ways you can improve your chance of being selected and hired as a Police Officer. Many officers were either reserve officers, jail guards, or dispatchers before the were hired as police officers. In addition time spent in the military can really open the door to your opportunity. The military requires physical conditioning and an ability to follow orders. If you want to get on working for a large department veteran preferance points make a huge difference. We would like to think that racial and sexual bias would not play a role however If you are a white male you appear less likely to be selected for hire by a large department which is perdominately white. Conversely if you are other than white or female you may find small agencies to appear discriminatory. As time progresses we hope to work past these differences and have fair opportunity for all based solely on kno