How to Get A Job As A Cop. Police And Law Enforcement Jobs

Law enforcement jobs can pay decent salaries with good retirement and benefits. Here is how you can get a job as a cop.

Instructions

1. Determine if you have what it takes to be a cop. Law enforcement can pay well with good benefits although cops are never paid enough for the valuable work that they do. To get a job a a cop you need a clean background history. Your background will be checked more rigorously for a job in law enforcement than almost any other profession. Applicants with prior DUI convictions or felonies will be rejected. Applicants for police department jobs will be drug tested and since hair sampling is now being used any prior drug use will be detected. You must be in excellent physical shape, with no health conditions that prevent passing a rigorous fitness test.
   You must be well rounded emotionally, stable and able to deal with intense pressure.

2. Enroll in courses in criminal justice. A degree in criminal justice from a two year university is highly recommended. Most community colleges have programs in law enforcement. This is not an absolute requirement but will help your chances greatly. Each police department has their own hiring standards. The Houston Police Department for example, requires at least 60 college hours with a a 2.0 or higher grade average or two years of military service or five years prior law enforcement service.

3. Take inventory of your particular job experience that may relate to being a good law enforcement officer. Ex-military applicants are often given preferential treatment at hiring time. One path to a career to law enforcement is through duty as a military policeman.
   Once you are hired by a city police department you will attend their own training program for up to twenty six weeks or more. You will receive classroom instruction as well as field instruction alongside a regular officer.
   Once you have completed the training program successfully you will most likely work as a patrol officer either on foot or in a vehicle. The hours and duties will be among the least desirable for new recruits but as time passes you will get better assignments.
   For more information on how to get a job as a cop where you live locate your city police department's website where you will find information on pay, requirements and training.