Things You'll Need:
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Written and physical exam
- Police Academy Training
- Associate's Degree
- On-the-job training
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Step 1
A high school diploma. In order to be considered for a job as a police officer you need a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. This is required by most departments before you can join an academy or any police training program.
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Step 2
Take the required tests. A majority of programs offered for aspiring police officers require tests to be taken first. You can expect to take both a written and a physical exam. The written test to determine your analytical skills, while the physical exam will verify your stamina along with your abilities to hear and see.
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Step 3
Take academy training. Training is required in order to be a police officer. The training contains both actual field training and school studies. You can also expect to endure training for up to 12 months before becoming an actual police officer.
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Step 4
Get your associate's degree. A degree in criminal justice may help you advance your career after you officially become a police officer. However, you will also need to prove your skills and abilities to advance in rank.
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Step 5
Be a part of on-the-job training. After you have finished the academy you will work on the field under a supervisor. Having an experienced supervisor will help you perfect your skills. Skills necessary for police officers include filing the correct paperwork, incident reports, discharge forms, testifying when in court, and search and arrest procedures.
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Step 6
Get in great physical shape. Police officers have demanding jobs that can become quite physical at times. Keeping yourself in shape and in good health is a great way to ensure you are able to give your job 100 percent.
