How to Become a Police Officer: Requirements to Become a Police Officer

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Police officers have to go through a significant amount of screening and fulfill the necessary training requirements in order to get their badge. But what many sites don't mention is that in order to become a police officer at the level you want, criminal justice classes and other steps will need to be taken.

Follow these steps to ensure your career in law enforcement will have the ability to advance.

Instructions

1. 

   FINISH YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DEGREE.

   You probably already have, but just in case, get your high school degree. Keep your nose clean and avoid any marks on your public record. Those things will be screened carefully if you want to be a police officer.

2. TAKE CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLASSES.

   Criminal justice classes can be taken online or through a traditional brick and mortar school. Just make sure the criminal just classes you get will be looked on favorably by whatever branch of law enforcement you want to serve in.

3. 

   INTERVIEW CURRENT OFFICERS IN YOUR AREA.

   Every brach of criminal justice careers have their own system of hoops and requirements. While you are in your schooling take the time to find an officer and ask for advice. Ideally look for supervising officers who have the ability to hire. They can confirm the criminal justice classes that will be most helpful for you.

4. GET IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION.

   You will be glad for physical conditioning after you finish your criminal justice classes and head to the academy. It can be grueling. More importantly you will need to pass ongoing physical testing in your career.

5. EXCEL IN THE ACADEMY.

   Criminal justice classes prepare your mind. The academy will test and prepare your will and mind. Check with your local law enforcement department to see how to get into the academy. If you want to be a state trooper you will want to pay your dues as a police officer, then move on to the academy for being a state trooper.

6. 

   BECOME FAMILIAR WITH YOUR WEAPON.

   Criminal justice classes aren't firearms courses. If you haven't grown up using guns, get training or coaching. Spend time at the shooting range developing your marksmanship.

7. PAY YOUR DUES FOR ADVANCEMENT.

   In some departments there are assumed rules of what you have to do or undergo before you will get to the next level. Ask questions about those dues in your criminal justice classes. Build friendships with current officers and ask what those might be. In some departments service in the jail or prison is prerequisite to further advancement later on. Everyone has to chip in, and learn what it's like on the inside.

   See more tips below.

Tips & Warnings

• Develop your people skills and communication ability.

• Consider reading or taking courses on deescalating conflict.

• Always run your criminal justice classes through the lens of how it will help you succeed in law enforcement.

• You will have to pass the civil service test, a lie detector test, a set of physical tests, and full screening.