Becoming a Police Officer in South Carolina
Law enforcement remains a backbone of all communities. Becoming a police officer requires training and the determination to serve the area. Police officers work for both state and local communities throughout South Carolina, and the process to become an officer varies slightly depending upon where you choose to work. Understanding the process and taking the necessary steps to become a police officer are key in securing a position in South Carolina as a law enforcement officer.
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Things You'll Need
- Identification and residency information
- High school graduation information
- College transcripts
- Resume
Instructions
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Gather information regarding your education. Get copies of your high school transcripts and college transcripts, if applicable. South Carolina does not mandate a college education to apply for the position of a police officer, however, classes in criminal justice and sociology are helpful.
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Copy documents verifying your age and where you live. You must be at least 21 years of age to apply for a position as a police officer in South Carolina. Get a copy of your birth certificate to prove that you are a U.S. citizen or obtain copies of your immigration paperwork to prove citizenship. Copy your drivers license to show that you are a legal resident of the South Carolina.
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Contact the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the South Carolina Highway Patrol to obtain an application for employment. Apply to both places to ensure a better chance at employment.
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Complete your application and mail it along with all supporting documentation requested in the instructions of the application. Mail in your completed applications as soon as you have them thoroughly completed.
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Call to ask about the status of your application four to six weeks after submitting it, if you have not heard anything. Follow up on all requests for information or meetings in a prompt and timely manner. Send additional information as requested.
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Meet with either the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division or the South Carolina Highway Patrol to continue your interview and application process. Have a medical exam completed when requested as it is mandatory for entering in to the cadet academy after being hired. South Carolina requires that all newly hired officers attend and complete cadet training to become an officer.
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Tips & Warnings
Start the process as soon as you decide being a police officer is the career you want. There are lengthy waiting lists and the process is time-consuming.
Do not lie or misrepresent yourself on any portion of the application to become a police officer.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit police body and dog image by Sergey Galushko from Fotolia.com
