How long does it take to get on a police department usually? obviously to become a police officer

Question

im getting ready to start my 2 year degree in criminal justice and also im going to attend the police academy all through my community college im attending. When should i put applications in to different departments so when im done with school and the academy i can join the department soon after im done with school. thanks

Answer 1

You should probably start completing applications about three months before you graduate the academy. However, it depends on the department you apply for. Some smaller departments require you to have completed the academy before you apply. You can apply for most larger departments at any time. It depends on whether you want to finish your college before you start working. I would recommend focusing on college first. The jobs will be there. Get the best GPA you can, and consider completing a bachelor degree. Keep a good reputation and do well during college and the academy. Small local departments (including chiefs) often hear who looks good and who doesn't from schools and academies. Check out http://www.peaceofficerjobs.com for excellent information and advice about becoming a police officer.

Answer 2

The application for one department takes roughly 6 months of interviews, polygraphs, oral boards, fitness tests, etc until you get hired. That's if you get hired.

If you apply with 20 different departments at once, one is probably bound to hire you, so it will only take 6 months to get hired.

However if you only apply with 1 department, and they don't hire you, it's going to take a lot longer.

On average, it takes years to get hired to a department, if you aren't smart and apply with a LOT of them at once.

Answer 3

Nate..have you told on the required no. of people? If so you may as well purchase a billy club!...You are in!

Answer 4

Depends upon the agency.  For the one I work for, it takes a minimum of 6 months, maximum of 1 year.

Answer 5

Every agency is different.  Some are faster than others.  Usually the speed of hire is dependant on the need of the department for new people.

For example, when I applied for my agency, I only applied for one.  From the first test, to the actually call saying I was hired, took 3 months.

Some of the same people I knew from the test I took were still waiting for a hire call a year later. In Illinois, state laws require a two year recruitment list.  After two years the list is voided and a new list is made.  Whether the agency is hiring or not, they will always get a list.  Keep in mind, when applying it will say in the job anouncement if it's for just a list or not.