I want to be a police officer, but i cant be one until im 21?

Question

what do I do in the mean time? im 17 and starting my senior year of high school this fall

Answer 1

go to college, get a degree, it will show that you are dedicated to things in my opinion, plus who cares if you don't become a LEO until you're 22 or 23, you have your WHOLE life to work...don't rush it...public safety is one of those jobs that will always be there. Maybe you'll even get to do an internship with an agency if you go to college.

See if you can go on a ride-a-long with your local agency?

keep your nose clean, don't get into any major trouble either

Answer 2

There are states where you can start at 18. Call around.

Answer 3

Well, besides obviously keeping a clean record, try and join your local department's Police Explorer post. Its usually for people ages 14 to 21 (at which point they can then apply for a position as an officer.) You learn a lot about what it takes to become and officer, and it will basically give you an advantage when you hit the academy. You also get to do a lot of training with the officers and some other community service stuff where the cops need extra hands, but dont need to hire civilians (like directing traffic at an event or helping with a fundraiser) I think youd like it a lot. They usually meet once a week or once every two weeks, so its not going to take up a whole lot of time, but its chock full of information that will keep you anticipating the next meeting. And, if you think your too old, dont worry, your not. I just joined my local post and im 19, and learning with kids that are mostly 14 or 15 and still have a lot of fun.

Good Luck, and great career path choice!

Answer 4

--- Maintain a clean driving record, a clean criminal record, an exemplary scholastic record and an excellent physical condition are the chief things you can do.

--- At age 17 there aren't many more things you can do other than perhaps a police explorer group. Boy scout explorer programs let you explore a little deeper into the career and may let you ride along on occasion.

--- The courses you can take will come after High School. You could take a martial arts class to both keep fit and to learn to defend yourself.

--- Just remember not to get too enthusiastic and become a thorn to police rather than a help.

PS --- Take a look at [a] in the source box. That is a link to Explorer Post 1036, the explorer post of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office ( My home town BTW) and Rancho cordova PD. Its an excellent site and explains what exploring is all about. I don't know where you live but there may be an active police explorer post near you that you can learn a lot from.

Answer 5

once you turn 18 get started on some emt training, they'll teach you some basics on medic care and techniques, that will help you get your foot in the door a little faster. I'm startin my emt classes soon, as it is required to get on our fire department, i'm 19 in the same boat as you but this should help you get in easier.

Answer 6

Stay out of trouble and strive to have a good reputation. Get good grades. Establish some credit history. It doesn't have to be much, but just enough to indicate some financial responsibility. Try to obtain a college degree. A degree will benefit you greatly. Establish a good work history. If you have a job, be a good employee. Be competent, reliable, responsible, courteous, etc. If you don't have one, get one even if it is only one day per week. Check out http://www.peaceofficerjobs.com for excellent information about becoming a law enforcement officer.

Answer 7

Get into a Explorer Post...

Best thing I did for myself!!!

Answer 8

Start preparing for the examine buy reading info from the library. You could become a Military Police. You could join the Coast Guards. Any Military Services is a go for you in the next few years. Stay on the right road and don't let anything interfere with your dream.

Answer 9

the explorer program is the way to go....get involved asap....contact your police department and get started.....my son did that and then he was able to go to state patrol camp for two weeks, then the marine corps for law enforcement and from there he went to police academy......the military gives you a great edge in getting your training and getting hired on to a great law enforcement  town.   good luck in your future and examine all your possiblilities.....i am so proud of you and i don't even know you......

Answer 10

You must have your GED (your high school diploma) to apply for a police academy near you. Minimum age would then be 18.

If your police station has a different policy (which could happen) you might want to try to go to college and get your bachelor's, which could only help you in the long run. During your senior year, you can go to the department and ask about a volunteer group for students. Many are run by the Boy Scouts of America and are called Police Explorers. You are given access to the behind-the-scenes of the police department and opportunities for learning even before you go to the academy. That is the path I am taking right now and it's one of my favorite after-school activities.

My suggestion is to go to the station and ask about volunteering. If you make the right impressions you may even get the department to sponsor you in the academy (meaning they'd pay for it and have a job waiting for you when you graduated.) Good luck!

Answer 11

Keep a Law abiding demeanor.

Get into a Sheriff or Police Explorer Program. (ITs Fun)

Stay in good running shape. Being strong and bulky isnt a big part of being a Police Officer.

Keep to your goal

Deputy Explorer Gomez

Sacramento County Sheriff