Im going to be a cop no matter what, but whats the best route to get there?

Question

I've heard going through the military like the marines for example is good, But I have also heard that just going to school then coming out and joining the academy is a good option to. Advice please....

Answer 1

Talk to your local department (or department of choice) and find out their individual requirements for new hires.

Some departments only require a high school diploma, some a two year degree, and some a four year degree. Some departments will hire you and put you through the police academy (and pay you a salary while doing so). Some departments will not even accept your application until you have already completed the police academy.

Most departments will have a recruiter. You can always make an appointment to speak with them.

If your department of choice requires you to have college, and you don't have any, you could always go the military route. It is good experience, you will learn a lot from it, and it will always help you in any future career. Many departments will accept military experience to satisfy the requirement of two years in college. Even if you would still need additional college to become an officer, you would be eligible for the GI Bill at that point anyhow (assuming you received an honorable discharge).

Many police academies operate at the community college level. You can find out from your local CC the details and costs of their police academy program.

In addition to the possible college requirements, most police departments have a complicated hiring process that involves a background check, driver's license check, oral interview board, physical fitness test, medical examination, and polygraph examination. Make sure you are prepared for each of these.

The advantage to going right into police work would be the retirement... the earlier you begin your career, the earlier you can retire!

Answer 2

**** tha police

Answer 3

First of all, the military is always a great choice even if you decide not to go into law enforcement.

first of all, I think ride alongs with local departments will help you decide if you really do want to go into law enforcement.  Do more than 1, and do it with different departments so you get a better, broader feel for the job.  

School is good, but police work is more about EQ than IQ.  EQ is how you relate to people, whereas IQ is your knowledge and skills.  However, more employers in this field are looking for those with degrees or military experience.  Federal agencies LOVE military services btw.

And finally, do an internship.  Ride alongs are great, but its not really enough to get you a full grasp of what the job involves.

Answer 4

Good for you that you know what it is that you want to do with your life, that's good that you are so certain about your future and what you want to be doing.

I would say that a degree in Criminal Justice would be good, since it will help give you more of a foundation to build upon.  Also it will help open a lot of doors for you both at the start of your career as well as later on, if you want to move up in the ranks.

Also a military career is also good since it will give you both discipline as well as hands on experience.  There is nothing that says that you cannot do both for your self, having both could and would only increase your chances of getting in to the police.  

Also a  military career is good also due to the fact that you would probably get military preference when applying for a job with the police.

I think that both of these things would only increase your chances of being able to become a police officer.  If I were you I would go to your local police department and speak with them, ask them about either or both of these as a tool to aid your with getting into the department.  

I think that you will find that both of these will be good tools that would be very use full when seeking work as a police officer.  

I wish you all the best in your career choice.  God bless you!

Answer 5

Start hangin around doughnut shops..

Answer 6

Find out first what kind of Cop you would like to be....City Police, Court Police (security), Jail Officer, Immigration Officer, Highway Patrol, etc.etc. From some of these categories you can become member of the S.W.A.T. Team....do your homework, enter the Police Academy that will guide you to your dream!!!

Congratulations!!!