I want to become a cop?

Question

I am going to be a senior in high school, and after high school i want to become a police officer, but i don't know where to start, should i go to college, the military or police academy right away?

I would appreciate if any law enforcement officers would give me any advice, for example what you did right after high school.

Answer 1

Here are some suggestions.

Most agencies now require a minimum of an associates degree.  If you don't want to go to war, do not enlist.  But if you and your family agree, then enlist.  Military experience is a major plus in law enforcement.  Plus, military benefits can pay for your education.

Ideally, enlist in the military, come out and get an education with the benefits, then apply at major police departments.

Second option, get a degree and apply at major police departments.

Third option, get a civilian job at a police department and request a promotion to commissioned after you turn 21.

The military plus college is the best, and opens more doors for you later in your career.  Such as Federal Agencies.

Good luck and stay safe.

Answer 2

kid..

Don't be a cop. Police officers aren't respected by anyone these days. They think its fun to harass, beat, and steal from people. If you want to be seen as a hyprocrite and you want kids to spit loogies in your food at McD's, then go to the Police Academy. Otherwise listen to your mother. She knows whats best.

Answer 3

My husband is a cop on a good federal department.

How he did it is:

After high school he went and got his 4 year degree (he got Administration of Justice/Government degree but anything along the criminal justice vein will work) and during college he volunteered for a lot of community service stuff as security...so for his last two years of college he worked as the head of security for several campus driven events.

Then the year he was a senior he began applying to police departments...he was the top pick for each different department he applied to (state, local and federal) and ultimatly went with the federal department.

I know this sounds cheesy and stupid but being a cop is kind of like the whole batman thing...people are going to hate you one minute and love you the next then go back to hating you very quickly....it's the ability to sacrifice yourself for people who couldn't care if you live or die, and in spite of people who care very much and don't want you to do it....

Answer 4

Go to college, get a degree in something OTHER than criminal justice. because believe me having a degree in criminal justice dosent help at all in becoming a cop. so get a degree in something else just to keep options open. once you are the legal age, take the police civil service exam. if you pass, then you will probly take a phsical fitness test, if you pass that, then you can probly get into the academy. but dont get your degree in criminal justice, believe me, you dont need it to become a cop.

Answer 5

First you should watch Alex Jones' "Police State" series so you don't end up a bad cop.

Then, criminal justice and/or law classes help as does military experience but neither of the above are required.  I would recommend going to college for at least 2 years to learn about the laws you are enforcing, it will help you know what to do when a question of legality is posed, help reduce unlawful arrests, and generally give the public a better impression of the police.

Also, school teaches you good habits and techniques for investigating crime scenes and protecting your fellow officers.  Some of the topics covered in school are also covered in the Academy but not as in-depth as the time period is shortened

I think military service is good too, but you might end up fighting in the endless war for oil so long you may never get to become a police officer.

Good Luck.

Answer 6

I currently live in Florida, and am 19.

I am also in the Police Academy currently. After High School, I went to college and will obtain my A.S. in Public Safety when I complete the Academy. I'm telling you now, if you are not certain about the choice, talk with officers in your area. Many officers have started out when they were 19, and they will tell you their regrets or what was good about the situation. One good thing that I see is that I will be able to retire with full pension at the age of 44. That is enough time for me to enter into a different career after wards while getting 40,000 dollars a year for the rest of my life from the city.

It's the greatest profession in the world, and I'm the youngest cadet in my academy class so don't be intimidated by all of the old folks in the career-field. As long as you are mature enough to deal with the stress, then it's for you.

Answer 7

You have to go to college.  In order to be an officer you must:

1) Have a 2 year law enforcement related degree OR have a 4 year degree in anything

2) Pass your states POST exam.

3) Then you can apply for jobs.

People with military experience get veterans points but still need the same requirements.

Answer 8

I would say that if you want to be a police officer,   long term and you want the best training out there, and the best chance to be hired later,  by the dept  you ultimately want,  and not your second choice dept,  then here,

Join the marine corps as an MP  and that experience will be something that you cant beat,  but you must be 19  by the time that you graduate from MP  school, to be able to have the permit for the weapon,  if your not 19  they will put the date where you will be 19,  LOL  

now after 4 yr as a Marine,  You will be able to go to pretty much any dept, and they will hire you,  It is almost a guarantee,  the closest you can get,  now for mom

It is really about telling her that she has raised you to be a good adult, and now you need her to respect the decisions your making,  to trust that she did a wonderful job and that she raised you to be a responsible and caring adult, and you  need her support,  not her judgment,  You need her to be your biggest fan,  your cheerleader, and not to hold you back,   I think she will understand,  

good  luck,

Answer 9

Military provides more training than police academies, so if you want to be more bulky and have more opportunities you should join military,

Least thats what iwould join anyways