What's the whole process of becoming a police officer after high school?

Question

Like from when you graduate, then what do you do next, and etc.

Answer 1

Go to college and get a degree in anything.  CJ is not a prerequisite and will only help a little.  But if you have a business degree you will be a leg up when it comes time to promote.  The Feds like Accounting and Science Majors.  I know a ton of cops with CJ degrees who are left high and dry when they cannot pass a background or physical.

Answer 2

You can go right out of high school. But I think it would be better if you get your degree in Criminal Justice.  When you get hired, you have to go to the Police Academy.

Answer 3

If possible, you should attend college after high school. More and more police departments are requiring candidates have college. The more college you have, the better. Often times, departments will pay officers more when they have a college degree. After you are hired, you will have a better chance of being promoted to a supervisor position or investigator position if you have a degree. You should visit the websites of the police departments that you are interested in working for. Most larger departments will have websites that provide detailed information about qualifications required, how to apply, and the hiring process. If you still have questions, simply call the department and ask.

Check out http://www.peaceofficerjobs.com for excellent information about getting a police officer job.

Answer 4

Go to cop school.

Answer 5

Very few agencies will hire you without a college degree and I would be very wary of those that would.