What does it take to become a police officer?

Question

how would i even start to become a police officer? is there a certain age requirement to become one, since i am only 20. do you have to graduate high school? is there a height requirement? is there a school you must go to for it? please give any information you know i am in NH.

Answer 1

You should visit the websites of police departments that you are interested in working for. If they do not have a website or the site does not provide enough information to answer your questions, simply call the department and ask to speak with someone that can answer your questions.

In some places / departments, you can be hired at age 18. Many departments require you to be 21. Some police departments only require their officers to have a high school diploma or GED. Some police departments require their officers to have 30 college credits or a two yearq degree. Some police departments require their officers to have 60 college credits or a four year degree. The more education you have, the better. Many police departments require that your height and weight are proportionate or they have weight and body fat requirements. For example, to be an FBI Police Officer, if you fall within a range in the chart below, you are eligible. If you fall outside of the ranges, you must meet the FBI’s body fat requirements. For males the maximum acceptable body fat is 19% and for females the maximum acceptable body fat is 23%.

Height Weight

5'4" 117-163

5'5" 120-167

5'6" 124-173

5'7" 128-178

5'8" 132-183

5'9" 136-187

5'10" 140-193

5'11" 144-198

6'0" 148-204

6'1" 152-209

6'2" 156-215

6'3" 160-220

6'4" 169-231

6'5" 174-238

Some departments have no height requirements. Most have physical abililty tests that candidates must pass.

Below are the requirements to be hired by the Nashua Police Deparmtent in New Hampshire.

Residency: Continental United States

Age: Must be at least 21 years old to apply

Height: Proportionate to Weight

Weight: Proportionate to Height

Education: High School Graduate or Equivalent

Health & Hearing: Excellent

Eyes: Visual acuity distant - correctable to 20/30, Visual acuity near-correctable to 20/40; (Normal Color and Depth Perception necessary)

Testing:

Written Exam and Physical Agility Tests

Oral Interviews

Background Investigation

Polygraph Examination

Psychological Evaluation

Medical Examination

All Candidates Must be United States Citizens

If you are hired, the department will send you to the academy.

Check out http://www.peaceofficerjobs.com for excellent information and advice about becoming a police officer.

Answer 2

a zest for fund raising for local councils  

Answer 3

I don't know about USA, but in Australia you need a university degree to become a police officer.

Answer 4

Go too www.statetroopersdirectory.com/ and also see www.kletc.org/ they all have links to the 50 States Law Enforcement links/info. I have all these on my site at HerbertWest3rd.com