What should i do, in order to becoming a police officer (female, in MA)?

Question

I am a 25 year old female living in Massachusetts. I graduated high school with excellent grades, have better than average SAT scores. I attended UCONN for 3 years, leaving early because my mother quite literally stole my identity, racked up debt in my name and I was no longer eligable for student loans. 3 years later I am living on my own with my daughter who is 11 months as a single mom. I am looking for some serious direction in life, and I seriously think that being a police officer would suit me well. What steps do I need to take in order to make this dream a reality? I am honestly pretty clueless

Answer 1

You should job shadow, call a local police station and tell them youre interested in the career, and job shadow one of them. I'm sure they could help you with the information needed to get you on the right direction.

Answer 2

Many police departments in MA use a cadet program for hiring and or hire from a civil service list established from a civil service test. Those who pass the civil service test and receive a conditional offer of employment from a municipality will be instructed on how to apply for the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) and other screening processes. After passing the PAT, etc. you will be sent to the police academy. Check out http://www.mass.gov/Ehrd/docs/cs/posters... . You could also check out college or university police departments such as the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD). The hiring process for HUPD begins with a criminal record check and a panel interview. Candidates who pass the record check and interview will then undergo an extensive background investigation, followed by physical and psychological testing. Upon successful completion of the background investigation and subsequent testing, candidates then interview with the Chief of Police. The Chief makes the final offer of employment, which is conditional pending successful completion of a twenty-two week police academy. You could try to get hired by the state police. The state police are not hiring at the moment though. Check out http://www.peaceofficerjobs.com for excellent information and advice about becoming a police officer.

Answer 3

Well, looking into a police academy would be a good start and get some POST training.  Maybe take some criminal justice classes at your local college.