Hi everyone. I am here to get some information on how I should start on paving a successful road to becoming a police officer. I currently am 15 years old and live in California. I really have a passion for what police officers do and have wanted to become a police officer from around age eight. So what should I do now to ensure I will be successful in developing the type of career I want to pursue in life? 

Thank you.

Stay out of trouble(clean driving record, try to keep juvenile record clean, keep adult record clean when you're older), get good grades, and go to college. That's basically it. Do some volunteer work, military reserves/national guard, and maybe join a PDs reserve/auxiliary unit while in college to get some training, good references and it immensely helps your chances of getting hired by that PD. Try to beef up your resume with that stuff. It's only going to get more competitive as the years go on, so you need stuff to make you stand out.

When you do go to college, don't get a degree in Criminal Justice, if you plan on being a police officer. Every cop has told me it's a  waste unless you want to be something in Law Enforcement other than a cop, like a criminologist, crime scene tech, probation officer, maybe a federal agent and etc. So have a backup plan 

 

And since you're 15, go join an explorer's post, in case you haven't.

Edited October 21, 201510 yr by BlackJesus1

@BlackJesus1 Thanks for the information! I surely will use it! As for an explorers post that's actually a good idea! Thanks again for the help, it really means a lot :)

@BlackJesus1 Thanks for the information! I surely will use it! As for an explorers post that's actually a good idea! Thanks again for the help, it really means a lot :)

Also, just because 1 department doesn't hire you, doesn't mean you cannot be hired somewhere else. You'll be surprised to find out how many Officers/Deputies don't work in the same County that they live in. Always keep your options open, and put in your application (letter of intent) to as many departments as you can within a reasonable area (you have to be able to make it to work). If you're lucky enough to have the option (money), then you may consider putting in your application to departments all around the Country. I had a buddy who moved here (Texas) from Nevada just to get hired onto my local department (Conroe PD). Good luck, and stay clear from peer pressure. Also stay clear from alcohol. Departments here in Texas will "Flag" you, which means they'll take someone else if they haven't been flagged, for admitting to drinking alcohol. If you are found to be drinking to the point that you're drunk, most departments will "Black Flag" you, which means they will not hire you under any circumstances, and will pass that information on to other local departments/agencies as a "Do Not Hire". This is not something that you'll find on their application, but recruiting staff look for this stuff. It's an "Under the Table" rule for many departments here in Texas. However, this may differ in your area. Again, good luck 

One thing I'd recommend is when looking for schools look for those with a 5 year criminal justice program- that is 4 years for a B.S. and the last year as included police academy (it might be combined throughout the whole 5 years, idk, I'm a biology major).  This will both ensure you graduate with a B.S. and masters of CJ and police training through the academy.  I know my school is the only one in MA with this program,  Here's a quote from my school: "Criminal Justice majors can earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as complete police academy training, within five years as part of a concentration launching in fall 2015."

So look for that too in order to speed up time and get the best training! Good luck!

Also, just because 1 department doesn't hire you, doesn't mean you cannot be hired somewhere else. You'll be surprised to find out how many Officers/Deputies don't work in the same County that they live in. Always keep your options open, and put in your application (letter of intent) to as many departments as you can within a reasonable area (you have to be able to make it to work). If you're lucky enough to have the option (money), then you may consider putting in your application to departments all around the Country. I had a buddy who moved here (Texas) from Nevada just to get hired onto my local department (Conroe PD). Good luck, and stay clear from peer pressure. Also stay clear from alcohol. Departments here in Texas will "Flag" you, which means they'll take someone else if they haven't been flagged, for admitting to drinking alcohol. If you are found to be drinking to the point that you're drunk, most departments will "Black Flag" you, which means they will not hire you under any circumstances, and will pass that information on to other local departments/agencies as a "Do Not Hire". This is not something that you'll find on their application, but recruiting staff look for this stuff. It's an "Under the Table" rule for many departments here in Texas. However, this may differ in your area. Again, good luck 

Hold on, is that alcohol flag for all applicants or just the youngest ones (Early 20s)? Do they expect a military vet or some 30 year old guy to have never drank alcohol?

Hi everyone. I am here to get some information on how I should start on paving a successful road to becoming a police officer. I currently am 15 years old and live in California. I really have a passion for what police officers do and have wanted to become a police officer from around age eight. So what should I do now to ensure I will be successful in developing the type of career I want to pursue in life? 

Thank you.

1.) High School Police Explorers Program

2.) Request ride-alongs from several departments, ask for repeats if allowed. Ask questions that show you're seriously interested in the job during the ride-alongs. (You may be too young for them at this point since you need to sign a waiver that says your family can't sue the department if you get shot and die.)

3.) Show interest in police & other city official community outreach activities such as the D.A.R.E. program, volunteer at the town fairs or assemblies, policeman's balls, firemen's musters, get to know everyone in your town to build a good report, not just law enforcement.

4.) Stay in good shape mentally and physically. Police and other emergency workers are at the highest risk of alcohol and substance abuse due to the traumatizing calls they go on. Do not use drugs, and do not abuse alcohol. I would advise not drinking at all if possible. You can still go drinking with friends and eat all the same crap and have all the same conversations they do, just have a soda and be the designated driver.

5.) Volunteer for citizens academies if possible.

6.) Get an internship during college with a police department.

7.) Join a police department as an auxiliary police officer.

8.) Join a police or sheriff department as a reserve officer.

9.) When in the academy, keep your mouth shut and keep your head down. Let someone else in your class be the idiot the drill instructors pick on. Yes, it is just like the military. Don't argue, don't talk back, try not to screw up. It will be over in a couple of months and you don't have to look back once you graduate unless you move to another state. During the oral interview, remember that the law is to be upheld no matter what. No exceptions, even for other police officers. And don't give the "Protect and serve" bullsh*t answer when asked "Why do you want to be a police officer?" The interviewers will tell you to leave immediately if you give them that. People who served in the military are given priority during hiring. I don't advise you sign up to shoot people just to further your resume, but you can always join a branch that does not put boots on the ground such as the coast guard, national guard or the air force. Or you can try to get hired without military experience. I never have and never will join any military branch short of the mandatory national draft service.

10.) You will generally get hired on before you attend an academy, as the department will pay for your schooling. You may pay for the academy on your own if you want, but it's expensive, and there's no guarantee of a job after, so I'd try to get sponsored by a department first.

11.) As a police officer, you wear a lot of hats. You are a counselor, a rescue worker, a soldier, a guard, a law student and many other things all rolled into one. Know that and embrace that. You are a jack of all trades and a master of none.

12.) Play by the rules. Don't be the guy on the evening news. Be sure you're justified when you pull or use a weapon, and enforce the law by the book, not with your emotions. Look out for your own life first and foremost, but remember that you're a public servant. You serve the entire public, and that includes criminal offenders, not just the people who call 911.

13.) The department you work for is your family. They rely on you and you rely on them in life or death situations. Be self supporting, but be ready to work with others. You're part of a team. Contrary to the U.S. Military's "army of one" slogan, nobody is a one man army. Crime can't be dealt with that way.

14.) Have fun. The day you stop loving your job is the day you should find something else to do.

 

One thing I'd recommend is when looking for schools look for those with a 5 year criminal justice program- that is 4 years for a B.S. and the last year as included police academy (it might be combined throughout the whole 5 years, idk, I'm a biology major).  This will both ensure you graduate with a B.S. and masters of CJ and police training through the academy.  I know my school is the only one in MA with this program,  Here's a quote from my school: "Criminal Justice majors can earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as complete police academy training, within five years as part of a concentration launching in fall 2015."

So look for that too in order to speed up time and get the best training! Good luck!

If you plan on being a street level police officer, you should only be looking at a two year degree from a community college. I'd advise getting a four year degree in something else completely so you have another profession to fall back on. A job as a police officer is one of the hardest ones to get and one of the easiest ones to lose. You can also get two or more two year degrees if you want. Take criminal justice and computer science. Or criminal justice and a medical degree of some kind. Something that can tie into law enforcement to make you a better investigator or rescue worker or critical thinker. Give yourself an advantage over other applicants.

Edited October 21, 201510 yr by unr3al

@unr3al Wow. Thank you for this!

@unr3al Wow. Thank you for this!

http://community.policeone.com/forum.php

 

I highly recommend creating an account with these people, they are very helpful. 

Hold on, is that alcohol flag for all applicants or just the youngest ones (Early 20s)? Do they expect a military vet or some 30 year old guy to have never drank alcohol?

It's not that they won't accept you if you have ever had it. The same is true for drugs. It's just that they'll flag you if you admit to drinking it recently. Their hope is that you've matured enough to stop drinking it before applying to be in Law Enforcement. But again, even if you do drink it, it's not the "Blag Flag" that you'll be getting. You could still be hired.

If you plan on being a street level police officer, you should only be looking at a two year degree from a community college. I'd advise getting a four year degree in something else completely so you have another profession to fall back on. A job as a police officer is one of the hardest ones to get and one of the easiest ones to lose. You can also get two or more two year degrees if you want. Take criminal justice and computer science. Or criminal justice and a medical degree of some kind. Something that can tie into law enforcement to make you a better investigator or rescue worker or critical thinker. Give yourself an advantage over other applicants.

[just a little rebuttal to show the pros!]

I definitely agree that if you only want to end up on the street your whole life (which there's nothing wrong with that) then don't pay for a masters.  If you're going to foresee yourself advancing into detective work or becoming a captain, lieutenant, etc. then you'll definitely need a four year degree and probably a masters.  Plus, 5-year programs offer the academy in the course, so that saves money or the risk of not getting sponsored.  If a hiring committee has two candidates, one with an associates and one with a masters in Criminal Justice, they'll be more likely to go with the person with a masters.  Of course, a lot of the interview process is how you present yourself, so it can happen the other way around!

I'd actually suggest that military experience outweighs education (unfortunately) when choosing between two candidates. A department I'm friendly with told me most departments when hiring look at (in this order): Military experience, previous experience as a cop, if you live in the town you're applying to, if you're the correct race/gender they're looking for (they want to represent their community, so if they're down a female officer and the area is predominantly Hispanic, they'll hire her over you even if you're a much better officer) and education. I agree with your assessment regarding the highest ranks. It depends on what you want out of the job. That being said; the people who get those promotions do so largely due to seniority and their performance on the street, not necessarily because they have a masters. Otherwise a guy with a PHD or an advanced law degree could just waltz into the department with zero experience and become captain. There's nothing wrong with being educated, and I'd submit the idea to everyone that you can still go to school while being a police officer, even if the job is full time. So there is the possibility of having the best of both worlds. I'd still suggest getting a degree in something else in case law enforcement turns out to not be what you expected, or in case you don't get hired or wind up being fired.

Edited October 23, 201510 yr by unr3al

As someone who has been through this process before I can tell you that education and job experience are going to be the two best things for your resume. Go to school and get a degree after high school, trust me it will help you in the long run. I went to college after high school to get my B.S. but eventually decided to drop out to go to the police academy, biggest mistake of my life. I graduate the academy but had very little job experience and no degree plus I was only a year older than the minimum age requirement. I did very well in the academy, I had 3 years as a sheriff's explorer and over 2500 hours of ride along time with my S.O. and knew lots of people but that still didn't get me hired. I ended up enlisting in the Army for a couple years to help add to my resume (among other reasons) and I haven't been in school for over 4 years now.

I can tell you that if you don't get your degree after high school and you decide to wait and get it later you will regret it. In most cases it is more difficult to go back to school after you have a full time job than it is to just do it right off the bat while you are young. Not to mention all the fun you will miss out on and having everything you learned in high school still fresh in your mind.

Obviously it is up to you but my recommendation would be go to college after high school, then go to the academy and get hired with an agency. Right now while you are in high school you can join a police explorer post which will give you lots of good experience and maybe even a few connections with the department. This goes without saying but stay out of trouble; don't get involved in drugs or alcohol, it will make the hiring process so much easier. I have taken polygraphs where the investigators were shocked that I was passing the poly while answering no to all these drug and alcohol related questions because they had never interviewed anyone who hadn't at least done one of those things in their life.

Law enforcement is getting increasingly competitive so having that degree will help you make sergeant and open up more opportunities for you such as detective work or specialty units. Some agencies are requiring a minimum of a associates degree even for entry level patrol work so having some kind of education is the best way to go.

Here's what I recommend to ANY current high schooler, regardless of career aspirations: join the military right out of high school, and do the initial 4 /  6 year term. The military (any branch) is great for kids right out of high school as it sets out to teach the basics of professional adult skills, and the job experience (regardless of the job, most of the time) far outweighs any credentials. Trust me, a 21-year old military vet is likely to be hired over a recent college graduate with no significant work experience. Not to mention, you join the military and college is paid for; no worries about scholarships, costs, etc. Once you complete your military commitment (who knows, you might be a "lifer" and do 20+ years) and attend college, you'll be paid by the VA to go to school, on top of your tuition and books paid for. Not a bad deal, just don't forget what is involved in a commitment to the military...it's not very different than a commitment to law enforcement.

 

Edited October 24, 201510 yr by luminouscarcass

I'm planning on majoring in criminal justice. Just getting a bachelor's degree. While I'm in college I plan on joining my local PD's auxiliary unit. After college I plan on applying to my state police department. 

Do state departments look at schooling, community service, academic accolades, etc? 

I'm the top 10 of my graduating class as a junior. I have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.7 I have over 200 community service hours on record. I'm in the National Honor Society. Is this anything that department would take into consideration? 

I've considered taking the law route and becoming a prosecutor. But I've always had the passion to be a police officer for as long as I can remember.

I've also been training the past months for the exam and can already pass the test with a perfect score on the physical exam. 

Anything advice on more I can do? 

 

 

I'm the top 10 of my graduating class as a junior. I have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.7 I have over 200 community service hours on record. I'm in the National Honor Society. Is this anything that department would take into consideration? 

I've considered taking the law route and becoming a prosecutor. But I've always had the passion to be a police officer for as long as I can remember.

I've also been training the past months for the exam and can already pass the test with a perfect score on the physical exam. 

Anything advice on more I can do? 

 

Damn dude, I would definitely look into federal law enforcement if I was you. Those grades and community service hours would be make you a good candidate for that after college.

I'm planning on majoring in criminal justice. Just getting a bachelor's degree. While I'm in college I plan on joining my local PD's auxiliary unit. After college I plan on applying to my state police department. 

Do state departments look at schooling, community service, academic accolades, etc? 

I'm the top 10 of my graduating class as a junior. I have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.7 I have over 200 community service hours on record. I'm in the National Honor Society. Is this anything that department would take into consideration? 

I've considered taking the law route and becoming a prosecutor. But I've always had the passion to be a police officer for as long as I can remember.

I've also been training the past months for the exam and can already pass the test with a perfect score on the physical exam. 

Anything advice on more I can do? 

 

(Just some advice)

I can't speak to what the state police will look for, but FYI high school doesn't matter in college or after college.  It only matters for acceptance to college and that's it.  Employers (and i assume state police fall under that category) will not like seeing high school things on your resume.  It's something you can mention during an interview (for like 1 second) and shouldn't waste the limited space of a resume.  So in reality, make sure you continue doing these things in college- don't just sit back and do nothing or party because it'll be extremely obvious.

Here's what I recommend to ANY current high schooler, regardless of career aspirations: join the military right out of high school, and do the initial 4 /  6 year term. The military (any branch) is great for kids right out of high school as it sets out to teach the basics of professional adult skills, and the job experience (regardless of the job, most of the time) far outweighs any credentials. Trust me, a 21-year old military vet is likely to be hired over a recent college graduate with no significant work experience. Not to mention, you join the military and college is paid for; no worries about scholarships, costs, etc. Once you complete your military commitment (who knows, you might be a "lifer" and do 20+ years) and attend college, you'll be paid by the VA to go to school, on top of your tuition and books paid for. Not a bad deal, just don't forget what is involved in a commitment to the military...it's not very different than a commitment to law enforcement.

 

Bad advice. Don't join the military just for college benefits and something to put on a resume. If you don't want to be in the military and don't think you will be able to handle the military lifestyle then I don't want to work with you. There are people I have met throughout my training and in my current unit who were there just for the money, they have no motivation to do well in the military, just enough to get by. Those are the worst people to work with. Personally I don't plan on re-enlisting after this contract just because the Army isn't what I thought it would be. Nothing is worse than going to work everyday to a job you don't enjoy, trust me I'm in that situation right now. While military experience is a big plus on a resume someone who had a 4 year degree and a decent job history still has a good chance to get hired in law enforcement.

Bottom line: joining the military is a big commitment and you shouldn't join unless you are actually interested in the work and ready to do it for at least 4 years.

Bad advice. Don't join the military just for college benefits and something to put on a resume. If you don't want to be in the military and don't think you will be able to handle the military lifestyle then I don't want to work with you. There are people I have met throughout my training and in my current unit who were there just for the money, they have no motivation to do well in the military, just enough to get by. Those are the worst people to work with. Personally I don't plan on re-enlisting after this contract just because the Army isn't what I thought it would be. Nothing is worse than going to work everyday to a job you don't enjoy, trust me I'm in that situation right now. While military experience is a big plus on a resume someone who had a 4 year degree and a decent job history still has a good chance to get hired in law enforcement.

Bottom line: joining the military is a big commitment and you shouldn't join unless you are actually interested in the work and ready to do it for at least 4 years.

Agree to disagree; you can't expect everyone who joins the military to like it, even if they do understand the significance of the commitment.

I'm no recruiter for the military, and my reasons for separating the Air Force were similar to yours; I felt like Bill Murray in Stripes during my entire enlistment. But I'll be the first to admit, that despite the financial incentives (which really aren't many, especially if you're single), my military experience has helped me immensely personally and professionally simply because of the opportunities it provided. I'm always down for sharing that info.

 

Edited October 25, 201510 yr by luminouscarcass

Agree to disagree; you can't expect everyone who joins the military to like it, even if they do understand the significance of the commitment.

I'm no recruiter for the military, and my reasons for separating the Air Force were similar to yours; I felt like Bill Murray in Stripes during my entire enlistment. But I'll be the first to admit, that despite the financial incentives (which really aren't many, especially if you're single), my military experience has helped me immensely personally and professionally simply because of the opportunities it provided. I'm always down for sharing that info.

 

Yes, I agree there are lots of benefits other than financial to joining the military I just don't agree with the statement that everyone should join after high school. I was 21 when I joined the Army so I was older than most of the other junior enlisted guys that came in with me and most of the people I dislike in my unit are the kids who are right out of high school and treat it like this is high school since they don't really care about their job.