If you want to become a police officer, you need to attend an academy to learn how to do the job.The police academy lasts about 6 months and teaches you how to interact with others, fill out paperwork, and use your firearm.To be accepted, you need to pass the tests.You can pass the academy with hard work and determination.
Step 1: The basic age and residency requirements need to be met.
The minimum age to join the police academy is either 18 or 21.Before you can apply and join, you have to check with your local or state laws to find out how old you need to be.Police officers need to live in the area where they are applying for a year.Wait until you meet the requirements before you apply.Before you can become a police officer, you need proof of citizenship, such as a Social Security card, ID or birth certificate.If you want to join the police academy in an area that has age limits, be sure to check with them.
Step 2: Make sure your record is clean.
Before you apply for the police academy, you should follow all the laws in your area.If you have a felony or domestic violence conviction on your record, you cannot attend the academy.When applying for the police academy, you may be overlooked if you have a conviction for a felony that is older than 3 years.
Step 3: Take care of your physical fitness.
Staying fit will help you succeed at the academy, as police officers are often put through physical tests.Cardio exercises, such as running or biking, as well as strength exercises like push-ups and bench presses, should be your main focus.Continue to maintain a workout plan on your own.If you want to be the best you have to eat healthy and exercise.
Step 4: Good moral character is what you should have.
Difficult decisions that need the most moral plan of action are often faced by police officers.Developing your own morals, like empathizing with other people, being honest, and respecting everyone, can help you make the right decisions while you're at the academy and working as an officer.If you want to learn more about how to build your moral character, take ethics courses online or in person.
Step 5: Know the laws in your area.
You can find federal, state, and local laws online, but you should read over them to understand them.You should check with your local government to see what specific laws they have.You can expand your knowledge by learning a few laws every day.You don't need to remember everything right away because you will learn more about law in the academy.
Step 6: You need to earn your driver's license.
If you want to learn how to use a car and drive it properly, you need to practice driving with a licensed driver.If you want to get a driver's license, you have to take a test at your local Department of Motor Vehicles.While driving, keep your eyes focused on the road and be attentive.If you follow the traffic laws, you will be able to get a license.If you already have a license, make sure that it is still valid.Depending on where you live, you might need to take driver's education courses.
Step 7: You can get a high school or GED.
You can get the best grades if you focus on your classes.Take courses in psychology, sociology, and math to improve your skills in the police academy.If you don't have a high school degree, you can get into the police academy by earning a GED.
Step 8: If you earn an associate's degree in criminal justice, you have a better chance of being accepted.
College degrees aren't required for police officers, but they can help you get more educated and get a job later onTo prepare you for the academy, you should take courses in psychology, criminal law, and ethics.If you want to stay fit and improve your skills, take a few physical education courses.Check with the police force or the academy that you are applying for since they may have different education requirements.
Step 9: You can apply to a police academy.
Different police departments may use a state- or area-wide academy, or there may be private academies hosted at community colleges.You could choose to do courses on nights and weekends.To find out how to apply for the police academy, reach out to the department that you want to work for.Before you submit the application online or in person, please fill it out with your basic information.If you are hired by a police department, they will sponsor your time at the police academy so you don't have to pay any fees and guarantee a job when you finish.If you want to interview with the department before you go to the academy, you need to reach out and apply.
Step 10: Take the exams.
The police academy tests your reading comprehension, spelling, and writing skills in multiple-choice exams.If you want to take the test for the academy you are applying to, you should look at the available times.If you have time to double check your answers, you should complete the exams within 2 12 hours.Generic practice exams can be used to prepare for your tests.
Step 11: You should perform a physical ability examination.
If you pass the physical exam, you will be able to apply to become a police officer.You can find the dates for the physical exam at the academy.The exam consists of a run, push ups, sit-ups, and bench presses.Warm up and practice exercises before your exam.Depending on what your department requires, your physical exam may differ.
Step 12: Interview with a person.
Your basic experience, motivation for joining the academy, and communication skills will be covered in the interview.If you schedule your interview with the academy, you will be able to meet one of the supervisors.You should smile and be completely honest in your interview to show that you are friendly.If the interviewer asks how you would handle situations that a police officer might face, try to give the most detailed response you can.You might be asked how you would handle a difficult suspect or someone in need.For the interview, wear a button-up shirt or blouse, dress pants, shoes, and a tie.
Step 13: If you want to join the academy, pass a background check and drug test.
If you are accepted to the police academy, they will conduct a background check on you to make sure you don't have any criminal activity.If you don't have anything on your record that will count against you, you will not be able to join the academy.You must take a drug test if you have urine, hair, or saliva.The academy will proceed with your application if both the background check and drug test come back clean.If your criminal history shows up on your background check, you will not be accepted into the academy.
Step 14: A medical and psychological evaluation is needed.
Once you pass the previous exams, you will be asked to complete a medical and psychological evaluation to make sure you are fit to become a police officer.If you want to join the academy, you need to visit the doctor to have your medical history checked.If you want to be a psychologist, you need to talk to your family about their mental health history and see if you are mentally ready for the job.Some police academies don't need a psychological evaluation.
Step 15: If you have any, you should pay the fees for the academy.
The costs of uniforms, education, firearms, and exams are included in the fees for the police academy.Before you attend the police academy, you should check the costs so you know how much you owe.You can not attend the academy if you can't pay your fees.You don't have to pay for the academy if you are sponsored by a police department.You can take out a loan to pay for your time at the academy.
Step 16: It is your first day at the police academy.
The police academy is usually open for 5 days a week from 8 AM - 5 PM.Criminal law, police procedure, and ethics are taught in the morning.Field training may include physical fitness courses and police simulations, such as making arrests or firearm training.You should bring a wristwatch, college-ruled paper, #2 pencils, a notepad, black pens, and liquid paper on your first day.All your books and supplies will be supplied by the academy.
Step 17: Unless you are told otherwise, wear your uniform at the academy.
You need to wear a standard police uniform when you attend the police academy.If you are doing physical exercises or practicing, you may be able to wear different clothes, but only if your commanding officer approves.Make sure your uniform is in line with the academy standards so you don't get in trouble.Uniforms are given to you when you start attending the academy.
Step 18: To stay fit and active, complete the physical training.
You will need to complete physical activities during your time in the academy.If you want to stand out in the academy, you need to do your best while you are exercising.The physical tests get harder as you progress through the academy.At the end of your time at the academy, physical exams may include dragging a heavy dummy, completing an obstacle course in a certain amount of time, and scaling a climbing wall.Don't fall behind during your physical training.
Step 19: Simulation exercises are used to practice real-world situations.
Simulation exercises can include firearm training, pursuing suspects on foot, and practicing defensive tactics.Paying close attention and fully engaged in the simulations will ensure you don't miss any important information.If you make a mistake, make sure to correct it for the next simulation.Pepper spray training, teambuilding, and pursuing people in your vehicle are some of the simulations you may need to go through.Don't miss important details or instructions if you listen carefully to your commanding officers.
Step 20: Write reports and other paperwork.
In the classroom at the police academy, you will learn how to structure police paperwork and crime scene reports so you can do well in the field.Make sure to fill out your forms correctly and listen closely to the scenarios you are given.As you learn more, you will be given more difficult tasks to complete so you are prepared for being a police officer.When to use certain forms over another and how to handle difficult situations in the field are some of the things you will learn.
Step 21: You have to pass the written and physical exams.
At the end of your time in the police academy, take any written or oral exams they give you to show that you are ready to become a police officer.The exams will cover everything you learned at the academy in multiple-choice and open-ended questions.Shoot your firearm, participate in simulations, and be arrested are some of the things that may be included in a physical exam.Practice and study hard for the exams.If you don't pass, aim to get a 75% or higher.If you don't pass the exams, you may have to take them again.Depending on the academy, the percentage you need to get correct may be different.Generic study guides can be found online for police academy exams.
Step 22: When you're done with the police academy, you should attend graduation.
When you graduate from the police academy, you will be sworn in as a police officer.You can invite friends or family to the ceremony to celebrate with you.You need to take an oath during the ceremony to join the police force.Your commanding officers will give you directions during the ceremony.If you don't graduate from the police academy, you will not be sworn in or attend the ceremony.