4 Requirements For Becoming a Police Officer

Other than the armed forces, there are very few jobs that are as noble as becoming a police officer. Police officers commit their lives to protecting civilians and keeping our streets safe.
So if you’re looking to make a positive impact on your community, there’s no better job than becoming a police officer.

But before you earn your badge, you’ll have to meet some basic requirements to enter the academy.
Here’s a list of some of them:

1. Your Age and Background

You have to be at least 21 years of age and a US citizen by the time you graduate from the academy. You’ll also need a valid driver’s license because you’re expected to drive on the job.
After you apply to a police academy, they will carry out a background check to ensure you have a clean record. Any criminal activities (felonies and misdemeanors) will disqualify you from the academy—including domestic violence convictions and DWIs over the last 5 years.
You will also go through a psychological evaluation to determine whether or not you’re mentally/emotionally sound.

2. College Credits

No, police officers don’t need a Bachelor’s degree to apply to the academy; however, they do need some college credits.

Each police academy sets its own college credit requirements. Some police academies may require a minimum of 60 college credits hours.
Usually, aspiring law enforcement officers study sociology, psychology, or computer programming alongside criminal justice.
Other than college credits, the ability to speak multiple languages can also improve your chances of being accepted into the academy. Being able to speak some of the most common languages in America—like Spanish, Russian, Chinese, French, and Arabic will help you stand out.

3. Physical Fitness Requirements

Meeting physical fitness requirements for police officers is incredibly important. Police officers must be physically healthy so they can perform their duties. So understandably, their physical condition is put to the test.
Any impairments—like obesity, blindness, and deafness—will force the academy to reject your application. If you have any untreated mental impairments, you’ll probably be disqualified as well.
Once you’re in the academy, you’ll be expected to work on building your endurance and stamina.

4. Passing the Police Academy Entrance Exam

Just meeting the physical requirements isn’t enough to get you in—there’s a lot more to being a cop than stamina.
Before you apply to the academy, you’ll receive informational booklets and forms that you’ll need to fill out. You’ll also have to provide your original birth certificate, social security card, and driver’s license, and submit copies of your high school/college attendance.
If you’ve served in the military, you’ll need to submit the requisite documents.
You’ll be required to pass a written exam in which your problem-solving abilities and reasoning will be tested, along with your math skills.
Keep in mind that each academy has its own exam; some exams may even require you to fill out an incident report or write an essay. Your exam will be assessed on your ability to write, and your vocabulary and spelling.

Civil Service Success prepares aspiring police officers for the Suffolk County Police Exam. Its preparation courses cover cognitive ability assessment, required reasoning ability, and teach students how to answer questions related to experiences in work, school, and personality traits.
Contact them for more information. 

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