Does anyone know the requirements/ standards for being a Police officer?

2018-05-10T09:34:40-04:00

After the military I plan on pursuing a career in law enforcement, probably a Police officer

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2018 9:36 AM

2018-05-10T09:36:37-04:00

Depends on the state and department. Talk to your local department and do a ride along.

Response by Maj John Bell made May 10 at 2018 9:37 AM

2018-05-10T09:37:52-04:00

Varies from State to State and some Departments put on additional requirements.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 10 at 2018 9:46 AM

2018-05-10T09:46:23-04:00

Ah, Jordan, I thought you were going to be a career Assault Infantryman 0311?

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made May 10 at 2018 9:49 AM

2018-05-10T09:49:34-04:00

I think you need to take one thing at a time. Plans are good but you haven't even gotten to the military yet. Lots of things can happen to change plans.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2018 10:35 AM

2018-05-10T10:35:36-04:00

Jordan-One step at a time Brother. You may find that you enjoy the Military enough to aim for a career...my guess is that over time, the benefits might be better than many municipal PDs.

When I left active duty, I pursued, and was awarded a job offer with a major Metro-PD. The process will vary from department to department...but this is how it went for me.

I already had a four year degree and military experience, which helped me in selection. Many of the other candidates I trained with held degrees in Criminal Justice, or had extensive Military backgrounds attractive to the department. The first step was applying to take the test-I purchased study books commonly available, and found preparation to be very similar to the ACT/SAT in terms of "how" one studied for the standardized test. I also had to pass an initial physical screening...which at 31, I aced. It was mostly focused on strength (lifting a specified weight) and endurance (I believe a timed run through an O-Course and a treadmill test).

Usually, department have a very limited number of hiring spots, so if one achieves the highest scores on the test, physical tests and interview...if offered a spot, they'll then attend a certified academy; in my case, the department paid for this training for new hires, along with a very low starting salary of around $23k/yr.

Some candidates had already completed state accredited academy courses at their own cost (gets you the same certification as an officer)...so they could be hired right away.

Ultimately, I was offered a more attractive salary/benefit package in the private sector, and turned the job and academy slot down...which let it go to my next alternate.

From what I saw, the Police Academy was "no joke", but nowhere near the same as Basic Training in the Military...and a "piece of cake" for any former servicemember still in good shape and possessing a positive mental attitude, and humble disposition. Ours was a Mon-Fri course that allowed candidates to go home on weekends, and was very close to my home, so as I was still single...not a very intimidating prospect.

Again-I'd take one step at a time. Remember that LE draws a lot of veterans to its ranks, and you might want to have more than just a first enlistment under you belt to be competitive. You'll be MUCH younger than you think you are when you get out, and if you're still leaning that way after a few years of military service, you'll be better informed towards just what sacrifices you're willing to make to transition from "green" to "blue".

A senior LE officer (and combat veteran) gave me some good advice once. He said that the hardest thing for most former military guys was realizing that LE operates in a vastly different profile than the Armed Forces. You will be patrolling the "hard" shift for the first couple of years, with no where near the backup and resources, forced to use your mind as a weapon a lot more, and under constant scrutiny regarding your decisions in the field. Another friend of mine who runs tactical training for LE claims that Military people often have some "bad habits" that have to be broken before mastering the differences in tactics.

Best wishes and good luck!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2018 11:39 AM

2018-05-10T11:39:20-04:00

When I was NCOIC of a USMC Recruiting Sub-Station 84-87 we called guys like you window shoppers. About once a month a few would drop by each branch's office and leave with stacks of literature under each arm. Most never joined so we ignored them. It was either Force Recon, SEALS, Ranger, SF, Pilot, or Army WO pilot. I'll share some advice from someone much wiser than me. Don't worry about the mule going blind, just load the wagon. Meaning - nothing wrong with having long range goals, but you can't possibly plan your next 70 years on this planet in a few months. Things happen and things change. Just decide what YOU want to do and get started. Make course corrections from there. The hardest step in anything is the first.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2018 11:48 AM

2018-05-10T11:48:39-04:00

PV2 J M each state has tweeks in their requirements, but most are coming in line w/ federal guidelines meant to implement stability and recognition between jurisdictions. Many depts are requiring a bachelor's degree on top of academy now. Some states will recognize military training in lieu of taking the Peace Officer's Standard Test (POST). You will have to look into your jurisdiction's particular requirements when you are ready to begin that stage of your life.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 12:22 PM

2018-05-12T12:22:13-04:00

Don’t put it off. Become one now.