Becoming a Law Enforcement Officer

Plenty of people want to be police officers but not everyone can make the cut. Strict requirements and intense training weed out the wannabes and ensure that those only those who are able to handle the rigors of a patrol officer’s job earn that shiny badge.

Focus on Getting an Education

It might be tempting to pursue a law enforcement career as soon as possible but an education is a must. No matter what, you will definitely need a high school diploma or GED to get a good job in law enforcement. A college degree is also considered a big asset for any law enforcement job and will help you get promotions down the line. A degree in criminal justice, psychology or law can be extremely valuable.

Emphasize Any Military Experience You Have

Another big draw for law enforcement recruiters is military experience. If you have experience in the military, be sure to play this up on any applications you submit – it is likely to be a big help in landing you a good job.

Physical Fitness is a Must

For almost all law enforcement jobs, you will be required to meet certain physical fitness requirements. Get prepared now by staying fit so that when the time comes to take the PT test, you don’t have any problems.

Do Your Research: Make Sure Law Enforcement is For You

As discussed before, the first thing to do is make sure that law enforcement is the right career for you. The job can be extremely rewarding if you do it for the right reasons, but the hours are long and the work is demanding. Talk to people in the field and recruiters to find out more information before you jump in with both feet. If you are interested in being a patrol officer in a local police department, find out if it’s possible to participate in a ride along so you can get a taste of what it’s like to work in the field.