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This question is about what a police officer does.
What degree do you need to be a cop?
You do not need a degree to become a cop, although an associate's or bachelor's degree is preferred. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum formal education that is needed to become a police officer. Most applicants also need to:
Be a US citizen
Have a valid driver's license
Be at least 18 years old
Have a clean criminal record
A bachelor's degree is usually preferred for more advanced law enforcement positions, especially those at the federal level (e.g., FBI, US Fish, and Wildlife Service).
Aspiring cops will need to take the law enforcement entrance exam and achieve a passing score before they can be admitted into a police academy program. The exact exam taken will depend on the police academy and the jurisdiction. Some of the tests given include Asset, Compass, and LEE (Law Enforcement Examination).
The police academy is where cadets will receive the most important training that will allow them to serve as police officers. Training will last at least six months, and the curriculum will cover topics such as:
Search and seizure
Criminal statutes
Traffic laws
Firearms training
Driver training
Physical conditioning
After graduating from the academy, you are ready to start working as a police officer.
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