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This question is about police officer jobs.
What qualifications do I need to be a police officer?
The qualifications you need to become a police officer are being a U.S. citizen, being at least 21 years old, having a high school diploma, and meeting the rigorous physical and personal qualification standards.
Police officers must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although many federal agencies and police departments require some college coursework or a college degree. Police officers who get an associate's or bachelor's degree usually major in criminal justice or law enforcement.
In general, candidates for appointment attend a training academy before becoming an officer. Training includes classroom instruction in state and local laws, constitutional law, civil rights, and police ethics.
Recruits also receive training and supervised experience in patrol, traffic control, firearm use, self-defense, first aid, and emergency response.
Some police departments have cadet programs for people interested in a career in law enforcement who do not yet meet age requirements for becoming an officer. These cadets do clerical work and attend classes until they reach the minimum age requirement, at which point they can apply for a position with the regular force.
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