Q: At what age can you become a police officer?

You can become a police officer at 18 years of age. Police qualifications include completing police academy training, age requirements, and passing a background check. Every member of a police force must complete police academy training. These programs generally last several months and give training on all the essential aspects of policing. Police academy training hones the needed skills and also educates on firearm safety and use.

Q: Can anyone become a cop?

No, not anyone can become a cop. The steps and requirements to become a cop are not particularly difficult to meet. However, police departments are very selective of who they hire. Most police departments have a multifaceted application process that involves written exams, psychology evaluations, and more.

Question 1

Corrections Officer vs. Police Officer

Accepted Answer

A corrections officer is a law enforcement agent who is in charge of individuals who have been arrested, while a police officer is a law enforcement agent who works in the community to ensure safety.

Question 2

Public Safety Officer vs. Police Officer

Accepted Answer

A public safety officer serves the public to ensure the protection of persons and property, while a police officer is responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing the law, and preventing and detecting criminal activity.

Question 3

State Trooper vs. Police Officer

Accepted Answer

A state trooper is an officer who works for the state, while a police officer works for a specific city within their state.

A state trooper serves as highway patrol or as part of other state-wide agency programs. They are responsible for ensuring that people abide by state and federal laws. They also help protect the governor and state capital complex. Their primary goal is to reduce the number of collisions and promote safety on the roadways.

Question 4

How long does it take to become a Police Officer?

Accepted Answer

It takes 4 years of professional experience to become a police officer. That is the time it takes to learn specific police officer skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education. If you include the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, then it takes 7 to 9 years years to become a police officer.

Question 5

At what age can you become a police officer?

Accepted Answer

You can become a police officer at 18 years of age. Police qualifications include completing police academy training, age requirements, and passing a background check.

Every member of a police force must complete police academy training. These programs generally last several months and give training on all the essential aspects of policing. Police academy training hones the needed skills and also educates on firearm safety and use.

Question 6

Can I become a police officer with a dui?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a police officer with a DUI, but it depends on the laws of the jurisdiction in which you are applying to become a police officer. Generally, a DUI conviction may not disqualify you from becoming a police officer, but it may be taken into consideration when the department is evaluating your application.

Question 7

Can I become a police officer with a misdemeanor?

Accepted Answer

Whether you can become a police officer with a misdemeanor depends on the type of misdemeanor and the jurisdiction. Generally speaking, a misdemeanor will not automatically disqualify you from becoming a police officer. However, certain misdemeanors may disqualify you from being hired. It is best to contact the hiring agency to determine the eligibility requirements.

Question 8

Can anyone become a cop?

Accepted Answer

No, not anyone can become a cop. The steps and requirements to become a cop are not particularly difficult to meet. However, police departments are very selective of who they hire. Most police departments have a multifaceted application process that involves written exams, psychology evaluations, and more.

Question 9

Can anyone become a police officer?

Accepted Answer

No, not anyone can become a police officer.The basic requirements to become a police officer are not restrictive. However, the hiring process is arduous, with candidates needing to pass written exams, psychological evaluations, and more. It may come as no surprise to learn that less than 10% of candidates who apply become a police officer.

Question 10

Can i become a police officer without citizenship?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a police officer without citizenship, but it largely depends on the state and the individual agency. The citizenship requirements to be a law enforcement officer with a local or state agency will depend upon the individual agency. Some agencies, for example, require applicants to be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals. Other agencies open up the requirements to those who are resident aliens and other agencies which only require applicants to be lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

Question 11

Can you become a cop at 40?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a cop at 40. However, you still must meet the various requirements and qualifications it takes to become a police officer. In addition, most United States police departments have age requirements in the 21 to 35 years of age range. But there are some police departments that do not have any age requirements or age maximums over 40.

Question 12

Can you become a cop with a criminal record?

Accepted Answer

No, you can not become a cop with a criminal record. Most law enforcement agencies, both state and federal, do not hire individuals that have criminal records. Here is a look at the strict requirements to become a cop:

Question 13

Can you become a police officer if you take antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a police officer if you take antidepressants, but it depends on the individual circumstances. Your doctor or psychiatrist may need to provide a letter of clearance to show that the medication does not affect the individual's ability to perform the duties of a police officer.

Question 14

Can you become a police officer with a DUI?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can become a police officer with a DUI in some jurisdictions. In most cases, this will depend on the particular circumstances of the arrest and the outcome in court. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, having a felony DUI would be an automatic disqualifier for becoming a police officer.

Question 15

Can you become a police officer with a sealed record?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot become a police officer with a sealed record. You cannot become a cop with a criminal record even if it is sealed. This is because law enforcement agencies often have access to sealed records, meaning the police department you are applying to is likely to find out about your criminal history. Police departments are extremely strict about this.

Question 16

Can you become a police officer with an expunged felony?

Accepted Answer

No, you can not become a police officer with an expunged felony. Unfortunately, police departments do not hire felons, even ones that have had their felony expunged.

Question 17

Constable vs Police

Accepted Answer

A constable is a law enforcement official that is able to enforce both criminal and civil laws, while the police are a law enforcement force of a specific town or city.

The title of constable can mean different things in different jurisdictions. In some places, it refers to a title or rank in law enforcement, while in others, it refers to a specific assignment for certain law enforcement officers.

Question 18

How hard is it to become a SWAT team member?

Accepted Answer

It is very hard to become a SWAT team member. The career path to becoming a SWAT team member is rigorous, demanding both physical and mental readiness. It can take several years, including the time spent as a police officer to gain experience and meet the agency's requirements, as well as the specialized training specific to SWAT operations.

Question 19

How to become a police officer without a college degree

Accepted Answer

You become a police officer without a degree by having a clean criminal record and taking the law enforcement entrance exam.

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:

Question 20

Sheriff vs Police

Accepted Answer

A sheriff is a law enforcement professional that works for a county's sheriff's department, while the police are a law enforcement force of a specific town or city.

A sheriff enforces the law in a certain county within a state. Their duties include investigating crimes, arresting criminals, and responding to emergency situations within a specific county in a state.

Question 21

What are the pros and cons of being a cop?

Accepted Answer

The pros are being able to help others, experience community pride, build fraternal relationships, job satisfaction, and good benefits like early retirement, while the cons are the cost of emotional and physical stress, dangerous work environments, and long hours at low pay.

Question 22

What are the pros and cons of being a k9 officer?

Accepted Answer

The pros of being a K9 officer include the bond formed between a handler and their K9 partner and the knowledge that you are helping to keep your community safe, while the cons include a challenging and demanding job.

Question 23

What disqualifies you from being a police officer?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, a felony conviction will disqualify you from being a police officer. Police officers are expected to work hard to preserve peace and safety in the community. To that end, they are expected to be upstanding, trustworthy citizens who value safety.

To help ensure that police officers are only hiring the best of the best, all candidates will have to submit to a police background check that is strict and thorough. This background check will gather information from criminal records, employment history, and education history. They will also have to submit references that will be checked.

In most cases, a felony conviction on a candidate's criminal record will result in an automatic disqualification. A guilty plea to a felony will also greatly reduce your chances of becoming a police officer.

In some jurisdictions, becoming a police officer with a misdemeanor is still possible. In general, misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, but a few will stop a candidate from being accepted to the police force.

The definition of a serious misdemeanor isn't as precise as a felony and will vary from agency to agency. In general, whether a misdemeanor or felony, the following convictions will disqualify you as a candidate for the police force:

Assault
Perjury
Domestic violence
Theft
Recklessness

Unreported past crimes, meaning a crime was committed, but there was no arrest or conviction, can still show up on a law enforcement background check. Agencies often take undetected or unreported crimes as seriously as actual convictions. To that end, disclosing any crimes or issues is of the utmost importance.

Domestic violence is a crime taken very seriously by the police department and will be an immediate disqualification regardless of the level of the crime. If an officer has a history of domestic violence, the public cannot trust them to protect victims of that same crime.

Some police agencies have become more forgiving regarding the use of minor drugs in the past. However, there are still usually hard rules regarding more severe substances like cocaine and hallucinogens. A history of recreational drug use or dependency will be taken into account on a case-by-case basis.

Military service and law enforcement are relatively similar paths, so they have many of the same standards. For this reason, police agencies will consider a dishonorable discharge from the United States military as an automatic disqualification.

It is possible to become a police officer with a DUI. In most cases, this will depend on the particular circumstances of the arrest and the outcome in court. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, having a felony DUI would be an automatic disqualifier for becoming a police officer.

DUIs are taken very seriously by police forces. The agency will be viewed badly if an officer is caught driving under the influence. To that end, different factors will be taken into consideration, such as:

Was it drug or alcohol related?
Was it your first DUI?
Did it result in damage to property, injury, or death?
Was your car insured?

If it is alcohol-related and your first DUI, you are more likely to receive leniency from the police agency than if it is drug-related or if you are a habitual offender. If the DUI resulted in serious harm or occurred while the officer was on duty, the sanctions are likely to be much harsher.

It is important to remember that law enforcement occupations typically have a huge candidate pool, and many are applying for these police posts. For that reason, the hiring boards have the luxury of being selective about who they hire, and a DUI can be a large deterrent.

It can be difficult to get hired if your qualifications are identical to candidates with no DUI or other criminal record.

Question 24

What is the career path for a police officer?

Accepted Answer

The career path for a police officer includes positions such as police officer, detective, and chief of police. To become a police officer, you first need to graduate from a police academy. This requires you to be at least 18 years old and hold a high school degree or equivalent.

Question 25

What is the police hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

The police hierarchy may vary from department to department, but most have Police Technicians at the bottom and Chiefs of Police at the top.

Here is a list of common police hierarchy starting with the lowest level position, ascending in higher rank order:

Question 26

What should I study to become a police officer?

Accepted Answer

You should study criminal justice to become a police officer. You can do this by obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree in the subject. Taking courses in sociology and psychology can also be highly beneficial for this profession.

Question 27

Why become a police officer?

Accepted Answer

You should become a police officer because you get to help people, every day is different, and you earn a decent salary. Here is some more information on these reasons and others you should become a police officer:

Question 28

Deputy Sheriff vs. Police Officer

Accepted Answer

A deputy sheriff is a lawman that works for a county's sheriff's department, while a police officer is a policeman in a police department of a specific town or city.

A deputy sheriff is a law enforcement professional who enforces the laws of a specific county within a state. They are tasked with investigating crimes, arresting criminals, and responding to emergency situations within a specific county of the state.

Question 29

Peace Officer vs. Police Officer

Accepted Answer

A peace officer is someone who can be a member of a police force, while a police officer is someone who is always a member of a police force.

A peace officer is a type of police officer who enforces laws and ordinances. They may also investigate crimes. Most peace officers' tasks are making arrests, conducting investigations, and issuing citations for traffic violations. Responding to emergency calls, such as domestic violence incidents or fires is also within a peace officer's purview.

Question 30

Sheriff vs. Police Officer

Accepted Answer

A sheriff is a law enforcement professional that works for a county's sheriff's department, while a police officer is a policeman in a police department of a specific town or city.

A sheriff enforces the law in a specific county within a state. Their duties include investigating crimes, arresting criminals, and responding to emergency situations.

Question 31

How many vacation days do police get?

Accepted Answer

The number of vacation days police officers get can vary greatly, but on average, they receive between 10 to 15 days of vacation annually. Typically, the number given is based on years of service and the specific policies of the department.

Question 32

What is a good starting salary for a Police Officer?

Accepted Answer

A good starting salary for a police officer is $35,000 in the United States. That puts you in the 10th percentile of annual income for a police officer in the U.S., which is about what you would expect if you were new to the field. The average salary for police officers is $48,353, but that normally requires some level of experience to achieve. Furthermore, a good starting salary for a police officer can vary by state.

Question 33

What is the highest-paid law enforcement job?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paid law enforcement job is a judge. Judges in the United States have an average salary of $170,000 per year.

Other law enforcement positions with high average annual salaries include:

Question 34

Can a police officer make 100k?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a police officer. While possible, it is unlikely to earn over $100k as a police officer because even higher-paid positions do not typically earn more than $65,000 per year. The average annual salary for a police officer is $48,353.

Question 35

Do police officers get paid well?

Accepted Answer

Yes, police officers can get paid well. On average, they make $47,000 yearly (about $3,997 monthly or $23 hourly).

As most jobs go, factors like location and experience can determine your exact pay. On the lower end of the salary range, they can make about $35,000, typically for entry-level positions or low-paying states like Kansas and Missouri. On the higher end, they can earn more than $64,000.

Question 36

Is it hard to get hired as a police officer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can be hard to get hired as a police officer. Besides educational requirements, most police officers must graduate from their agency's training academy before completing a period of on-the-job training.

Question 37

What other jobs can police officers do?

Accepted Answer

Police officers can do other jobs typically related to security and law enforcement for all local, state, and federal levels.

For example, they can be military police officers and deputies. They can also advance to higher positions after a certain period with good on-the-job performance along with a written exam such as becoming sergeants, lieutenants, and captains.

Question 38

What qualifications do I need to be a police officer?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 39

What are police qualifications?

Accepted Answer

Police qualifications include completing police academy training, age requirements, and passing a background check.

Every member of a police force must complete police academy training. These programs generally last several months and give training on all the essential aspects of the job of policing. Police academy training hones the needed skills and also educates on firearm safety and use.

In order to gain entry into most police academies, police candidates must:

Pass a written entry test
Test negative on controlled drug screening
Complete a psychological examination
Complete a polygraph examination
Complete a physical fitness evaluation
Complete an interview with a certified police officer

Those that wish to get advanced careers in policing should consider getting a bachelor's or master's degree in either criminology or criminal justice. These can help you move your career track faster towards positions like detective, police captain, or other senior roles in police departments.

Individuals wanting to join the police force need to be at least 18 years old. They also must be able to pass a background check and drug test. Those with criminal records are not considered eligible to work for the police force.

Here are some other strict requirements for most police departments:

Be a US citizen
Have a valid driver's license
Pass a background check
Submit fingerprints for search and record
Have no felony convictions, nor have been convicted of any class A or B misdemeanors
Have a high school diploma or GED

Many police departments also require physical assessment tests, so being in good physical shape can be considered another qualification.

Here are some common qualities and skills associated with being a police professional:

Communication skills

Police officials must be able to communicate clearly, concisely, and in a confident tone. This goes for interactions with the public or other members of the law enforcement community. Delivering accurate and clear information is essential to police work.

Respect for citizens

The main objective of the police is to protect and serve the members of their communities. To execute this properly, they should have an understanding and respect for individuals of all different backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, cultures, attitudes, and beliefs.

Judgment and problem-solving

Police officers often work in high-stress situations, and they must always be able to keep their cool and engage in good judgment. Decision-making skills are also essential in many police scenarios.

They must be able to reason, weigh the consequences, and consider alternatives before deciding on the most logical course of action. Without sound judgment, rationalization, and composure, situations can escalate and cost lives.

An understanding of laws and ethics

In policing, there must be an in-depth understanding of the law. The law can be taught. However, there must also be a strong sense of ethics, which is not as easily learned. Those who have good morale and a sense of ethics, which can also be balanced with the law, will find the greatest success as police officers.

Taking the initiative and having perseverance

Police work demands that officers be resolute, steady, confident, and motivated to carry out their tasks. Even when faced with adversities or limited resources, police officers must persevere to accomplish their mission or purpose.

A strong understanding of the community they serve

Police officers must exhibit great care and interest in their communities. They also need to understand the issues and concerns that exist within it. This goes beyond basic law enforcement tasks and knowledge.

Police officers must have keen and accurate insight into the challenges or issues their community face. They must also establish a trusting relationship with community members, officials, and other law enforcement professionals in the area.

Question 40

What are the qualifications to join the NYPD?

Accepted Answer

The qualifications to join the NYPD are some college education or equivalent military service, citizenship in the United States, a clean record, and you must be at least 21 years old. You will become eligible to take the Police Officer's Entrance exam at age 17.5 years and that eligibility continues until you are 35 years old.

For education, you must have completed 60 college credits from an accredited institution. Although it is not required, it would be beneficial if these courses were in criminology or a related field. Two years of active military service also covers this requirement, and could be a great benefit to anyone looking to go into the police.

Along with being a citizen of the United States, you must have proof of residency in one of New York's five boroughs or one of the following counties: Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Orange, or Putnam. A valid New York license is also required.

Along with qualifications and requirements, it is important to note that there are some automatic disqualifications that will keep you from entering the service at NYPD. You cannot work for the NYPD if you have ever been convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor. A dishonorable discharge from the military will also disqualify you.

Question 41

What is the demand for police officers?

Accepted Answer

The demand for police officers is generally high, due to the constant need for public safety and order enforcement. The role of a police officer is critical in maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and ensuring the safety of communities. Therefore, the demand for police officers remains consistently high, and it often increases in areas experiencing population growth, or increased crime rates.

Question 42

What percentage of Police Officers are female?

Accepted Answer

18.4% of police officers are female in the United States. This is 0.6 percentage points higher than last year. Additionally, the percentage of female police officers has increased by 1.2 percentage points since 2010. That means there are a total of 59,778 female police officers in the U.S. and 265,104 male police officers in the United States. Note that Zippia's estimate accounts only for the 324,882 people with the specific job title of police officer and doesn't include grouping similar job titles, or people with potentially similar credentialing.

Question 43

What are good skills to put on a resume for a police officer job?

Accepted Answer

Good skills to put on your resume for a police officer job include teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution skills. To succeed in a job as a police officer, the candidates must possess a number of skills, including excellent communication skills and problem-solving.

Question 44

What are the five characteristics of good police officers?

Accepted Answer

The five characteristics of good police officers are integrity, empathy, team orientation, adaptability, and good communication. To succeed in a job as a police officer, the candidates must possess these five characteristics.

Question 45

Can I become a cop with a felony?

Accepted Answer

No, you can not become a cop with a felony. All law enforcement agencies in the United States prohibit the hiring of felons. This includes individuals who were convicted of a felony and had their record expunged.

Question 46

How many hours do police officers work?

Accepted Answer

Police officers work a wide variety of hours, depending on the police department and the officers' rank. Most police officers work full-time hours with long daily shifts.

Certain departments have the standard 40-hour work week policy for patrol officers, with five days worked in succession, and eight-hour shifts for each of those days, followed by two days off.

Question 47

How to reduce police burnout

Accepted Answer

To reduce burnout in police, check in with yourself, push for what you need, and manage stress. For a more detailed look at these strategies and others, reference this guide:

Check-in with yourself. Being a police officer can be extremely emotionally taxing, so it's important to know your limits and recognize when to change before it gets out of hand.
Push for what you need. Success as a police officer is often tied to proper support and equipment availability. If something is missing or broken, it is important to stand up for yourself and ensure everything is in working order.
Connect with others in your field. Connecting with those around you is beneficial as you have someone who can support you and knows exactly what you're going through. You may also find it beneficial to have allies to work through difficulties and find solutions if needed.
Manage Stress. Burnout is high for police officers because of the consistent stress in their careers. Finding positive ways to manage stress, such as therapy, exercise, yoga, or simply spending time with loved ones, can be beneficial.

Question 48

What are the benefits of being a police officer?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining your fitness level, the brotherhood bond, and never having the same day twice are benefits of being a police officer. Cops are active at the time and are expected to maintain a minimum level of fitness. Being fit both mentally and physically is crucial for a police officer.

Question 49

What are the pros and cons of being a police officer?

Accepted Answer

The pros and cons of being a police officer include ones relating to helping people, dangerous working conditions, and salary. Here is a look at the pros and cons of being a police officer:

Question 50

What degree do you need to be a cop?

Accepted Answer

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...

Question 51

What do entry-level police officers do?

Accepted Answer

Entry-level police officers undergo training while completing reports, document complaints, and complete patrols for designated areas. Police officers must first complete training at a police academy before they can begin working in their field.

Question 52

What hours do police work?

Accepted Answer

Police officers typically work 12-hour shifts. These shifts can occur either during the day or at night. While there is no set rule for how all police stations function, many of them have shifts that go from 6:30-6:30. This could either be an overnight shift beginning at 6:30 pm, or a day shift beginning at 6:30 am.

Question 53

What is a typical day for a police officer?

Accepted Answer

A typical day for a police officer may involve patrolling an assigned area, answering calls for service, writing reports, and testifying in court.

Police officers must be able to handle stressful situations and make quick decisions. They also need to be aware of their surroundings and able to think clearly under pressure. Officers must be physically fit to respond to emergencies and chase suspects.

Frequently asked questions about police officers

Questions about becoming a police officer