What Does it Take to Become a Police Officer?

There are people who have already decided to become a police officer when they were younger, while there are some who decided to become one later on at some point in their life. However, whatever your decision may be, becoming a police officer is a difficult task and one needs to get ready to tackle several steps first. Having a career in public service is indeed very challenging, diverse, and fulfilling at the same time. Law enforcement opportunities greatly vary from state to state. If you want to become a police officer, it is better to start young. But before doing so, what does it take to become a police officer?
To become a police officer, you need to start with education. Remember that police departments require a basic high school education. Moreover, after graduating high school, an Associates or Bachelors degree is required. Many colleges in the US offer criminal justice programs for people who are interested to become a officer. These programs involve education regarding legal issues, human behavior, computer systems, and other subjects that tackle law enforcement matters. If your training is an advanced one, then you are most likely to become an officer. This will definitely help you in the future.
Keeping tabs about what does it take to become an officer could help you during your application. Another requirement is the physical and moral fitness. For your body to be in good condition, you should participate in outdoor sports or have a regular exercise. In addition, one should also pass a background check to become an officer. Those people who have incurred bad records such as drug convictions, traffic violations, or any other illegal activities are immediately rejected. You should also avoid getting involved in any illegal situations that may ruin your good records if you want to become a police officer.
Furthermore, you will also have to undergo a civil service examination. This is administered by the police department you are applying to. If you are too worried about passing the said examination, worry no more. Many companies are now offering study guides which will help you. What does it take to become a police officer through this test? This civil service examination is offered if there are vacancies available in a certain police department. Once opened, grab the opportunity and be sure that you pass the exam and most likely you are a step ahead to become an officer.
A physical exam is required of all applicants. This test will assess your strength, agility, hearing and vision. Once you have passed the tests, you will then take a lie detector and drug tests respectively. Officials in your department will conduct the lie detector test interview. After this, you will enter into a police academy to undergo training, which will take three months to one year.