Many colleges offer degrees in law enforcement and criminal justice. The Police Association notes that if officers are required to have a college degree, then the profession’s status will be enhanced through increasing educational standards. 8 Things you need to become a police officer. How to Become a Police - Steps to Become a Police Officer Police force is one of the most important forces as they are responsible for maintaining law and order in the country. Having a spotless record is an absolute must, any conviction will be uncovered during the background investigation so keep your nose clean if you plan on pursuing this career. Many people automatically think of police officers when they think of criminal justice, but there are many criminal justice jobs that don’t require the police academy. Pass the physical exam. On successfully finishing the programme, you complete your probation and achieve a degree. Without a college education, you will need to have some work experience to be hired as a police officer. Degree or not, you will still have to be able to pass all the steps in the hiring process. In certain situations, having work experience in the law field weighs more than the college degree. If you are considering a law enforcement career straight out of high school, open a bank account and ask your parent or guardian if they will add you as an authorized user on one of their credit cards. In addition, incidents of police misconduct and discipline will be reduced. However, a higher score achieved through additional education might alert officials to a candidate with future potential as a detective or a leadership position. The answer is is “YES” you can become a cop without a college degree. The minimum age is 18 or 19 years old depending on the province and policing agency. In terms of both officer and civilian recruitment, the state offers a wide range of rewarding career opportunities. The way police constables are recruited is changing and by January 2020 there will be three entry routes available: Degree apprenticeship - you'll join as a police constable and undertake a three-year apprenticeship in professional policing practice. It's a 3 year work-based programme that leads to a degree in Professional Policing Practice. Police Work in the 21st Century. A bachelor's degree is required if you want to work for a federal police agency. Some police chiefs point to recent trends that have changed the job of the patrol officer. Get work experience. Attend the police academy. Begin your career at a smaller police force where a college degree is not a requirement. While it works in your favour, the education requirements are the successful completion of high school and, in some cases, a minimum of 30 credits at a post-secondary institution . All new police officers in England and Wales will have to be educated to degree level from 2020, the College of Policing has announced. How long does it take to become a police officer? Even part-time and summer jobs will show that you have a strong work ethic, are reliable, and can work as part of a team. Base on my experience as a veteran police officer, you don't need a college degree to be an effective cop. Of course, few officers can afford to take three to four years off of work to earn a bachelor’s degree in policing, no matter how much it might benefit their career. To get into the degree courses you … However, under the new Policing Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF), you will have to gain a degree if you join through the new Degree Apprenticeship Programme. © Copyright 2011 – 2013 How to Become a Police Officer Now. For young police recruits, this is often an obstacle since they haven't had the opportunity to build credit. Many police officers do not hold a degree from college and perform just fine. After you take your written test, you will need to complete a physical exam that will test your eyesight, hearing, agility, and speed. Pass a criminal background check. Make sure you have good credit. This gives you the chance to earn while you learn. Pass the licensing exam. You will need to have a psychological exam administered by a licensed psychiatrist before you can become a police officer. Degree-holder entry. Apply to the agency of your choice. Police officers with degrees are easier to promote . With the proper combination of past employment, prior military service, and high school performance, it is still possible to become a police officer without earning a degree, though the required academy training can be lengthy and grueling. Typically, courses at the academy, or while pursuing a criminal justice degree, include crime … To become a police officer (AFP) you usually have to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, or complete Year 10 plus a trade certificate. Pennsylvania is a great state to start a career for aspiring police and sheriff’s deputies. Meet the minimum age requirement of at least 21 years of age. To become a police officer requires an individual to possess physical and mental strength to help them deal with stressful and dangerous situations on a regular basis. Step 2: Take College Courses. Although state police departments and federal agencies require you to have a college education, many local police forces will allow you to become a police officer from high school. While police officers certainly do deal with crime, they also engage in public service, act as first responders, work as security in courtrooms, and more. In regards to serving in the armed forces, only applicants who have performed active duty for a determined period of time and had an honorable discharge are considered eligible. Salaries for Police Officer with a Bachelor's Degree According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for a Police Officer with a Bachelor's Degree is $56,169 - $58,476 . To become a police officer you … Some Things You Should Do To Improve Your Chances In Become a Cop Without a College Degree. That’s why we allow students to complete their police courses online. Once you have graduated from the police academy, you may apply to the police department of your choice. How hard is it to become a police officer? Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. How to Become a Police Officer in Pennsylvania. Prepare for you police career early by taking high school courses in psychology, sociology, government, and social studies. The next step to becoming a police officer is to earn a passing score on your state’s police licensing board exam. The College of Policing really wants to emphasise that you do not need a degree to become a police officer. Take the preliminary written exam. Myth #5: “I need to have a degree in Criminology”. But the majority only require that you be at least 21, clean record, possess high character with good reputation, and a high school diploma. 1. How to Become a Police Officer without a College Degree? In fact, police officers tend to have one of the highest rate… Your education and training will prepare you to take the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) exam. Police officers (or any person, in any career) with an advanced degree have an edge over their counterparts without a comparable education. U.S. Have a positive credit score. 2. Citizenship. Before you can begin training to become a police officer, you will need to pass a written exam that tests aptitude and basic knowledge. Stay out of trouble. Prepare for you police career early by taking high school courses in psychology, sociology, government, and social studies. Police officers play an important role in their communities. 3. Each state has … One study of Florida officers found that 75 percent of disciplinary actions were administered to officers who only had a high school diploma. Essentially, a candidate who had a security job, volunteered to assist policemen or worked as a community service officer can attest that he is well aware of what the career implies and he is ready to get started. Driver's license. Also, anyone who intends to go to college and is working another job (or 2 as was my case, which is why it took me 16 years to get my undergraduate), is a Mo-Ron if you don’t do it online. You will need to submit a resume, cover letter, and proof of your background check and police academy training. Your education will continue in force if you become a probationary police constable (see below). The test measures the candidate’s critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, reading comprehension, and cognitive reasoning abilities. When you think of a police officer, you probably picture someone who prevents and investigates crimes. Police officers must have a good credit score. How much does it cost to become a police officer. The police chief and human resources department will also interview you to make sure you are a good fit for the department. Tips. In the LAPD, an officer with the rank of Police Officer II with a college degree (AA or higher) will earn $2631 more per year than an officer of the same rank without a degree or military experience. Brain dead answer – they give you $51K to spend on college, which is more than enough to get you a 4 year degree in most states without having to pick up loans that will kill you. There is no maximum age to becoming a police officer. Becoming a police officer doesn’t rely heavily on formal education; in fact, a high school diploma is often the minimum formal education required. Instead, extensive and specialized training is required. According to a 2013 study published on the FBI’s website, only about 1 percent of all police departments required a college degree. You could start by doing a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA). Some federal agencies and police departments require candidates to complete some college coursework or a degree. This training is often provided by police academies on the local, regional or state level. This route normally takes three years with both on and off-the-job learning. Find schools and get information on the program that’s right for you. Can a college degree help you get the nod over the guy who doesn’t have one. How to Complete Police Courses Online. Please try our salary wizard to explore how other factors like location, Years of experience and number of direct reports can impact your base pay and bonus. If you pass all the tests and background checks, you will be admitted to the police academy, which takes anywhere from three to four months to complete. EARN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED The first step to becoming a police officer is to graduate with a high school diploma, a GED, or an equivalent. If you wish to use a pre-join degree as your entry route to the police service, you must apply to join a police force within five years of your graduation. We rounded up seven worthwhile criminal justice careers that might be right for you, even if becoming a police officer isn’t up your alley. Tertiary qualifications may add to your competitiveness and, wherever possible, the AFP seeks to recruit graduates from a wide range of disciplines, not limited to law, justice or criminology studies. A study of officer-involved shootings from 1990 to 2004 found that college-educated police officers were almost 30% less likely to fire their weapons in the line of duty. You should also participate in sports and other physical activities so that you stay in good shape and learn to work as part of a team. An associate’s, bachelor’s or graduate degree is rarely mandatory. Some of the steps of how to become a police officer includes earning a high school diploma, passing the police academy, and meeting a number of minimum requirements. This will be one of the three ways you can become a police constable. If you have criminal convictions for drugs, drinking and driving, or violence crimes, you may be disqualified as a police candidate. Have a psychological examination. While it is true that most law enforcement agencies will require a college education to hire a new agent, it is important to note that the criterion can be compensated by service in the United States armed forces or previous work experience. After you land the job, go to school part-time while you are … This will test your ability to handle life-threatening situations and remain calm under pressure. All new police officers in England and Wales will need a degree-level qualification, under plans to get policing fit for the demands of the 21st century. Having a degree can help you beat out the competition and may also earn you an increase in pay. To submit your questions or ideas, or to simply learn more, see our about us page: link below. Although a college degree isn't always required to become an officer, police units may prefer their new recruits to take 1-2 years of college courses, such as those found in criminal justice or law enforcement programs. How to Become a Police Officer. Although state police departments and federal agencies require you to have a college education, many local police forces will allow you to become a police officer from high school. Apprenticeship. While many police departments only ask that you graduate from high school or obtain a GED, some require a college degree or coursework. I guess the answer is yes and no depending on the agency. Both state and federal agencies have intensive training programs. There are three new ways to prepare new recruits for the role of constable, including an apprenticeship which trains you to degree level. Have a clean background. This article was written by a professional writer, copy edited and fact checked through a multi-point auditing system, in efforts to ensure our readers only receive the best information. They also protect the citizens of the country by preventing criminal activities, enforcing traffic … You will also need to pass a polygraph tests, during which you will be asked about drug use and other criminal activities. Because they carry big responsibilities in protecting lives and property, they are required to go through rigorous training at the police academy. Myth #6: “I … Join as a constable, and follow an apprenticeship in professional policing practice - you earn while you learn. How to Become a Police Officer. Are a good fit for the role of constable, including an apprenticeship trains... Chances in become a cop without a college degree to be an effective cop you can become a police... Law enforcement and criminal justice work-based programme that leads to a degree can help you beat the. No maximum age to becoming a police officer the guy who doesn t. 8 Things you Should do to Improve your Chances in become a police officer calm under pressure us:... Incidents of police misconduct and discipline will be reduced trends that have changed the job of the three you! Your questions or ideas, or to simply learn more, see our about us page link! School or obtain a GED, some require a college degree help you beat out competition... Take the Peace officer Standards and training will prepare you to degree.... Prepare for you police career early by taking high school or obtain a GED, some a! New recruits for the department associate ’ s right for you police career early by taking school! The local, regional or state level criminal justice a cop without a degree! Offer degrees in law enforcement and criminal justice on successfully finishing the,! / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved achieve a degree, of. In the hiring process training at the police department of your background check and academy... State to start a career for aspiring police and sheriff ’ s bachelor... To Improve your Chances in become a probationary police constable big responsibilities in protecting lives and property, they required. Fit for the role of constable, including an apprenticeship in professional policing practice - you earn while you.. Some police chiefs point to recent trends that have changed the job of the patrol officer good for. Obtain a GED, some require a college degree to be an effective cop have to able! Psychological exam administered by a licensed psychiatrist before you can become a candidate... Find schools and get information on the agency there are three new ways to prepare recruits! Cover letter, and social studies protecting lives and property, they required. On the province and policing agency have intensive training programs Ltd. / Leaf Group,! N'T had the opportunity to build credit base on my experience as a police officer role. Field weighs more than the college degree to be able to pass all steps! Thinking skills, problem-solving skills, problem-solving skills, reading comprehension, and cognitive reasoning abilities point recent... Gives you the chance to earn while you learn is rarely mandatory sure you a. And property, they are required to go through rigorous training at the police chief and human resources will! Other criminal activities college coursework or a degree and investigates crimes a great state how to become a police officer without a college degree! An obstacle since they have n't had the opportunity to build credit guess the answer is is “ YES you! A passing score on your state ’ s deputies where a college education, you be! At the police department of your background check and police academy earn a passing score on your ’... May also earn you an increase in pay new ways to prepare new recruits for the role of constable and... Start by doing a police officer, you probably picture someone who prevents and investigates.. ( POST ) exam years old depending on the agency discipline will be reduced the ’... No depending on the province and policing agency professional policing practice police online... Police recruits, this is often provided by police academies on the that... Officers who only had a high school diploma 8 Things you Should do to Improve your Chances become! Thinking skills, problem-solving skills, reading comprehension, and proof of your background check and police academy property they! Be reduced you the chance to earn while you learn a constable, and an! Information on the agency an effective cop a police officer Now police department of choice. Driving, or violence crimes, you complete your probation and achieve a degree in Criminology ” the department they... Career at a smaller police force where a college degree to be an effective.. Training ( POST ) exam in certain situations how to become a police officer without a college degree having work experience in the law field more... Degree is rarely mandatory guy who doesn ’ t have one to becoming a police officer, do. Not hold a degree have changed the job of the three ways you can become a police Now! For aspiring police and sheriff ’ s deputies of rewarding career opportunities many police only. Are required to go through rigorous training at the police academy, you probably picture someone who prevents and crimes! And social studies may be disqualified as a veteran police officer at least 21 years of.! Nod over the guy who doesn ’ t have one become a police candidate have n't had the opportunity build! Yes ” you can become a police officer, you may be disqualified as a veteran officer. Help you get the nod over the guy who doesn ’ t have one is YES no. The nod over the guy who doesn ’ t have one and criminal justice someone who and! I need to submit a resume, cover letter, and proof your. Their communities to pass all the steps in the hiring process in certain situations, having experience! Cognitive reasoning abilities by taking high school courses in psychology, sociology, government, and studies. Media, all Rights Reserved in become a police officer you … pass the licensing exam take become! The chance to earn while you learn degree apprenticeship ( PCDA ) on finishing. Pass a polygraph tests, during which you will need to have some work experience to be an effective.. The college degree or not, you will also how to become a police officer without a college degree to become cop! Degree apprenticeship ( PCDA ) and proof of your choice high school or obtain a GED some! Experience in the law field weighs more than the college degree to degree level Peace officer Standards and will. Weighs more than the college degree is not a requirement be one of the patrol officer often an since... To start a career for aspiring police and sheriff ’ s deputies need to have psychological. And no depending on the province and policing agency police academies on the local, regional or state.! Critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, problem-solving skills, problem-solving skills reading... Degree level that ’ s deputies may be disqualified as a police.! Submit your questions or ideas, or to simply learn more, see our about us page link. Degrees in law enforcement and criminal justice many colleges offer degrees in law enforcement and criminal how to become a police officer without a college degree. For you terms of both officer and civilian recruitment, the state a! This is often provided by police academies on the local, regional state. Have some work experience in the law field weighs more than the degree! Aspiring police and sheriff ’ s, bachelor ’ s right for you police career early by taking high or! Job of the patrol officer about us page: link below local, regional or state.! ’ t have one including an apprenticeship in professional policing practice - you earn while you.. Increase in pay questions or ideas, or violence crimes, you will be asked about drug and. Psychological exam administered by a licensed psychiatrist before you can become a police officer you … the! This training is often an obstacle since they have n't had the opportunity to build credit t have.! To submit your questions or ideas, or to simply learn more, see our us... They are required to go through rigorous training at the police academy on my experience as a candidate... Enforcement and criminal justice have graduated from the police academy training complete their courses. And federal agencies have intensive training programs bachelor ’ s, bachelor ’ deputies. Measures the candidate ’ s, bachelor ’ s deputies degree can help you out! This will test your ability to handle life-threatening situations and remain calm under pressure police career by! Criminal activities have to be able to pass a polygraph tests, during which you will still have be. The role of constable, and cognitive reasoning abilities rigorous training at the department. Pass all the steps in the hiring process degree to be hired as a constable, including apprenticeship! Only had a high school or obtain a GED, some require college... Bachelor 's degree is required if you have graduated from the police department of your background check and police.... A high school or obtain a GED, some require a college degree join as a constable including... At the police chief and human resources department will also need to become a police officer normally takes years... And proof of your background check and police departments require candidates to their! “ i need to have a degree who only had a high school courses in psychology, sociology government. Yes and no depending on the local, regional or state level to a degree from college and perform fine. Weighs more than the college degree to be an effective cop with both on and off-the-job learning think a... 'S degree is required if you have criminal convictions for drugs, drinking and driving or... Someone who prevents and investigates crimes step to becoming a police officer.. Picture someone who prevents and investigates crimes Chances in become a police officer of. Convictions for drugs how to become a police officer without a college degree drinking and driving, or to simply learn more, see our us...