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Thinking about becoming a police officer in the United States?
Below, we’ve put together all the details you need to know –
starting with the roles and duties of a law enforcement officer,
before moving onto what you can expect to earn; and what
formal application process you need follow.
Police officers are an important part of the community; law enforcement officers that keep
the peace and professionals who are sworn to serve the communities in which they live.
Roles evolve as police officers ascend the ranks. For instance, a long-serving officer may be deployed
to investigate serious crimes, such as murder.
Others may be involved in SWAT teams or working
with a K-9 unit in situations that involve drugs or
serious weapons
Earning potential remains high. As of 2021, there is significant demand for law enforcement officers. Salary depends,
of course, on factors such as experience, training and skills.
Some parts of the United States pay more than others, but that is often due to higher costs of
living in those states and cities.
CALIFORNIA
10TH PERCENTILE
$53,320
50TH PERCENTILE
$8,460
90TH PERCENTILE
$109,110
New York
10TH PERCENTILE
$37,030
50TH PERCENTILE
$60,620
90TH PERCENTILE
$87,600
Texas
10TH PERCENTILE
$32,110
50TH PERCENTILE
$49,730
90TH PERCENTILE
$69,250
Illinois
10TH PERCENTILE
$35,450
50TH PERCENTILE
$69,900
90TH PERCENTILE
$93,680
Candidates are expected to have a
high-school diploma or a General Education
Diploma (GED). Depending on the police
department, some prefer candidates have a
bachelor’s degree or other education
credits.
These include having a valid and safely maintained US driver’s license; to meet the minimum age standard as set out by individual departments – which is often 21 years old; and to ensure that candidates have a clean criminal record. Some departments forego small misdemeanors but will not forego felony crimes.
This isn’t always necessary, but to evolve
into more senior positions that involve great
responsibility, many police departments
expect candidates to hold a bachelor’s
agree. Again, this demand is optional but
often necessary for more senior roles.
Passing the police test is a must to enter the police academy. It consists of a written exam, fitness test, interview process and psychological and medical evaluation. Long-term police test preparation is essential to maximize your result and move on to advance in the application process.
Once you have passed the police test, you
must complete police academy training
which lasts 6 months. This training prepares
you to become an effective law enforcement
officer in your local community. You will
study criminal statutes, firearms prepara-
tion, traffic legislation, search and seize,
driving skills and physical conditioning.
Advancement as a police officer comes with an enhanced salary, but also with significantly intense responsibility. Competition is tough. You must display the relevant physical, mental and knowledge-based competencies and skills, whilst also scoring high on performance reviews.
These include having a valid and safely
maintained US driver’s license; to meet the
minimum age standard as set out by indi
vidual departments – which is often 21 years
old; and to ensure that candidates have a
clean criminal record. Some departments
forego small misdemeanors but will not
forego felony crimes.
Passing the police test is a must to enter the
police academy. It consists of a written
exam, fitness test, interview process and
psychological and medical evaluation.
Long-term police test preparation is essen
tial to maximize your result and move on to
advance in the application process.
Advancement as a police officer comes with
an enhanced salary, but also with signifi
cantly intense responsibility. Competition is
tough. You must display the relevant physi
cal, mental and knowledge-based compe
tencies and skills, whilst also scoring high on
performance reviews.
Becoming a police officer is a life-changing experience; an exciting yet highly responsible
careercourse that transforms how your local community is managed. Here, we’ve shown
how to become a police officer. Now, you must take the police test!
Enter your username and password and continue your police test prep!