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 2020, 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.
Here are some recent salary statistics on 5 US states:
| State | 10th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $53,320 | $8,460 | $109,110 |
| New York | $37,030 | $60,620 | $87,600 |
| Texas | $32,110 | $49,730 | $69,250 |
| Illinois | $35,450 | $69,900 | $93,680 |
Of course, to become a police officer you must be a US citizen. That is the most basic requirements.
That aside, here is the standard 6-step process you must follow to become a qualified police officer in the
United States.
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 preparation, 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.
To be a successful police officer in the United States, you must
demonstrate and following skills:
As a law enforcement officer, you will be expected to use a wide variety of tools and kit – all
of which play an important role in how duties are performed.
Becoming a police officer is a life-changing experience; an exciting yet highly responsible career
course 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!
2020 © Police Test Study Guide
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