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Become a Cop >> Browse Articles >> 10 Steps to Joining the Force
Step 2: Decide if You're Ready
118 Comments
Will you fit in? Are you old enough? Are you too old? Do you have a criminal record? Understand the basic requirements of joining a department here with:
• Basic eligibility requirements
• Reasons to join
• Benefits overview
• Law Enforcement vs. Civilian Comparison
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requiremen...
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foggm
over 3 years ago
84 Comments
I have spent a long rocky road going from department to department, this year is going to be my year. I'm getting my degree in Criminal Justice and unlike last time this time i will be ready for the physical fitness challenge. I am 34 years and almost gave up on the idea of becoming a sheriff' deputy a few years ago. My buddy who is also one I call brother talked me into getting back up and going after what I want. He is on the same department that I am pursuing and all I have to say is "Don't stop fighting until the fight is done!" I'm determined to get on at 35 years old and nothing will change that!
Anonymous
almost 4 years ago
Thank you so much for sending me this information. I will defenitely follow the meal plans (I need to eat more than once a day and drink water) I will also try the warm up exercises. This helps a lot. I am other than previously mentioned, very ready to join. I recently received a BA in CJ and to be able to complete my dream I become a US citizen in July of 2008. I was finally able to vote!!!! As far as my attitude goes, I completed an internship at the coroner's office and took part in many crime scene investigations (Death Scene Investigations) so I hope that helps. I will follow your advice about studying for the written exam and to go on a ride-a-long. Thanks a million
guarddog45
almost 4 years ago
218 Comments
Deciding whether or not I am ready is not the issue now, it is finding an area in law enforcement that I can fit into. I have worked in Security and found that I enjoyed the many aspects of the job: helping people, watching people & situations, handling those situations, becoming more aware of details...noticing when something or someone was out of place , questioning why that was & investigating it. I enjoyed wearing the uniform, and seeing how people responded to you while you were in it. This is not a job for someone who wants to come to work sloppy, don't care if they show up late for a shift, you need to be attentive to every little thing, be curious about everything...I really learnt a lot from the local PD that worked closely with my Security company. For me, the next step past Security work is becoming a LEO(if possible because of my age). If I can't become one "officially" then I'd like to help out with volunteer work, and use my CJ degree in a more positive way. GuardDog45
BettyBrady
almost 4 years ago
10 Comments
What if a person were charged with a crime, say 30 years ago, but was cleared of all wrongdoing in a court of law? We know it remains on the record. Would that hinder employment ? It was a felony charge but other than that only minor traffic stuff (speeding0 occasionally.
joseph77
about 4 years ago
6 Comments
I know about the private industry i have made a lot of money in my life working as a boiler maker but i dont agree with that life or the type of people it attracts its just not me. I like to help people always have. I always watched out for people fought their battles I just think its about time I start doing it the right way. Instead of just protecting my friends I want to help more i want to be their for the ones that really cant help them selves. I know im capable of doing alot but my heart is in standing up for people that cant it always has been. I have been blessed in life for being able to take on challenges and this is a challenge that i would love to meet
TrackFindStop
about 4 years ago
4 Comments
Thanks for the great info. I'm 50, ex-combat vet, runner, in good shape and looking for Federal and or local DSO opportunities in areas throughout USA without age limits providing all other requirements are passed and I'm sure I can do it. Great website. Thanks.
blapblap88
about 4 years ago
2 Comments
I'm ready and im starting colledge going to get a bachellor's degree in criminal justice but im only 20
ironman123
about 4 years ago
90 Comments
im ready to protect and serve
Rein84
about 4 years ago
4 Comments
I'm ready to go to school and protect and serve
The_Requiem
about 4 years ago
2 Comments
ya i want to be a cop but being 21 isnt another year and a half away :(
Bergeline
about 4 years ago
2 Comments
am so ready
johnkonyn
about 4 years ago
2 Comments
I am 50 and in excellent shape, I work out at the gym, I mountian bike competed in multipal 24 endurance races, I road ride competed in multipal century races and eat well. No convictions or record. Strong morals, believe in puplic saftey.
blose373
about 4 years ago
22 Comments
im so ready but only 19
jaimelimyoco
over 4 years ago
4 Comments
Yes, I was wondering if I will be a eligible to become a cop. Because I am a Filipino Citizen and I’m leaving in the Philippines never been yet in United States of America. I do not have SSN Card and I don’t know how to get this as a Filipino citizen; I’d like to know about this requirement because I’m already 43 years old and how? I want to be a US Military Cop!!!
Namukasa
over 4 years ago
2 Comments
the 10 steps real help,but do u allow non nationals to join the police force. But my dream eversince was to become a police officer to help in keeping law and order. Another thing i have a diploma, incase i join is there training which am supposed to get in order to achieve my goals. waiting for a reply kindly. Thanks