Step 1: Learn About the Law Enforcement Field

187 Comments

Many people have a preconceived notion of law enforcement based on the sensational scenes shown on the news or at the movies. But what is it really like to be a street cop? Or a federal agent? Or a conservation officer? There are hundreds of career paths within law enforcement and all are done for the love of it – not for the promise of fortune or fame. Find out the basics about law enforcement here, including:

• Types of agencies: local police departments ...

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Mafiamanjones

about 1 year ago

2 Comments

Even though i am 14 years old, this is my dream job. to become a cop. i am trying to see the requirements to be one so i can be a great officer if i land a job. Hopefully learning from here can help me study in the rest of my highschool years
Anonymous

about 1 year ago

I'm a corrections officer, but would like to make the move to police officer and then eventually work my way to a cyber crime unit. Starting out as a C/O, will that experience help becoming a police officer. I don't have any street experience.
jeremy6492

about 1 year ago

2 Comments

i want to become a cop, im 19 yrs, how should i start
1swatboy

about 1 year ago

2 Comments

im going to work my way through a cop for 3years after i join the military so i can be a swat officer
Demah2010

about 1 year ago

2 Comments

I am a Military Vet, served 5 year with the 10th MTN DIV (LI), I am currently unemployed and thinking about becoming a Police Officer, but I do not have a degree. I live in MN, and 36yr. Any suggestions, don't know where to start.
mbazemore92

about 1 year ago

2 Comments

I want to become a cop for 4 years preferably K-9 then after those 4 years become a U.S. Marshal
Teresa69

about 1 year ago

2 Comments

I would like to become a DOT officer. How would i go about doing that?
jonathan_wagner_85

over 1 year ago

2 Comments

Hmm.... Interesting... So, basically, I can become a state cop by going to recruit, but, a city cop has to go to school for 4 years....
policebodyarmor

over 1 year ago

22 Comments

nice article thanks for sharing! :)

--
http://wheretobuybodyarmor.blogspot.com
LeonFlorda

over 1 year ago

4 Comments

@jcorrow1992 The best way to stand out ahead of the other applicants is to get a college degree. Even though they don't require a degree doesn't mean they accept people that apply without one. You have to show passion, and determination and a degree shows that. Also, get active in your community, put in hours at a homeless shelter, animal shelter, kids mentor program. Anything that puts you ahead of the other applicants. Remember this is a competitive profession. I also would try and go on ride-alongs if they have them in your town and get to know the officers in the agency that you have an interest in. It doesn't hurt to have someone on the inside. Sometimes its not what you know, but who you know. Best of Luck- Nic
LeonFlorda

over 1 year ago

4 Comments

@courtneync Degree requirements depend on the agency you plan on working for. I am pretty positive You will still need to attend the police academy where you work to receive state certification to become a law enforcement officer(LEO). I to am in college, I am one semester from having a AA degree and could apply to a local law enforcement agency in my hometown. But cops I know tell me to stay in school because once you become a cop, getting a degree and juggling your job is very difficult. At minimum, I am getting my Bachelors. Remember, the LEO profession is competitive and your application would look best with a bachelors, and even better with a masters degree. Best of Luck, - Nic
courtneync

over 1 year ago

2 Comments

i am starting school soon for my associates in criminal justice and debating going and getting my bachelors after that. to become a police officer would i still have to go through the academy? and if so is taking the college classes in criminal justice just a waste of time?
jcorrow1992

over 1 year ago

4 Comments

I am trying to become a police officer in Chittenden County Vermont. I am basically 19 years old. You do not higher education to become a police officer in the state I live in at every department. I am having a hard time to prove to the departments that I am worth the risk to put me through the academy. What can I do to prove to them that I want to start my career in law enforcement.
DarkAngelsDesire

over 1 year ago

2 Comments

I am retired from the Army and looking at becoming a cop. Who can I talk to about being one in my local area?
kristyheath

over 1 year ago

2 Comments

I am currently in school getting my degree for CSI work how would I go about appling for a job?