Become a Cop >> Browse Articles

Browse Become a Cop Articles

  • +144

    Joining the Force: Everything You Need to Know

    Joining the Force: Everything You Need to Know
    A career as a police officer is like no other. Ask any cop and they’ll tell you that it’s a way of life and they wouldn’t want to do anything else. But do you really know what it takes to set yourself apart from the other candidates in the exceedingly fierce competition for your coveted law enforcement positions? PoliceLink has pulled ...
    Rated +144
  • +23

    Part 2 - Starting the Process

    First, do yourself a favor start a "background investigation" on yourself. Go to your local motor vehicle administration and obtain a copy of your driving transcript. Hopefully you won't have any serious violations such as reckless driving, DUI/DWI because violations such as these may have an adverse affect. Look over the record carefully for any incorrect information and if you find ...
    Rated +23
  • +22

    Step 3: Choose the Right Path

    Step 3: Choose the Right Path
    There are limitless paths you can take within law enforcement, and they all start at the same place: the street. Your first few years should give you a good idea of the direction you want to take in your career. Do you want to stay on the street the whole time? Do you want to make sergeant, lieutenant, or even chief? ...
    Rated +22
  • +20

    Step 9: Field Training

    Step 9: Field Training
    What do you do now that you’re on the street facing real criminals? Here are some tips on what to do now: p((. • Listen to and respect your FTO p((. • Ask questions *+Listen to and respect your FTO+* Directly out of the academy you will be assigned to a patrol shift with your department and you will be assigned ...
    Rated +20
  • +12

    Ten Steps to Joining the Force - Download the Ebook

    Ten Steps to Joining the Force - Download the Ebook
    Due to popular demand, PoliceLink's Ten Steps to Joining the Force is also available as a downloadable ebook. This color ebook can be downloaded and printed to read at your convenience. Written and reviewed by experts in the law enforcement field, Ten Steps to Joining the Force has over 30 pages of invaluable information to set you on the right path ...
    Rated +12
  • +10

    Ten Steps to Joining the Force - Download the Ebook

    Ten Steps to Joining the Force - Download the Ebook
    Due to popular demand, PoliceLink's Ten Steps to Joining the Force is also available as a downloadable ebook. This color ebook can be downloaded and printed to read at your convenience. Written and reviewed by experts in the law enforcement field, Ten Steps to Joining the Force has over 30 pages of invaluable information to set you on the right path ...
    Rated +10
  • +17

    Step 5: Get Ready for the Exams

    Step 5: Get Ready for the Exams
    There are many companies out there that offer study guides for generic law enforcement exams. If the recruiter you spoke to recommended one over another – buy it and study it from cover to cover. The exam is often times your key into the rest of the application process. Do good, because if you’re applying with multiple agencies, you can expect ...
    Rated +17
  • +33

    Want a Promotion? Watch the Textbooks

    It goes without saying that for officer survival, one of the leading mantras is “watch the suspect’s hands.” “Watch the hands” of course is excellent advice, aimed at ensuring that you’re not surprised by a sudden move. One of my training officers told me, over three decades ago, similar great advice, “plan for NO SURPRISES.” What about “career survival” though – ...
    Rated +33
  • +18

    Police Desperately Needed in 10 U.S. Locations

    Police Desperately Needed in 10 U.S. Locations
    Even though the economy may be struggling to stay out of a recession, police shortages are still common in many locations throughout the U.S. PoliceLink recently researched the most recent police shortages to make the news. If you're looking for a law enforcement job, try one of these markets to find a home for your police career. h3. 1. Moss Point, ...
    Rated +18
  • +11

    Becoming a Cop - FAQs

    These FAQs are intended to answer some of the most common questions we receive here at PoliceLink asking how to land a career as a law enforcement officer. We encourage anyone interested in a law enforcement career to begin their journey by using the comprehensive guides we have put together. These guides cover everything you'll need to know on how to ...
    Rated +11
  • +7

    10 Steps to Joining the Force - A Guide For Military Service Members - Download the Ebook

    Due to popular demand, PoliceLink's "Ten Steps to Joining the Force - A Guide For Military Service Members":http://policelink.monster.com/benefits/11336-10-steps-to-joining-the-force---a-guide-for-military-service-members is now available as a downloadable ebook. The ebook can be downloaded and printed to read at your convenience. Written in conjunction with PoliceLink and "Military.com":http:/www.military.com, The Ten Steps to Joining the Force - A Guide For Military Service Members is full of ...
    Rated +7
  • +6

    Step 10: Common Hurdles Faced by Veterans

    Step 10: Common Hurdles Faced by Veterans
    If you’re like most military service members, you’ve spent your entire working career in the military. You know how it works and you know how to work with it. Getting out and entering the civilian world can be daunting to think about. You’ll hit your fair share of hurdles along the way. As long as you expect them, they should be ...
    Rated +6
  • +10

    Step 9: Fitness

    Step 9: Fitness
    Introduction This special fitness was written exclusively for PoliceLink by former Navy SEAL and law enforcement fitness expert Stew Smith, CSCS. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Stew has written several best selling fitness and self defense books, including The Complete Guide to Navy SEAL Fitness, Maximum Fitness, and SWAT Workout. Certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Strength ...
    Rated +10
  • +6

    Step 8: Background Check

    Step 8: Background Check
    The background check may be the most invasive experience you’ve ever had in your life. Everything about you will be checked out. Your character, your finances, your driving and criminal records, to name just a few. The information here will help you prepare for the background investigation: p((. • Be honest and upfront p((. • Tell your friends and family p((. ...
    Rated +6
  • +3

    Step 7: Exams

    Step 7: Exams
    There are many companies out there that offer study guides for law enforcement entrance exams. If the recruiter you spoke to recommended one over another – buy it and study it from cover to cover. The exam is often times your key into the rest of the application process. Do good, because if you’re applying with multiple agencies, you can expect ...
    Rated +3
  • +4

    Step 6: Applying for the Job

    Step 6: Applying for the Job
    Applying for a job can often be nerve-racking. There are many unknowns that have be dealt with and overcome. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome is standing out against the “competition.” In this section we’ll go over a few ways to highlight your military service to help you stand apart. But first, here’s a word of warning. Don’t expect your ...
    Rated +4
  • +4

    Step 5: Meeting a Recruiter

    Step 5: Meeting a Recruiter
    Wear a suit Always wear a suit or coat and tie. Wearing business attire shows that you hold yourself to the highest standards, and that is what a recruiter is looking for in a candidate. Many prospective recruits make the mistake of showing up in their every day street clothes. This does not go unnoticed and there is a high probability ...
    Rated +4
  • +2

    Step 4: Picking a Department

    Step 4: Picking a Department
    There are many things to take into consideration when picking a department. Things like the type of law enforcement agency, proximity to where you want to live, or starting pay all are important factors. One of the biggest mistakes made by candidates is having their heart set on one specific department and refusing to apply anywhere else. As anyone with experience ...
    Rated +2
  • +2

    Step 3: GI Bill

    Step 3: GI Bill
    GI Bill Benefits Can Ease Your Transition The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is an education and training benefit earned by Active Duty, Selected Reserve and National Guard service members. The benefit is designed to help service members and eligible veterans cover the costs associated with getting an education or training. The GI Bill has several programs and each is administrated differently ...
    Rated +2
  • +5

    Step 2: Transition made easy: Timeline & Checklist

    Step 2: Transition made easy: Timeline & Checklist
    One Year Before Separation p((. • Check out the Reserve and Guard programs – you could earn pay, benefits, and a pension. p((. • Begin researching your relocation, benefits, job boards, etc. p((. • Contact your Education or Transition Office to take a Job Skills and Interest assessment, to determine the best civilian career field. p((. • Check out the Career ...
    Rated +5

Post a link to something interesting from another site, or submit your own original writing for the Police Link community to read.

Submit a Story

Recent Activity

Templar_knight_max30
WesternLawman gave a thumbs down to The Article "Drunk Grandpa Takes Kid For Donuts Cops: Minnesota man dr...", less than a minute ago.
1231676-travel_picture-arizona_state_flag_max30
ArizonaCop928 is ranked No.3 for the day in Police Trivia, less than a minute ago.
Templar_knight_max30
WesternLawman gave a thumbs down to The Article "Couple slips though security to crash state dinner", less than a minute ago.
1231676-travel_picture-arizona_state_flag_max30
ArizonaCop928 is ranked No.3 for the day in Police Trivia, less than a minute ago.
Templar_knight_max30
WesternLawman gave a thumbs down to The Article "Police: Dad leaves boy and goes into strip club", less than a minute ago.