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Step 2: Decide if You're Ready
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: p((. • Basic eligibility requirements p((. • Reasons to join p((. • Benefits overview p((. • Law Enforcement vs. Civilian Comparison *+Basic Eligibility Requirements+* Eligibility requirement can vary from department to department. You ... -
Step 10: Hit the Streets
You’ve finally been cut loose and your FTO is no longer breathing down your back. But you’re still a rookie. Here are some tips that will help you get through your first year: p((. • Ways to Avoid the Top 10 rookie mistakes p((. • What to expect your first few weeks *+Ways to Avoid the Top 10 rookie mistakes+* After ... -
Step 1: Learn About the Law Enforcement Field
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 ... -
Step 4: Pick an Agency and Meet the Recruiter
You've done some research and are interested in finding out more - a lot more. Now it's time to talk with recruiters! Though it can be nerve-racking, just remember that you are under NO OBLIGATION when talking with a recruiter. However, you must be prepared and on your best behavior. Your first meeting with a recruiter has the potential for making ... -
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 ... -
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 ... -
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? ... -
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 ... -
Step 8: Take the Oath
Getting sworn in is a major accomplishment and signifies that you have met all of your agency’s high standards to become an officer. This is probably the culmination of a life long dream of serving one’s community. Here is some information read about and reflect upon now that you have become a sworn officer: p((. • Law Enforcement Oath of Honor ... -
Step 7: Get Ready for the Academy
Congratulations! You got hired and you’re off to the academy. There is a lot to do before you start. Here we’ll tell you about: p((. • Police academy basics p((. • How to get in shape p((. • What to bring p((. • Schedules and timelines [widget:366] +*Police academy basics*+ The police academy is an environment of high discipline intended to ... -
Step 6: Prepare For Your Background Check
The background check may be the most invasive experience you’ve had in your life. Everything about you will be checked out. Your character, your finances, your driving and criminal records. There information here will help you prepare for the background investigation: p((. • Be honest and upfront p((. • Tell your friends and family p((. • The polygraph p((. • Security ... -
Ten Steps to Joining the Force
Your lifelong dream has been to become a police officer. But you're still not exactly sure about how to make that dream a reality. Ten Steps to Joining the Force is a comprehensive guide detailing the path you should follow - from picking a law enforcement specialty to going through the academy and completing field training - to realize your dream. ...
