How to become a police officer in 2024

Do you want to become a police officer? If so, you are not alone. Many people are turning to law enforcement careers as a way to serve members of their community and make a difference. Becoming a police officer requires dedication, hard work, and the willingness to put your safety on the line for others, making it an excellent career for those who want to help others.
This article will provide all the vital information about becoming a police officer. From educational requirements and qualifications to salary expectations and career paths, you will better understand what it takes to achieve your career goals.
What is a police officer?
A police officer is a law enforcement agent responsible for protecting the public from criminal activities. They patrol assigned areas, enforce laws and regulations, investigate crimes, respond to emergency calls, and make arrests when necessary.
Police officers typically work in shifts and may have to work on-call to ensure their local community's safety. Depending on the agency, police officers may also perform traffic duties, such as issuing citations and conducting sobriety tests. This role requires a high level of physical, mental, and emotional resilience.
There were over 660,000 full-time law enforcement officers employed in the United States in 2021, making it a prevalent career path. Some police officers are employed by local police departments, while others may work in federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, ATF, or DEA.
A wide variety of career options are available within the police force, making it an attractive career path for many individuals.
Types of police officers
The term police officer is an umbrella for various law enforcement careers. Depending on the agency and position, police officers can work as state police officers, state troopers, sheriffs, or capitol police. Each role requires different qualifications and duties, so it’s important to understand their differences.
State troopers
State troopers are responsible for patrolling highways, enforcing traffic laws throughout their assigned areas, and responding to emergencies. These officers typically work independently, so they must be able to make quick decisions and act autonomously. It's the type of role that requires you to be acutely aware of the law, rules of the road, and suspicious behavior. You must also have excellent verbal and written communication skills and a calm manner.
The main difference between a state trooper and a state police officer is that the trooper's scope of work is limited to the highways, while a state police officer patrols the entire state. Traffic stops are the most common duty of a state trooper, but they may also respond to accidents and assist other law enforcement officers.
Sheriffs
Sheriffs strive to uphold the law in a county and typically have the authority to make arrests, conduct search and seizure operations, pursue fugitives, serve court writs, and investigate crimes. Sheriffs also work to protect the county's citizens, property, and resources by maintaining order within their assigned jurisdiction.
These skilled law enforcement officers must possess excellent communication, interviewing, and investigative skills. They also need to be well-versed in the laws pertaining to their jurisdiction and be highly adept at making quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
State police officer
State police officers are responsible for responding to emergency calls, conducting criminal investigations, and patrolling their assigned areas. They have the same responsibilities as state troopers but with a broader scope. Most state police officers are highly trained in various areas of law enforcement, such as using firearms and restraining techniques.
They may have to investigate a wide range of criminal activities, from homicides to drug trafficking, and be prepared for any situation. State police officers must be knowledgeable about the law and have excellent communication skills to be successful in this role.
Capitol police
The U.S. Capitol Police is a specialized law enforcement agency charged with protecting the U.S. Capitol and its surrounding grounds, including Congress, staff members, visitors, and buildings. Their primary mission is to keep the Capitol safe and secure from potential threats.
In order to be eligible for this role, individuals must possess an extensive knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and federal laws, have excellent communication skills, and be physically fit. Capitol police officers must also be highly adept at following orders, making quick decisions, and working in potentially hazardous situations.
While these are some of the most prominent roles of police officers, there are other specialized positions as well. Whether you decide to become a state trooper, state police officer, sheriff, or capitol police, you can expect to play a key role in keeping communities safe and secure.
What does a police officer do on the job?
While the duties and responsibilities of a police officer vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, there are some core tasks that all officers must perform to protect their communities effectively. Here is a broad overview of what a police officer does on the job.
Respond to calls from citizens
Police officers must respond to 911 calls and other requests for assistance from citizens. This may include responding to a burglary in progress, performing a welfare check, or responding to a report of domestic violence. It is the responsibility of the police officer to assess each situation and determine how best to proceed.
Administer first aid and CPR
Police officers are among the first responders to a medical emergency and must be able to administer basic life-saving aid, such as CPR or an automated external defibrillator (AED). Officers must also be familiar with the signs and symptoms of various medical emergencies, such as a stroke or heart attack, to provide appropriate care to the affected individual.
Conduct investigations
Police officers must investigate reported crimes and collect evidence in order to build a case for prosecutors. This may involve interviewing witnesses, collecting physical evidence from the crime scene, and conducting surveillance operations. There are a variety of investigative tools and techniques that officers must be familiar with in order to carry out their duties effectively.
Patrol assigned areas
In order to maintain a sense of safety and security in the community, police officers must patrol their assigned areas. This may include driving through neighborhoods, conducting foot patrols, and responding to suspicious activity.
Enforce the law
Police officers are responsible for enforcing federal, state, and local laws. This may include issuing citations, making arrests, or testifying in court. Officers must be familiar with the laws they are enforcing and thoroughly understand the legal process.
Employ community-oriented policing
Many police departments are now focusing on community-oriented policing, which includes forging relationships with members of the community in order to improve public safety. This may include attending neighborhood meetings, hosting events, and positively engaging with citizens.
As one of the highest-paying careers you can start without a degree, police officers play a vital role in keeping their communities safe and secure.
How to become a police officer
Specific physical, educational, and psychological requirements must be met to become a police officer in the United States. Here is an overview of the process for becoming a police officer.
Meet basic requirements
The first step in becoming an official police officer is to make sure you meet the basic requirements set forth by your desired jurisdiction. In most states, candidates must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and be a citizen of the United States.
Additionally, most states require a high school diploma or GED, although some may encourage candidates with an associate’s degree or higher to apply.
Pass physical fitness tests.
In order to become a police officer, applicants must pass certain physical fitness tests. These tests may include push-ups, sit-ups, running, and other exercises to measure strength, endurance, and agility.
It's important to note that each jurisdiction has its own physical fitness requirements, so it's important to research the exact tests you will have to pass.
Law enforcement entry exam
Most jurisdictions require candidates to take a law enforcement entry exam that assesses their knowledge of the criminal justice system. This exam may include multiple-choice questions about laws, regulations, and court procedures. Passing this exam provides candidates with a valid certification necessary for a police academy application.
Receive official training
Once a candidate has passed the entrance exams and been accepted into the police academy, they will receive official training. Most police training academy institutions require between 500 and 800 hours of training, taking around 20 weeks to complete. The training programs may include instruction on the use of firearms, defensive tactics, and the legal aspects of law enforcement.
Additionally, officers may receive training on how to respond to various medical emergencies, natural disasters, crisis intervention, and de-escalation techniques. Graduation from the police academy allows candidates to seek employment as police officers.
Undergo background checks
Before being officially hired as a police officer, candidates must undergo a thorough background check. This may include reviewing the candidate’s criminal history, credit report, and driving record. Aspiring police officers must also be honest about their past, as any discrepancies may lead to disqualification.
Field training with an officer
Once a candidate has completed the hiring process, they will be assigned to an experienced field training officer (FTO). During this time, the FTO will provide rookie officers with on-the-job training and guidance. The FTO may also review department policies and procedures, as well as offer advice on how to handle specific scenarios.
After the supervised training period, the newly-hired officer will be ready to begin working on their own. Each state has its own requirements for how long an officer will need to work under supervision.
Becoming a police officer is a challenging but rewarding process requiring specific physical, educational, and psychological requirements. Candidates who are willing to put in the effort and demonstrate their commitment to law enforcement will be well-prepared to serve and protect their communities.
Salary and career paths for police officers
Starting a criminal justice career as a police officer is an excellent way to positively impact society and gain a stable income. According to recent findings from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for police officers was $66,020 in 2021. Moreover, most police officers receive healthcare, vacation time, and other benefits.
As a police officer, you can move up in your career and specialize in a certain area. Depending on the department, you can become a motorcycle officer, detective, school resource officer, SWAT team member, and more. Additionally, promotions to higher-level police officer jobs typically lead to salary increases.
Overall, police officers are in high demand and have the potential to earn a living wage. With the right combination of education, physical fitness, and dedication, you can make a difference in your community as a police officer.
Start your career as a police officer today.
Police officers are responsible for protecting the public and upholding the law. Becoming a police officer involves completing physical, educational, and psychological requirements, as well as passing entrance exams, completing police academy training, and undergoing a background investigation. It is also important to focus on community-oriented policing since this requires building relationships with community members.
If you're ready to become a police officer, you can look forward to a stable salary and career advancement opportunities. With the right effort and dedication, you can make a positive difference in your community.
Check out the Jobcase Getting Hired Resource Center for tips on building a resume, preparing for interviews, and more. With proper preparation, you can start a career in law enforcement.