Expert: Jason Grabill - 8/23/2011

Question
Jason,

Hi my name is carolyn and I'm just looking for some information on how to start the process to become a Police Officer. I looked online and did some research I am curious say hypothetically I take all the exams required and I pass is the police academy the last thing? This is a career that I have been interested in becoming a Police Officer since I was in elementary school. I am 22 years old and currently in the us army I will be deploying to afghanistan in a few months. When I return I will have less than a year left in the army unless I decide to re-enlist but this has always been a dream of mine and I hope to make this more than just a dream. Im hoping to be able to become a police officer in Florida.

Thankyou. W

Answer
Carolyn:

  Basically, you start by deciding where you want to work (Florida..ok) then narrow it down.  What type of work do you want to do?  What agency do you want to work for while doing it?  What are the long term benefits, (retirement, medical) and the short term ones (take home car, overtime opportunities) and what other work do you see yourself doing in 5 years (Investigations, K-9, SWAT) and does the agency provide for that?

 Once you check out all of those things (almost every agency nowadays has a website with all sorts of information on it) then...you just start applying.   It's that simple, really.  However, I would wait until you are close to returning to the US, since many will want to test/interview you in person.

 Passing the academy, yes is the last thing by the way.  Sort of...you then have to pass Field training as well, (you ride around with a more experienced officer who evaluates you while you do your job).  Once that is done that's it.

Best of luck!