Expert: Loren Stevens - 12/14/2007

Question
Hi, im in 12th grade and i am thinking about going into the police force as a career. But the problem is, is that i have no idea where to begin, how long of education is needed, is there colleges i can go to or is it a tech type of school, is there training i have to go, how long is that, what are the different branches and do they all get the basic type of education. Sorry this is a lot, but if u can answer them that would help me a lot. Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hello Mike,
All good questions.
You would be wise to first do a self assessment, and see if you qualify with the physical, and other preconditions.
If you have an agency in mind, stop by their human resources or personnel office, and pick up their recruiting information. You can also get much of this base information on line. Most medium to large size agencies have their own site, and they'll post their qualifications.
The reason I say that, is you wouldn't want to spend energy and resources on a career field that you may ultimately not be qualified for.
If that should happen, consider looking into career fields that deal with regulatory cases, rather than criminal.
OK, law enforcement agencies at the city, county and state levels tend to require as a base, a HS or GED for entry level positions.
Clearly, the more KSA's (knowledge Skills and abilities) you can pony up, the more attractive you are as a candidate.
Agencies are obviously looking for honesty, potential and character in their applicants.
It gets competitive, as evidenced by only about 10% of all applicants getting hired, and more of what's left wash out in training.
Being bilingual is good, in areas of the country that has that social mix. Computer skills are good, as are first aid certs.
Things you can do on your own, is to work on your hand strength, upper body strength, stamina/endurance.
In ALL agencies, written and oral communications is considered with favor.
I usually encourage young folks to start their post HS studies at a community college, as it tends to be considerably less costly. That said, take ONLY classes that will transfer to a four year college or university. These are called "core classes" and you should be able to pretty much complete your lower division undergraduate stuff at a community college.
Down the academic road, consider going for a double major, no miner, as it's only a few more classes, and it will serve you well.
I would recommend you stroll to your police agency, and see what jobs are available for folks not yet 21 years old. If you can get hired as a cadet, courier, transport etc, you'll be way ahead of the game. This will go towards your employment seniority for retirement. But for your right now interests, it will give you a perspective on an agency as an "insider", where you'll come to appreciate organizational make up, staffing patterns, agency personnel dynamics, and overall character of the department.
You may be able to sit in on training classes, that wouldn't be available to you if not an employee. Plus, most agencies will reimburse college tuition on classes earning a letter grade of "C" or better. It's like a mini-scholarship.
You can do that while working, like night classes. But don't figure on any college during your first 2 years as an officer. You'll be WAY to busy learning the job, and passing your probationary period.
Well, maybe this is enough for you to get started.
So, your first assignment  in law enforcement will come from me...........armed with what I've briefed you on, go forth, and exhaust your limited investigative skills, and fill in the holes of your curiosity.
Also, many/most fed law enforcement require a BS or BA degree.
Good Luck, and regards,
loren