Police officers are the heroes of ones nation who maintains the order and discipline in society. They play key role to a safe society by eliminating or reducing the number of crime rates. They are often extremely devoted individuals who have a strong sense of duty. The job of a police officer can be hectic and dangerous, but career as a police officer can be rewarding. Applying for a job as a police officer is not as easy as getting the job of a shopkeeper, but it is a goal that can be achieved by hard working and careful planning.
Some individuals decide to become police officers in an early age, while others make a choice later. However, there are a number of steps to be taken if someone wants to become a police officer.
Steps of Becoming a Police Officer:
High School Education:
Basic requirement of becoming a police officer is to have a high school education.
Additional Education:
Additional education may not usually required, but it is recommended that person interested in becoming a police officer should study education courses in computer studies, accounting, human behavior, legal issues, and Associates or Bachelors degree. Criminal justice programs and variety of other subjects helpful in law enforcement are also offered. These advance trainings are important in becoming a successful police officer (Harris, 2008).
Physical Fitness:
Third step of becoming a police officer is to have proper physical fitness. In order to maintain physical fitness, one should engage himself in playing organized sports. This will help to keep the body in shape and also serve you well for your application to a police academy. Physical exam may check your vision, hearing, health or other means of physical strength (Smith, 2009).
Moral Fitness:
In addition to physical fitness, moral fitness is also very crucial. Individuals should avoid getting invovled in violance or illegal activities. People involve in drug addictions and traffic violations are rejected in drug test.
Civil Service Examination:
For becoming a police officer one has to pass the written civil service exam given by the police department. Many companies provide study guides to pass the civil service exam in order to achieve high score (Smith, 2009).
More Examinations and tests:
One have to pass various examinations and tests which includes physical and mental test, hearing and vision test, lie detector test, drug test, and personality test.
Interview:
After passing agility test, began a series of interviews with the senior officer. The senior officer will ask different questions to judge abilities of a person like ability to communicate, handling moral dilemmas, honesty, strength, responsibility etc. And frequently ask the question “Why do you want to become a police officer?” (Tracy, 2009).
