Step By Step Method to Become A Police Officer?

I'm asked all the time, "Is your department hiring?" or "What do I need to do to become a police officer?"  I always think to myself, "Well, you need this, this, and this, and you must have this, this, and that..."  There's really no short answer to these questions.
 
So now what do I do?  I refer them to this page (if they're willing to read it).  Because in this page, I'm going to hit the main points of becoming a police officer, and some of the resources you should be utilizing. The best thing is, these resources will not be used by most of your competition.  And why is that you ask?  The reason is simple.  We live in a world where most people want something for free.  And because of that mentality, your competition (most anyway) won't take the time to read this very article you're reading now, and/or will not put forth the extra effort to better their chances.
 
Before I go on, let me tell you a little about myself, so you know a little on my background.  I'm currently a Patrol Sergeant for the City of Flint Police Department in Michigan, and have been working there for about 12 years (at the time of this print).  Prior to that, I worked retail security Loss Prevention for a retail store (Meijer) for about 6 years.  And I also worked a uniformed security job for about 6 months prior to that as well.  My experience is mostly on the road as a police officer; however, I have done background checks for police applicants, interviewing these applicants, their neighbors, creditors, friends, etc. and played a key role in their getting hired or non-recommended status.  Also, having worked for Flint for so long, there's not many scenarios I have seen, i.e. shootings, chases, drug arrests, forcible arrests, homicide scenes, suicides, etc.  You name it, I've probably seen it.
 
What does all this mean?  It means you're not reading from someone that's worked as a 'smile and wave' officer.  You know the ones I'm talking about.  That nice guy/girl that works in an area that the most exciting thing they've seen is a roll over accident, and simply smile and wave to you when you drive by.  Anyway, I think you get my point.  Let's move on.
 
Obviously I don't know where you're at in your training, i.e. high school, college, certified, etc.  So I will assume that you have finished high school and wondering what to do next, or simply considering a career change.  I will also assume you have 'something' on your record, or some past incident that you are curious about, as this is the case with almost every person I come across.  Not everyone, but for the sake of the majority, I will give you my advice.
 
Having said that, let me first get out of the way some of the most popular questions I get.  No:  You do not have to have a college degree to get hired as a police officer (but it helps considerably).  Yes:  You can still be hired as a police officer even if you were arrested (unless convicted of a Felony in most states).  That's the big one.  If you were 'convicted' of a Felony, then most states will not allow you to work as a police officer.  You need to check with your state on that (remember, being charged with a Felony is not a conviction).  So if we're past that, lets move on.
 
Ok, now what?  Well, there are 2 companies that I'm going to strongly recommend to you.  One is free, and one costs money.  But I cannot emphasize enough on these two organizations their significance.  So let's start with the free one.
 
The banner ad below this paragraph, will send you free information on Criminal Justice programs, for both online and in your area.  Why will they do this?  Because they want your business, and are competing with several colleges for you.  All you have to do is fill out the form after clicking the banner (below), and complete the online form.  There's no obligation from them, but this is how you can find out: how much, where and how to become a police officer by obtaining your degree.  I really can't say much else about it, but that we strongly recommend it.
 
The second that I honestly cannot recommend more (below) is the Police Exam 911 course.  This is really an absolute must buy.  Yes, it will cost you money, but will give you such an edge over your competition that it is well worth it.  The company even offers a 100% money back guarantee if you don't score better.  But the thing that we're so pumped about this program is, its a Video Training course as well, which significantly takes away from the competition.  The course will teach you how to answer tough questions on police oral boards, how to study and prepare for the tests, what to expect, etc.  Its quite thorough and you can read about more of what they offer by visiting their page.
 
We wish you all the luck in the world on your endeavor to get into law enforcement.  If you haven't done so already, below are more articles I have written to further your increase your chances.  Good luck!
 

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