Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Hello,

I was hoping to get some advice from real police officers about what I should do to prepare myself for becoming a police officer. Such as things I should do or things that you guys wish would have done to help better experience becoming officers of the law.

I little information on me.... 20 years old, I will be 21 in about 12 months. I have a high school diploma, (no college), I have a full time job as an industrial field technician. I'm clean and always have been, as far as run in with police I have had a citation for breaking curfew for driving. I've wanted to pursue law enforcement for a long time.

As far as the department I am planning to apply for you must be 21 (I can enter at the age of 20 as long as I turn 21 during training). Obtain a high school diploma.

Any advice will be appreciated!

Get a four year college degree. With the high amount of competition for police jobs, your chances of getting hired when you barely meet the minimum qualifications are slim to none. You will be competing against people who have more education, military experience, plus those who are older with more work and life experience.