Law Enforcement Certification Programs?

[Datbadguy]

Hello all, its been some time since I have last posted. Have been working hard and trying to research everything I can about becoming a Police Officer. Was wondering if anyone could help me in understanding about Law Enforcement Certification Programs. I have talked to alot of current and retired officers, and a few of them told me about these programs? From what I understand you can pay to go through an academy and get certified? Does every state have a program? Would going through this program help my chances of becoming a LEO? I dont know if these are for entry level recruits looking to become a LEO or individuals who are already Police Officers looking to further their training? Any help would be appreciated.

[Kimble]

I have talked to alot of current and retired officers, and a few of them told me about these programs?

Not sure if that is a question, as the "?" would suggest, or a statement. :confused:

From what I understand you can pay to go through an academy and get certified? Does every state have a program?

No, not every state does this. Some states, like AL, only offer a police academy to department-sponsored (i.e. those already hired by a department) trainees.

Would going through this program help my chances of becoming a LEO?

Yes and no. Yes in that it would get you the certification recognized by the state for law enforcement jobs. No in the sense that even with that certification, if you don't meet the minimum qualifications (ex: required college credits/degree, outside hiring standards for criminal history, etc.), or if there are more qualified applicants (ex: some departments have a very good reputation, and you may be applying with those already cops from other departments with years of experience), then the certification alone won't land you the job.

I dont know if these are for entry level recruits looking to become a LEO or individuals who are already Police Officers looking to further their training?

The certification academies at community colleges are for entry-level recruits, not already-certified and active cops (it would be a little silly to send a police officer, who's already gone to an academy, to another basic academy).

[Datbadguy]

Statements, questions? Was not to sure as to what I was asking or stating. Thanks for your help though. Just looking for advice and a little insight.

[TXCharlie]

The certification academies at community colleges are for entry-level recruits, not already-certified and active cops (it would be a little silly to send a police officer, who's already gone to an academy, to another basic academy).

It's a little different here in Texas...

The community college I got my certification at first gives you a BPO (Basic Peace Officer) certification after you pass the TCLEOSE exam (the state exam).

But then after you're hired and licensed, you can go back and take Intermediate and Advanced classes to eventually become a Master Peace Officer, but there's probably more to it than just taking some classes. Those classes are only available to licensed peace officers unless you have special permission. Being a MPO generally means a pay bump, but it's solely up to the agency where you work.

BTW, the certification in itself does not mean that you're licensed in Texas - The agency that you work for must apply to the state for the license. And if you're not licensed within two years of certification, I believe you have to do Academy all over again.

[Datbadguy]

Thanks for your answer.

[retdetsgt]

But then after you're hired and licensed, you can go back and take Intermediate and Advanced classes to eventually become a Master Peace Officer, but there's probably more to it than just taking some classes.

Oregon is even different from that. You have to be hired before going and there is only one police academy and it's run by the state. Officers from all over have to go Salem to attend. (The exception is the state police who have their own).

We have basic, intermediate, advanced and administrative. Basic is given when all academy and probation is completed, intermediate is given with 5 years service, I think. Advanced requires a bachelor's degree and/or some other amount of service and I have no idea about administrative. It's strictly for command personnel and I never had much interest in that. But there are no special "police" type classes needed to advance in any of those. They're sort of a waste, IMO, I never saw my pay change one iota as I got higher ceritfications.:rolleyes:

Oh yeah, Sgts have to attend a dumb two week school at the academy within one year of promotion. It's essentially a bureaucratic waste of time, IMO. Command people might have to do the same, I dunno.

My favorite is the one I have now. It says "Retired"!:D

[mcsap]

If you qualifiy , there are openings and you have the money to pay , PA allows self-sponsor through the 5 month municipal police academy.