Are you people serious?

If you are a teenager join an explorers program. You just call the agency you wish to become some day and ask about it. It looks good on a resume and you gain a lot of important information.

Yes, the military is always looked highly upon. Most law enforcement officers are prior military without a degree. Any felony is a disqualification.

well i always wanted to become a police officer my whole life. like when i was i a little girl, we played cops and robbers and i always wanted to be the cop, so like yeah my whole life. well i am a junior in school so i'm getting pretty close!

i am an 18 year old female and i'm now attending college getting my associates in criminal justice. what can i do now to get a head start on becoming a police officer?

Why does everybody in here post their age? You don't need people knowing your age on here. As far as all of the questions being asked, read the article! It tells you everything.

If you're still lost then contact your local police department and ask them. They would be able to help you out more than anybody on here. The police also offer a ride along program where you would ride with a police officer for a day or so to see what it's like to be in their shoes. Again contact your local PD to see if they offer something like that. Therr might be an age limit so all of you under 18 years old might have to wait.

hi im 13 and i'd like to become a police officer. what subjects do i take?

my name is scott. all my life i wanted to become a cop. i'm 21. i'm tired of seeing the crimes on the streets. i want to help fight crime. i live next to a police department. i need to know what all i have to do to join the polices force

Can you become a police officer if you have a shoplifting charge?

Dui will automatically exempt you from ataining a spot on the force. Also dui s are not mistimenors they are felonies.

do i have to go through school to become a police officer?

what classes are involved in becoming a police officer?

i'm 14 years old and all i have ever wanted to do was be on the police force, but what are the school guides you need for it? i would love to be in the mounted police force. i have being riding since i was three years old and everyone says that i would make a great cop! thanks heaps. Zoe

I am currently in a PSA class (Public Safety Academy). I am a junior in Cali. I was wondering if after high school i can become a police officer in Mexico right after school.

Is 39 too old to join the police force?

I recently did a ride-along with my local police department. After this ride-along I found out that I really want to become a police officer. I am only 18 years old, soon to be 19. is there anything I can do to better prepare myself for becoming an officer? Can I go through the police academy so I would be ready to become an officer when I turn 21?

I'm 14 and i have been dreaming of becoming a police officer ever since i was elementary school and i'm never letting that dream go away and i mean it. --Deondre14

i'm 17 years old and i want to become a police officer but my question is can i start any programs now to begin my journey early? i am very interested in becoming a police officer and would like to see what it's really like to be on the police force.

hey i am an 18 year old girl and a senior in high school and i was woundering if i can do police academy

i'm 17 years old and i want to be a cop when i grow up. i smoke pot but I'll stop when i turn 18. i plan smoking on my eighteenth birthday then quitting. will i still be able to be a cop. or should i quit the day before i turn 18? Please answer quick. i turn 18 in a couple of days.

i'm 24 and have been in the Army for four years, served twice in iraq/afghanistan and I wanted to know if military service excludes the need for college or is it still mandatory to receive a degree? Sgt Micheal Church

never give up.

That my friend is not true. private security does help help on your way to become a police officer, as I have numerous family members who are cops and I am heading to become a deputy really soon. First of all, you need to fix or work on fixing your credit. most law enforcement agencies are very strict on credit, even if it's not a high score or low as long as you show you're paying it, it shows a good character line in their eyes. Going to school in a community college is what I highly recommend. Don't go to a fancy private college, because it is not respected by major police agencies and you just wasted a good two to four years of school. Also something very important: do not lie. be completely honest on everything they ask you. if they ask why you owe this and that, tell the truth. debt, if times were rough explain that, if you tried let them know. don't say "oh i just didn't have the time to pay it." respond with something like "I was in such a bad place in my life. I didn't have a job, was looking hard and my luck wasn't there so I couldn't pay, but since I am making money now working now I make payments." only if that is the real case, though. remember they will find out. And back to the security response, private security does give you a better chance of landing a police job then just having a criminal justice degree, also military experience helps out a lot, big time. Good luck all, and remember never give up! my motto is, "When you give up on your dreams, you're already dead." For those of you wanting to be a police officer. Go to school. Specifically in the Criminal Justice law enforcement major. For those of you who believe that 'military training' or 'private security' experience is going to give you the edge, it isn't. The main thing they look at is education. If you don't have 60 college credits, they're going to turn you down. It's a very competitive career, and those who will be interviewing you during the hiring process will be quick to dismiss you from their list of candidates when they ask 'What's the level of your education?' and you say 'High school.' I enrolled in a two-year technical college. I have four months until I receive my degree in the applied science of criminal justice law enforcement. The chances of you getting into the law enforcement field without a degree are within the single digit percentile. It's a prerequisite for almost every department. However there is one other option, but it takes a lot of ambition and enthusiasm on your own part. Do community work, see if you can join some community centers, develop rapport within your town or city, join a criminal justice association club, buy their t-shirts, be a nerd about it. Go for ride-alongs with squad patrol officers, ask them questions, you can even walk down to your local police department and if they're not busy; interview them. Make a thing of it - bring a notebook and a pen, jot down some notes or something. Make friends in that area, have them refer you to other sources. And maybe then if you show that you're a pretty penny, they'll flag you into the academy to have you 'certifiable.' This is not the same thing as a 'certified officer.' All this means is that you went through the 520 hours of basic training, took some core classes, and passed all the state required tests. Making you 'certifiable' aka 'okay we might think about hiring this kid as a junior officer' Or. 'reimburse or pay for his 60 credits.' This career is about honor, not money. You start at 40 grand a year in most departments. But that's if you can get in. They aren't going to hire any guy who's experienced with 'guns' or 'eliminating threats.' These guys are pretty much 'go to guys.' You need directions, a baby's trapped in a burning car, there's a chemical spill, some guy just mugged an old lady, old man is griping about his neighbor's dog, domestic disturbance (which is the one call that officers are most likely to encounter fatality, surprisingly), kids starting trouble and need a good talking to, bank robbers with fully automatic weapons have taken hostages and your wife is in the building; first responder on the scene. These dudes *need* to be sharp. Most of the old guys are grandfathered in, either they knew someone or they somehow skipped a few important chapters in the 'what an officer should be' area. Want to be a cop? You need to learn some things first. Enroll, learn, and drive at it.

Hello my name is Amber. I'm 21 years old. I'm looking into becoming a police officer. I was just wondering to go through the college and training and everything else. How long would it take for me to become a police officer?

How would I became a S.W.A.T member after I've been a patrol cop for three years?

Im twenty and i want to be a police officer. what do i have to start off doing to become one? i wanted to volunteer but who do i talk to? and i live in Australia NSW Sydney. cheers

i'm a senior in high school and decided to become a police officer. what do i do next when i graduate? i heard i don't need a bachelors degree -- is it true? where do i go to sign up for the academy?

I want to be a police officer and was wondering, how hard is it to be a police officer? Thank you very much.

Hi my name is shandrea batson i am 17 years old and i would like to be a police officer.

what does it take to be a cop? i'm not an american citizen. i was born in mexico. i came to the u.s. when i was 5 and i have a clean record. thank you.

I am a female sophomore in high school with a clean record, and plans for continuing education. I am a legal US citizen and I was hoping to become a police officer in the SPCA. What are some additional requirements and any advice anyone has to give is also extremely helpful. Thanks!

my name is tyrell and i live in yukon oklahoma. my goal in life is to be a well paid police officer. i am a sophpmore in high school and play varsity football and basketball. i got caught stealing a dang car freshener. can i still be a police officer?

Hi, how long does it take to become a detective?

i am currently 17 years old and i want to be a narc. i was born in Mexico and brought to the us when i was 15 days old! it sucks not to be a citizen. i think i deserve to be a citizen. who can i talk to? i have proof of living here for that long. i am currently a junior in high school. i graduated from middle school and about to graduate from high school. I want to be a DEA agent. i need help. i have good grades and i have brothers and sisters that are all citizens but they're younger. i live in california.

I'm Cassandra. I go to a tech campus and I'm taking criminal justice. I suck at concentrating in this class.

Hi my name is joevonta. And i'm 18 and my dream is always to become a police officer. I love school and i'm really smart. i will go to college. i dont care if it takes me millions of years.

okay so if i wanted to become a state cop, would I go to school for criminology or something else?

hi. well my dream has always been to be a cop. how do i start? im 19 and straight out of high school.

You definitely need good credit, and to have a strong mind. Most of all, do not lie to them. they will find out and you will lose your chance of glory.

Hi i'm from ireland and i hold a dregee in law with business and i would like to know how could i, if at all, become a cop in the usa?

i really want to become a police officer but i don't know if i can if my family has a criminal record.

i want to be a cop.

what qualifications do i need to become a police officer?

hello my name is victorrie. i am 17 and i would love to be a police officer. it's always been a dream and i am going ti make it and reach my goal. And I had two minor fight charges. is it possible if i can become a police officer? yes i am still in school and after that here comes college.

My 17 year old daughter has dreamed of being a police officer since she was 5. She is a hepatitis B carrier but is in great health,and is wondering if this will disqualify her. She will be crushed if this is the case.

Hi i'm 17 and i want to become a police officer. i'm in school now and that's going to be my next step after school.

Hey I am 15 years old and later in life I want to be a police officer. any advice for what classes i should be taking for a better understanding? -Stephanie

i have two minor dui's when i was 18, both within six months. is there any chance of me ever becoming a police officer?

Im 17 years old and i have done marijuana. i just barely stoping using. i want to be able to become a police officer and i want to know if this will be a problem for me joining?

i am a police office in nigeria. i want to become a police office in the us. the nigeria government is bad and corrupt, so what do i do to be a police office in the us? thanks, Rapheal

I'm 19 years old and i have always wanted my job to be physical but never knew what. when i graduated from high school i decided that i wanted to become a police officer and now i'm working on my bachelors degree in criminal justice at Greensburg community college and i have never been more excited in my *life*!

Re: Question 108. I would go into the police force as soon as you can get accepted and take criminal justice classes part time while an officer. By the time you are ready to move into an higher position (maybe 4 years) within the department you will have already had the life experience (which is the best experience) and several courses or even a degree under your belt to help you qualify. Going to college first and then becoming a cop will take more years (precious in this field). I'm already 37 and I can't believe how fast the years have gone by. If you focus on your goal and work hard there's no limit to what you can accomplish. Forget the military. They tell you where you live, eat and breathe. You have no choices. Once you sign up with them you will be theirs for life.

I'm Brazilian age 17 years, and I intend to move to the U.S. soon and would like to work in American police want to know what it takes for a foreigner entering the U.S. police?

im 19 years old and im in the process of getting in a community college where they offer a associates in criminal justice, now would this help me in the hiring process.

I am fifteen years old and I have decided to become a cop. And I plan on giving this my whole 100 percent. But I want to know where to start?

I have seen in the past year here where I live in Ohio that police departments are taking in people with just a high school diploma and then training them. Of course you still have to have a clean record and background. The police departments are now getting grant money from the government to put people through training. So now you don't have to go to college before hand because now people with a high school diploma have just as good a chance to become a police officer as someone who went through college.

I am 16 years old and I really want to be a police officer, but i have a hearing aid. i can hear almost as a normal person would hear. would i still get the job if i applied for it?

if you got a dui you need to clear your record up and then get to college and start your career!

Hey, i am a 13-year-old female. i was wondering what college degrees i need. i only want to be a police officer in Cairns, and i want to join up ASAP.

I was accepted as an sworn officer for my Township as of May 2009.

For those of you wanting to be a police officer.

Go to school. Specifically in the Criminal Justice law enforcement major.

For those of you who believe that 'military training' or 'private security' experience is going to give you the edge, it isn't.

The main thing they look at is education. If you don't have 60 college credits, they're going to turn you down. It's a very competitive career, and those who will be interviewing you during the hiring process will be quick to dismiss you from their list of candidates when they ask 'What's the level of your education?' and you say 'High school.'

I enrolled in a 2 year technical college. I have 4 months until I receive my degree in the applied science of criminal justice law enforcement.

The chances of you getting into the law enforcement field without a degree are within the single digit percentile. It's a prerequisite for almost every department.

However there is one other option, but it takes a lot of ambition and enthusiasm on your own part. Do community work, see if you can join some community centers, develop rapport within your town or city, join a criminal justice association club, buy their t-shirts, be a nerd about it. Go for ride-alongs with squad patrol officers, ask them questions, you can even walk down to your local police department and if they're not busy; interview them. Make a thing of it - bring a notebook and a pen, jot down some notes or something. Make friends in that area, have them refer you to other sources. And maybe then if you show that you're a pretty penny, they'll flag you into the academy to have you 'certifiable.' This is not the same thing as a 'certified officer.' All this means is that you went through the 520 hours of basic training, took some core classes, and passed all the state required tests. Making you 'certifiable' aka 'okay we might think about hiring this kid as a junior officer' Or. 'reimburse or pay for his 60 credits.'

This career is about honor, not money. You start at 40 grand a year in most departments. But that's if you can get in. They aren't going to hire any guy who's experienced with 'guns' or 'eliminating threats.' These guys are pretty much 'go to guys.' You need directions, a baby's trapped in a burning car, there's a chemical spill, some guy just mugged an old lady, old man is griping about his neighbor's dog, domestic disturbance (which is the one call that officers are most likely to encounter fatality, surprisingly), kids starting trouble and need a good talking to, bank robbers with fully automatic weapons have taken hostages and your wife is in the building; first responder on the scene. These dudes *need* to be sharp. Most of the old guys are grandfathered in, either they knew someone or they some how skipped a few important chapters in the 'what an officer should be' area.

Wanna be a cop? You need to learn some things first. Enroll, learn, and drive at it.

i'm only 14 years old and i want to become a police officer but i don't know where to start. any advice?

My name is lanisha and for many years i always wanted to be a police officer and for an offer like that i can't turn it down. i'm only 16 years old even though my eyesight isn't that good. i think i have what it takes. They didnt make glasses for no reason. Just kidding. i'm looking forward to become a jersey city police officer.

I am 20 years old, no criminal record and starting my Associates in Criminal Justice next month. I am wondering what i need to do to get started with becoming a police officer. Also i am in the army reserves. does this help come application time? Any information would be helpful. Thanks

Hey, I'm a 15 year old male. I have no record and I don't live in the United States. But my dream was being a police officer there. Anyone know if i still can? I live in Iceland, but i need to know if i can still be a police officer in the United States. And do you need to complete college to become a police officer?

hello, i am a 36 year old female with no criminal record, an excellent driving record, but my credit is not that great. my thing is i'm attending college working towards my aa in crimminal justice. it will take me two years to complete, plus i want to transfer to a four-year college to finish up my degree. i will apply after my two years of school which will make me 38 years old. will they hire me or will i be too old? i want to be a homicide detective. need answers soon.

how much do cops make in CA? -Jack @ how to become a police officer.

Hi all, I am a 23 years of age, a recent college graduate and I got arrested for DWI when I was 19. (March 2005). I completed all of the necessary probation requirements to receive a PBJ (probation before judgment). I have documentation showing that the charge was dismissed. I applied recently to become a police officer and told my investigator up front about my arrest and she assured me I was fine. She then began my background check and called me and said my background came back fine and I made it through to the next phase of the physical and psycological exam. I then received an email about two weeks later saying I had been disqualified because of my DWI charge in March of 2005. She then recommended I apply again in 2010. What is this 5 year mark I keep hearing about? I can't find any answers online regarding it? And what was the point of me getting probation if it's going to haunt me for the rest of my life?

do you have to be a born citizen to become a police officer in the united states?

Ok i am 16 years old and i've been in trouble with the law a few times and i am considered a felon now. could i still become a policeman?

i was arrested once for orderly misconduct. that was 5 years ago. i was in the county jail for 4 days. it was the first and last time i got arrested. im in college now, can i still be a police officer?

i am 36. am I too old and I have very bad credit. will that be a problem

- anon36426

Once you reach High School, ask your guidance counselor to show you what classes to take which will provide a strong foundation for this career. Ex. Criminal Justice, Forensics, ect.

- anon36510

Looks to me like VCE is mandatory, and about VCAL, that is like a literacy test, so as long as you know English well you should be fine.

After reading all these questions... it amazed me that people have the same question: If they are ineligible for this career, mostly due to a minor offense during their youth years. Can't you just read the question and not re-post it?

If i had admin rights to this mini blog/forum, I'd delete all the questions which are practically the same.

Ok since i got that off my chest, here is my question.

Background info:I'm 16 years old, I'm a captain of my high school's lacrosse team(we are number 1 in our region), my record is clean(no drugs, no arrests, nothing...), I have an A-/A average for all my classes(I just finished my sophomore year)

I'm 5'11, and weigh 160 lbs.(perfect physical condition, I have 5% body fat)

So here are my questions:

Q: After obtaining my HS diploma, should I go to college and receive a Bachelors in Criminal Justice?

or

Q2: Go to the military(army) as soon as i finish HS and work as a MP(Military Police)?

or

(I don't know if this is possible, but... here it is.)

As soon as i finish HS, go in the army and join the MPs, and take an online course to get some kind of degree?

I would greatly appreciate an answer from a person who has experience in this field.

Do you need a VCE Pass to become a police officer, or can you have a VCAL Pass?

i am 13 and i want to be in law enforcement, but i dont know what i will have to do to become one.

i'm in the the forces and coming out of the army and i want to join the the german police. how do i go about it and can i join

do you have to go to college?.......also the background check what does it test you on?

even if i have done one type of drug in the past and its not on my record can that stop me from becoming a police officer?

I am 18 years old i'm about 5"2 and weight about 95 pounds will my size stop me from being a police officer

hi there!

im 18 years old. im curently attending college and im majoring in criminal justice. i can speak 2 language, english and spanish and im studying french. however, im not a us citizen, im a permanent residnent. i just want to know if it would be an imconvenience for my goals

My husband is European but is a permanent resident of the US. He was dishonorably discharged from the military in his country ten years ago, because of a few things on his criminal record in that country like petty theft and he got arrested for a street fight, he only had to pay some fines, no jail time. Anyway this was all about ten years ago, will this prevent him from becoming a sheriff/police officer here in the US? Before he was discharged he did extraordinary work in the military (special forces) and has a lot of experience that will make him a great asset in the police force, he just did stupid and regretful things as a young man. He applied for a few departments but did not mention his criminal record or discharge on the applications because he assumed the background check would be a US background check, not in his country of origin. He has a concealed weapons license in many US states, and that's why he assumed the background check in Europe is not done. The problem now is does he fess up to these things at the interview he was called for next month or just hope it won't show up? Obviously he feels he should be honest but he doesn't want this to deter them from hiring him as despite his past, he knows he made stupid mistakes but knows he'd be a great officer. Any advice?

I am 21 years old and i just recently got my High School diploma. Would just getting my diploma on time keep me from being able to be one. I didn't get it on time because of medical reasons.

i'm 14 i got a fine for trespassing and i'm kinda naughty at school does that mean i cant be a police-officer

I'm going to be 18 soon and I'm thinking of applying for the police service. At the moment I'm doing a public service course which I will gain a diploma at the end of the year. Within the course I learn a lot about police, the tests required, what you need to pass etc.

1)Do you think that I have an advantage of becoming a police officer because of my diploma?

2)What is your advice to me before I apply and what preparation should I do so that I definitely pass as it is my dream to pursue a career in policing.

Well, my name is Megan. I am only 14, but ever since i was little i always wanted to be a police officer. I do good in school, and never really had a lot of encounters with the police. But everyone laughs when i say i want to become one because i'm too girly. When really, i'm not. hha. I'm excited though.

no you have to be a resident and the accent doesn't matter as long as you pass the English test.

I am only 14 and I am set on being a police officer.

What do i need to do?

One must be a us citizen to become a police officer in the U.S.. You can speak English with an accent, but you must pass the English section of the entrance exam.

ok anon 23776 creatine only helps build muscle mass but doesn't help strength, to build your strength take protein it works miracles! to build your endurance go to the gym and run on a treadmill for a little while each day until you can do what you have to. the push ups just keep doing them in your house until you can do about 30 nonstop and surprise them. lol.

My name is Serg... Basically i came to this country from Russia and i'm still in high school but i'm thinking of becoming a police officer. But here is my problem, i'm not that good in school and i get into trouble kinda sorta a little. Although i speak fluently 2 languages which are Russian and Ukrainian and i can perfectly understand Polish. So here is my question, is this advance of languages that i speak going to help me to be a policeman?

In depends on the state in which you work. In Ohio you *can* have a DWI/DUI, after 5 years and no more than one, *you could* have been charged with *anything* as long there was no convicted. A past probation does *not* DQ you from becoming an officer. It all depends on what it was and how long it's been, ect...

Don't stop trying. If you're a convicted felon, well that pretty much speaks for itself. DV convictions that prevent you from owning a firearm *will* keep you from working as an officer. Hope this helps someone.

OHIO

Police Officer.

I was wondering if there was a way I could get in the police academy while working on getting my associates/bachelors degree in law enforcement? Or do I have to do one before the other like a step by step process?

What do I need to do to become a drug detective?

I'm highly interested in becoming a police officer and I'm taking classes in high school to help me achieve this goal and plan on doing so in college. I haven't noticed a lot of females that are either police officers or a sheriff deputies around my area. Do males have a higher chance of getting a job as a cop then females do?

Hey, I'm a Freshman at a Catholic liberal arts College in New Hampshire, but live in MA and want to become a police officer for my town. I'm not a CJ major yet but I'm about to change. What are the policies of most academies involving alcohol? If I've been underage drinking within 2 years of applying, will they reject me? And by the time I join I'll be 21, so is drinking okay then?

I have passed everything on my way to becoming an officer, but failed to pass my Phsych Evaluation. I was told that it looks like I am 'trying to paint a good picture' of myself. The Dr is letting me re-take the test.

I was completely honest on the test.

Any advice?

Hey i'm a 16 year teenage boy that goes to high school and i was wondering if their were classes i have to take to become a police officer or if their are classes that i can take to become a police officer? I have got in 1 fight my whole entire life in school does that affect my chances of becoming a police officer?

i have been on probation for theft by deception and i am still eligible to be a police officer

My name is Joshua,

I am 21 years old, Currently Clean. Have absolutely nothing against me.

I lived in Germany so many years though. I have a German HS Diploma.

"Is a German HS Diploma equivalent to an US HS Diploma?"

In Germany non the less you get that taught in 9 Years they have. Us its like 12-14 Years I do belive.

Do financial backgrounds have any effect on one's eligibility? I have never been convicted of a felony nor do I have any traffic violations. Ive never been in any trouble but I do have student loans and such from college. Would any type of financial matter bar me from becoming a police officer?

Viper20, no it is not an automatic disqualification, but it depends on what you are on probation for. Now, not having your high school diploma or equivalent be it GED, will go a long way. Since you were told you could never own a firearm, that may be your killer right there. Not being able to own a firearm is the same as never being able to carry a firearm. I recommend, if you are seriously interested in pursuing law enforcement, that you look into having your record expunged, but that is only if it was a minor offense. But once again, seeing as how you were told you could never own a firearm I am guessing it was a major offense. To anyone that asked about marijuana, *no that does not make you ineligible*, be truthful in the interview and the lie detector.

It is good to see so many people interested in Law Enforcement. Keep your nose out of trouble and you will be just fine.

Hello, I am a 28 yr old female who has wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement.

I took the exam about 2 1/2 years ago. I passed yet had bankruptcy. My bankruptcy has been dissolved in 2004 and would like to continue pursuing a career in law enforcement. I have my high school diploma, but i don't have a criminal justice degree. Will this prevent me from pursuing a career in law enforcement?

Where do i start? Can i apply for a career in law enforcement in another state other than where i live?

I don't know if this question was already posted if so I'm sorry for the re-post, I want to become a Police Officer but i never graduated high school, and i am currently on Probation is this an automatic disqualification? If so does it include all states?, After my Probation is over am i eligible?, Because when i was placed on probation the judge told me I can never own a firearm? Any info would greatly help, thanks!!

hi sir, my name is vahid i am 20 years old and i am studying in united states. i am on f 1 visa and my dream is to become a police officer in united state of america and serve the humanity. It is possible that i can joint police academy??

here is something about being a police officer.

If at ANY time you went to Probation or Community Supervision for any reason that is an automatic disqualification, you can never become a police officer. If you are an illegal alien you cannot become a police officer. Also If you have a DUI, DWI, Unlawful carrying of a weapon and any Assault that is also a bar. Lufkin Police Officer.

Lufkin, Texas

hi! i am from greece, i am 17 years old and i desperately want to become a police officer but in usa! does the height matters? i mean, i am only 1,67 cm ..can someone tell me what i should do in order to become a police officer in usa? if i come to usa what i should do next? please, someone help me! oh, and the police academies are for free? i mean do we have to pay?

i want to know if i can become a police officer i was born and lived in england until i was 8 but then moved to ireland, we moved beck over to england during the summer does this matter as i am 18 i would like to apply now and start my training i am fit and havent got a criminal record am 5'7. so does anything stop me from applying ?

Curious: two part question

24YOM No record, high school graduate, history with Fire department, 911, and EMS! I've taken 2 civil service exams with two separate agencies, failed one passed the other. The second department sent me for POPS (the physical agility test) but I missed one portion of the test by just a few seconds. I'm trying to get into shape for a retake. Our state requires 18week course in the academy. But I'm just not making any progress in my physical abilities. I'm having trouble with adding speed and endurance to my running, and my pushups! I need to make a 300 meter in 65 seconds, and a 1.5 mile run in 17 min and 12 secs. Also the pushups require 20 consecutive with out stopping. I'm a bigger boy about 6'3 265lbs. What can I do physically? I've considered creatine to help me but I don't want to hurt myself.

2nd part-

I also have a history of depression as a teenager like 15 years old and to this day have problems with anxiety! I take medication that keeps me pretty regular, but will that hurt me in the psychological test? I haven't made it that far in testing process yet and I'm concerned that will pull the plug on me- also they do a background check which legally I know I'm fine- 1 ticket for speeding under 18 years old, but what about bills. I have a lot of medical bills against me! Will those medical bills kill me?

Please help, I want nothing more than to serve my community as a police officer, and do something I and my children can be proud of!

P.S

also curious in the State of Kentucky, can you become a police officer without going through the police academy? and in Kentucky do you have to be sent to the police academy by an agency? or can you go on your own in KY?

Okay so if you're not out of High school yet you really can't do much accept for HS internships but for you who are wanting to pursue this at a young age you will have to wait till your out of high school 18 or older and go to a college who offers crim. Justice Graduate out of you associate's degree but most departments and states REQUIRE you to have a Bachelors degree in "Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) with a concentration in Law Enforcement" Which is what I had to do and most of us had to do to become in law enforcement im 30 years old took me just 4 years of college to get into the career I dreamed of. Just stay out of trouble kids and you might have a chance to pursue your dream also.

Im 30 yrs old and I'm thinking of become a police officer. I got a DWI 4 yrs ago, does this disqualify me from becoming a cop.

hi im 16 and a girl and i want to join the militray police i didnt do my gcse would i still be able to join

im 16 i want to join the militray police but i didnt do my gcse can i still go in to be a militry police

I don't think an accent will make you ineligible to be a police officer. Of course, it matters if your speech is extremely unclear. Otherwise, it shouldn't matter.

I am 18 and i've always wanted to become a cop. However i am a girl which i know doesn't matter but i am only 4'9 as of height i am short. can i still make it? I am planning to take my G.E.D because i did not continue my senior year and i am willing to take as much training as possible to become a cop. I play a lot of sports and i love to work out also i am very healthy i think i can make it but i am too short can some one give me feedback?

Hey I m 25.. I m looking to go into a career in law enforcement. I m awaiting 2 charges for DUI's will I be disqualified in looking into this field?

Being a police officer has always been my dream, but shortly after i turned 18 i got a possession of controlled substance fine because i got busted with marijuana but was not arrested... How bad would that hurt my chances of becoming a police officer?

I am 15 and have wanted to become a police officer since I was 7, I have been looking around various sites to see how I could take my first steps in becoming a police officer and have found most of which on this site but I am still unsure about where to go in order to start these courses ans whether or not I can get to that specific area as my family has no car and so no real means of transportation so it would have to be relatively close by. Also regarding the qualifications required higher school means GCSE's does it not? and would A levels then be enough instead of a Bachelors degree?

i am doing a research project on becoming a police officer. it is my understanding that if you were convicted of a felony that you are not allowed to be a law enforcement officer.

A lot of you have worries about smoking pot or trying drugs in your teenage years, like it was said before some departments have loosened up on it but if you used for a long extended amount of time you are unlikely to get hired. Cops deal with and handle a lot of drugs on busts and under circumstances and having a background heavily coated with drugs is not going to get you far in this field. However experimenting with it once or twice a while back isnt going to be such a big deal. If its your dream to be a cop dont let past mistakes get in the way, make sure your acts clean up prepare yourself physically and mentally and pursue the field of Law Enforcement. good luck.

I'm 19 and a Marine Reservist I also go to school is it possible for me to get a job as a police officer and if so where do I go for police academy and how would I go about applying for a job at different police stations

Posted by: anon13171

I'm 15 and ive done coke a few times will that disqualify me later if i apply for a job and tell them about that?

you're 15 and have done coke a few times, I think what you should do before even trying to become a police officer is go to rehab and get your life straight, no one is going to want a little kid that is doing drugs like coke

For all of the people who want to find out how to get involved in the police department. There is a program that is called Police Explorer which most of police departments offer. The police explorers is for 14 to 20 year olds, who want a first hand look on police work. There is much more about this program, but I don't have the time to tell you. Check it out at your local police department, you understand me.

For People with criminal records....Long story short I was 16 years old and got charged and convicted with Intent to distribute Class D. After that arrest i decided to turn my life around.(which i did a great job at that) however i am now 20 years old with that record completely cleared up. I have since gone to school to receive my EMT- Basic certificate and would have liked to take a course to become a paramedic. Four years later emt certified and looking for a job. Ive applied at literally 10 private EMT companies who have since turned me down due to that one mistake. One of which company my brother is an EMT at. So i decided i would take a paramedic course and let the time weigh out a little bit. Come to find out im unable to take the course because i would be ineligible to take the exam. Honesty isnt always the best policy i guess. and Also dont get your hopes up. You can TRY to convince people you're an honest law abiding citizen but it only gets so far. People arent even willing to look at you with a past criminal history

A lot of you may wonder if you can still join or if it will affect you, in reality if you tell the truth and your past isn't your present, you might still have a chance. Clean your act up and do work son.

I'm 15, I have a record, a simple assault and 10 counts of conspiracy to commit burglary in the 3rd degree. What can I do to start my dream of being a police officer and SWAT? I work out and stay out of trouble, but what else?

How does one pursue a career as a police officer at the age of 16 and still in high school? I wanna start doing as much as I can early I really want to become one, I have a perfect record.

From my understanding, being convicted of felonies and more serious crimes will, certainly make it difficult for you to pursue a career in law enforcement, but not necessarily disqualify you. I believe departments simply want to know that you have changed or are willing to change and no longer commit crimes. They do not want you to be a distraction.

I have 7+ years combat arms experience with deployments to iraq in the military, I am more than capable and qualified to do the job of law enforcement and will be soon, the question is, about 10 years ago i was admitted to psychiatric care following an aspirin overdose. It was an idiotic childhood attempt for attention i suppose but now i am worried it may ruin my dreams of serving my community back home as a police officer. will it? or has it been so long and so petty that it will not be a concern? should i just pretend it never happened? i have a secret clearance so i know its beneath all, but im worried about the lie detector test. thank you

I'm 15 and ive done coke a few times will that disqualify me later if i apply for a job and tell them about that?

First off i'm a SGT in the 101st Airborne Div. I've done 2 deployments in Iraq and i'm currently in Afghanistan. My question is being in the military, will that help me become a Police Officer even though I did some drugs when I was younger prior to military?

I am soon to be a paid on call Fire Fighter, would it be possible to work as a police officer and a Fire FIghter? would this work out?

When I was 18 I was arrested on a warrant for unpaid fine for underage drinking when I was 17.

Also when I was 18 I was arrested for getting in a domestic dispute with my step-father he was also arrested will these arrests affect my chances of becoming a police officer?

i'm 17, but i would like to work for a police department. i want to be a cop but i know i'm too young right now. is there a job i could get within the system at this age?

I got into trouble before I turned 18 I have no record now, but in my younger days I got some Gang related Tattoo's on my chest and down my body. Will this affect me being able to become a police officer?

Ok so you want to become a police officer? it might help to read my book first. The title is Past the Uniform. it will help. I did 34 years in the most exciting thing you can do dressed career.

Ever wonder what it is like to be on the other side of a 9-1-1 call? Come along for the ride. View the world through the windshield of a patrol unit and behind the yellow tape of crime scenes. Past the Uniform is autobiographical, and for those wishing to enter the exciting, ever-changing and challenging world of law enforcement, it is a fabulous resource. Join a new recruit and his field training officer as they face the joys and frustrations of society as it cries out for help. See life within the hushed society of the police organization. Discover the hurdles facing someone fresh out of the academy. This is an inside look at the human side of being a police officer, past the uniform, the standoffish blue wall of fabric. Roll call is over and we are now ready to patrol.

I have been convicted of habitual truancy in school twice. Ive never been send off or went to a juvenile, or detention center. But i am on probation and have to serve 1 day in a detention center for every day i miss of school until im 18. Will this affect me in being able to become a police officer in any way?

If someone becomes a police officer, (if i'm not mistaken) they ARE supposed to stop people from breaking the law. But if i were to become a police officer, would that mean that i should stop other officers that i see breaking the law? (i.e. speeding, lack of directional, running a stop sign, or red light, etc.)

i've gotten in a few fights in school, will that affect my chances of becoming a police officer?

Ok. I've stolen 4 times in my life. Once when I was 7, 3 years ago when I was 19, I stole some beer when i was 20, and I stole a few dollars at work when I was 16. What are my chances of becoming an officer?

Can you get disqualified if you got in a fight 2 years prior to applying to a P.D. Even if it was self defense and you told the truth about it?

If you did not graduate high school is it still possible to become a police officer?

When i was 12 i got busted for shoplifting and the cops had to come. And when i was 15 i smoked pot a lot and then i stopped. Will that effect me in the future when im applying for a career in policing? Thanks

when i was 16 i was arrested for theft and B&E, my record was kept clean and i did my probation with no problems at all...will this affect me in anyway for becoming a police officer?

can i still become a police officer if i have absolutely no training and have not taken any criminal justice classes?

I was really young and stupid and got caught for shoplifting can that affect my chances of becoming a police officer even though it would be my juvenile record?

when researching the question that many readers posted about previous drinking and drug use, i found that every police department across the nation has slightly different requirements and policies pertaining to this. for the most part, it appears that many departments have loosened up their policies somewhat when it comes to "youthful indiscretions" such as pot smoking and drinking. what is important to note, is that they prefer these to be PAST indiscretions, and not currently ongoing.

so, if you are hoping to join the police force - which is a great aspiration - clean up, and stay that way. you'll increase your chances of getting accepted, starting a great new career, and serving your community!

Hi there!

I'd like to know if since i'm a teenager at the age of 14 & i've smoked pot & drank & never been busted will that affect me in the future?

Thank You Very much for your time

I have had a lot of traffic violations and a couple of accidents; however, I haven't had any tickets or accidents or anything for a while. I still have another year before I finish college, and it will be probably 2-3 years since I've had a ticket at that point. Will my past driving record screw me even though there has been an obvious change in my behavior?

if i have smoked pot for the past 3 years but i have come to the realization that being a cop is something I want to do. Would this kill the idea of me wanting to be a cop?

Duis do not necessarily make you ineligible. it depends on local standards. (DUI are typically misdemeanors)

How about outstanding speeding violations... will that give a person difficulty becoming a police officer?

Hey y'all...I'm seeing that some of you that tried pot once or whatever.... and they ask you if you have ever did drugs, if you just did pot once....don't lie, tell them the truth. I promise you will be ok. In the police work trust is very important......and if you got a dui sorry about your luck sir....

Your Juvenile record cannot be used against you once you're 18. If you were tried as an adult then it can be.

So if you did drugs while you were young can you still become a police officer or does that not matter as long as you can pass a drug test?

Shocked no one answered the first question asked. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER if you are ILLEGALLY in the United States.

1. Become a U.S. citizen

2. Good on you, for wanting to become a police officer :)

I know this sounds stupid, but I shoplifted some game cards when i was 11 years old. Would that make me ineligible? Please respond.

I tried marijuana once when I was a teenager. I shop lifted once too. I would readily admit to these things in a an interview or lie detector test. Would this make me ineligible?

If I plead guilty to an assault as a young offender, had my record expunged (had no other offenses), served my probation without hiccup, and graduated college, do I still have a chance to be a police officer?

yes...dui will make you ineligible.

if i got a dui 2 years ago will it affect my wanting to be a police officer ???

if someone can become a police officer without being a resident of the us? and what about if someone talks perfect English but there's a problem? that someone has an accent? thank u very much.