Do police officers have to be college graduates?

trooper3316

Requirements are determined by state law and department policy, so they vary.

Most states require only a high school diploma. Some states, such as Wisconsin, require an associates degree. Some departments, such as NYPD, allow you to substitute military experience for a college degree.

Dallas Von Riemann

Not every department requires it, though getting a associate or bachelor's degree in law enforcement or criminal justice will obviously help. Also Having a military record is a big plus. With no experience you can be a clerk or cadet out of high school and become an officer once you've reached the age of 20. Lastly, Every officer must attend and graduate from a police academy.

Tortuga

No. However, unless you have served in the military, it's best to have at least an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice.

The truth

That depends on the state.

buffy6029

No, not generally, though I am sure there are certain exceptions.

Colon Blow

Ideally, but some small towns are glad to get whoever will apply.

Rock Firestorm

Pretty much any major force requires at least 60 college units. It's rare you'll find one that doesn't. This "no college thing" is a thing of the past.

Improper Bostonian

Yes, you have to have a degree in Criminal Justice. At least here in MA. you do.

Dan B

No. But upper levels (detectives, chief, etc) require some degree in the criminal law field.

jason r

no they go to police acadamy.Usually some college will help signifacantly in the application process.But usually just some basic courses like police science or social courses.

Erin

No.

svugal

Nope, you have to go to the Police academy though

Nichelle is Swell

:) nope just a ged or high school diploma :)

Joe P

no, all you have to do is pass police academy.

Rock Firestorm

No. Bigger departments only require a HS diploma. Smaller departments require some college (60 credit hours) while others require a bachelors degree.

QnA girl

well it really depends on where you live, but a lot of agencies don't require a college degree, however, officers who do get a degree in criminal justice for example get paid more than officers that don't have a degree

raztaman420

Does it take a college education to pull people over and write them a traffic ticket for going too fast? Personally, I have never heard of a college graduate becoming a police officer. Only exception is police academy or cop school, whatever you call it.

Agent Tuna Ghost

I doubt it, since cops aren't usually smart.

B-Radical

No but the smart ones are. The dumb ones that like to club first and ask questions later didn't go.

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