Do you need a college degree to become a police officer?

BARROWMAN

In the UK they are called "Woodentops". Do you think that nickname fits a degree holder?
The polygraph test consists of putting you under stress and measuring your reactions to questions such as - Did you kill your wife/girl friend/father/mother/child/anybody? Any question at all that must only be answered either yes or no,

Qualifications and how to get hired usually vary by department. You should visit the websites of some larger police departments that you might be interested in working for. Check out some big city police departments and state police agencies. Their websites will usually provide detailed information about qualifications required, about how to apply, and about the hiring process. Qualified applicants are in demand in many places.

Educationally, some police departments only require their officers to have a high school diploma or GED. Some police departments require their officers to have a two year degree or equivalent. Some police departments require their officers to have a four year degree or equivalent. Some departments will waive some or all of their college requirements for those with qualifying military experience. You should get a college degree if at all possible. you should get as much college as possible. Having a college degree will give you more options when it comes time to apply with departments. Some police departments pay their officers more if they have a degree. Having a degree will likely benefit you after you are hired when trying to get promoted to a supervisor or investigator position. Choose a major that interests you and would also be useful for police work. Criminal justice, accounting, computer science, or a foreign language are some examples.

Questions asked during a polygraph test vary. Below are a few examples.
In the last five years did you steal any merchandise from previous employers?
In the last five years did you steal any money from previous employers?
In the last ten years did you take part in or commit any serious crime?
Did you falsify any information on your application?

How to become a licensed peace officer varies by state.

There are many things that you can do to increase your chances of becoming a police officer. Check out http://www.peaceofficerjobs.com for excellent information and advice about becoming a police officer.

Medion

Most of the officers today are too young to have even been to college.

Anna1223

I think people skills or experience with working with the public are more important and if they want to work up the ranks, the police sometimes pay for courses.

Nelly

not in the uk you dont

richplainsmt

Most American cities require only high school and clean record. But if you have an AA in any of the related criminal justice fields your chances for advancement are far greater than the next cadets. FBI, CIA, SS, and most of the other initials require some college, in law and or accounting and a clean record. Go to your City, County, or State police and submit an application, actually most of them are set up for on-line applications.

If you can think of it that's the questions for your polygraph, but mostly they are geared to see how truth full you are.

ily.

no i think you just have to go the police academy .. which is basically college but all you leaarn is police stuff

Derek B

No, most of them can barely read.

Lee Peter

Ha ha ha ha ha,thta's good one LMAO!

no but it helps

Jenn

The answer to your question truly depends on the individual agency you may choose to apply with. Each state and agencies require different requirements. Polygraph exams consist of various questions ranging from office theft, drug use to past personal experiences. There's not set in stone questions but they will cover a broad range of subjects. Check into any local agencies you're interested in, contact your local college, look into the requirements in your area or the area you wish to work.

creamoftoast

youre american i dont know.

Brookie T

There are very few agencies in the US that require a college degree, however it is very helpful. It does not necessarily help you out with street smarts, officer safety or dealing with conflict, but shows that you fulfilled a commitment. I also believe military and life experience can furnish the same. My degree helped me promote, make thousands more a year than my co-workers, but it does NOT make you a good street cop. Common sense, fitness and knowing how to treat people will save your life. Be honest with everything. Having done many background investigations and interviews with potential officers, it is not necessarily WHAT you have done (depends on the agency also), but the fact that you told the truth about it. I have disqualified many applicants for lying about stupid things!! Your background investigator WILL find out everything you have done, so be honest. Someone with life experience who has made mistakes and has learned from them (and is honest)will make a much better police officer than someone who has no knowledge of the real world and problems people face. The time in between when you have made your "mistakes" is also crucial. If you were using cocaine 6 months ago, chances are you will not get a job. If you are 30 and you experiemented with it 15 years ago a few times, you are fine. Again, be truthful. No one will take a chance hiring a dishonest cop. Good luck!!

Coy

No, most cities or states have a police academy that you can go to. But if you want to make more money, you should get a degree. If you look it up on big city websites, you will see that the pay jump from being an academy grad,have an associates, and having a bachelors is quite large.

Mike

State police here in New York State require a two yr. degree when my brother joined them 15 yrs ago and some local police agencies do as well. I think it depends on where you live and what agency you want to work for. I am not exactly sure about the questions. To become a police officer you have take a test. If your a white male you have to score in the high ninety's to be considered. Unless your a minority or a woman then you can get by with a much lower score. Good ole affirmative action and quotas. Gota love em. But that's what liberalism gets ya.

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