If i want to be a cop do i have to go to college?

Gary D

Many departments don't require a college degree. They require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED.

Many departments are now starting to require at least a 2-year degree or 4-year degree in Criminal Justice.

Typically, the more education required, the more that department will usually pay the rookie officers starting out.

Everyone is required to attend the Police Academy, regardless of their education, so that doesn't enter into the minimum education requirements for a new rookie officer to be accepted or sponsored by a department.

Birdie birdie birdie

No, just the training academy.

wildkard84

No. Like the military, all that is required is a High School diploma or equivalent. However, a degree is almost never a bad thing to have.

Rashelle V

No. Police are only required to finish High School and have a good record.

poppy.red79

UH it would be helpful and its a crappy field, GOOD LUCK !

Mr. Goodhi

No..

NoobDestroyer

id say no...you just gotta go to the training place?

*((C0NFiDENCE))*

Nope =]

â˜†~A.s.B.a.T~ â˜†

only if you want to be
a commisioner or a higher ranked officer

Blondiespam

nope

look at your area cops - most of them are just a bunch of dumb-asses with guns

meganwealton

Hello Future cop,
No. You do not need a college degree to become a police officer. However, you would need a highschool degree or a GED. You must remember you will be facing competition in the police academy. Only the top candidates will be picked. So for example if you get 150 on your Physical test and 130 on your IQ and Bob gets the same, he will most likely get picked over you in any situation with the college degree. Now, don't get discourage. You can also get picked by the following characteristics.

Personal and professional integrity
-Critical thinking (common sense/judgment) and communication skills
-Physical, Emotional, and Psychological well-being

To become a police officer, especially with today's competition, the name of the game is preparation. If you don't prepare, you're in trouble, period. One way you can better prepare yourself is using online practice exams that will better prepare you for police exams. These sell for around $20 to $30 on average, and are loaded with test questions and information on how to answer oral board questions. They make

preparing for police tests as easy as possible, and are laid out in a step-by-step method detailing key points that are critical to an applicant's success. Most will explain "why" you answered a question wrong or right. If the $20 to $30 price is a bit much for now, you could also use some of the training guides on how to become a police officer, which usually sell for around $15 or less. This is personally how I studied prior to getting into law enforcement (because the above courses were not available at the time).

If you're sure you want to pursue criminal justice, take Amazon for example. They have plenty to choose from, but you can also go to your local book store and find them under the "Reference" section. Just look for Prep practice study exams. These books are pretty bulky, but you should at least invest the $15 before even considering applying for a police department. The information is critical. At absolute minimum (even if you make some type of purchase), you should prepare yourself as much as possible with this minimal investment. Don't get eliminated because another guy prepared and you didn't.

Something to understand is that in the past, people wanting to go into the criminal justice field simply applied, and were hired under much less standards. At one point, simply applying almost guaranteed your hire date. This is because in the early days there was not a strong interest in this field, thus making it much easier to get into police work.

But with the explosion of shows like Cops, LAPD, Police Videos & Chases, etc. its no wonder a lot of people have become interested in becoming officers. But with that explosion of interest comes fierce competition. That competition has fueled many companies to start offering books, videos, etc. for people who are interested in how to become a police officer. That brings us to our next point; On one end of the spectrum, getting into this field has become tougher, but on the other end, its become easier to prepare for. Just take a look around; online, book stores, colleges, etc. The study guides and programs have simply exploded.

It's different every department you go to. I know here in Florida the CJSTC wants you to be at least 19 with a Diploma. A lot of the agencies here though have a little more strict requirements to get hired. You will have to go to the academy though to get your training at the bare minimum. Getting your degree can't hurt you it can only help your chances of getting hired.

Lela A

most police departments require you to attend college and get a degree in criminal justice

ITO

Every state has different requirements. Some require a degree. But you most assuredly will have to attend the law enforcement training required there. Call the agency you are interested in and they will give the requirements needed (and for the states also.)

Gawel J

No but you will have no special credencials or you will never make rank. If you dont want to go to college join the military: Cost Guard or Air force. Other wise you are in the pact. Now a days departments are choosing candidates who has
1) military experience or
2) college degree

sweetness

go on to yahoo and click become a cop , theres listing of schools and yes you have to go to college for about 2-4 years depending on what kind of cop you want to be

j-i-m-s

no you dont but let me warn you every cop has to have all of there eqitment used on them to no witch is suit able for the problem so think that over were god wants you is were you will be

gina

it is better if you do because with a degree you get paid more

TheJokersGirl

No. But You Have To Take Courses At A Police Academy.

Taylor M

I believe you have to go to a training academy.
help me!
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080710140927AAq2O82&pa=FYd1D2bwHTHzJb9hFu46R0PH1qxl5HdZkDPDWlzlPNiAqQ--&paid=asked&msgr_status=
please
xxx

BELLE

yes, our department (in Texas) requires 60 college hours

xando2u

You do have to take some technical college classes to prepare for police work.

rainbow53097

Yes...... :)

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