Law Enforcement Articles
Do you Need a College Degree to be a Police Officer?
The minimum educational requirements are determined by each state. Then, each department has the option of requiring higher education requirements. Some states only require a high school degree. Other states require 60 college credits or an associates’ degree. A...
Do You Need Experience to be a Police Officer?
A police officer position is an entry-level position unless it is advertised otherwise. As an entry level job there is no experience required. Someone with police experience may have an advantage during the oral board interview as they can answer situational questions...
Local, State, or Federal Law Enforcement, which is the best career path?
When an applicant applies with a local police department such as the Los Angeles Police Department, they know that they will be working in the City of Los Angeles. However, if an applicant applies for a position with a state agency such as the State Troopers, they may...
What is the Police Written Exam?
The written portion of the police testing process is meant to determine if the applicant possesses the foundational skills necessary to perform the work of a police officer. The police academy will provide training in search and seizure, probably cause, and reasonable...
Sworn vs Un-Sworn – Which Police Career Path is Right for You?
Law enforcement jobs can be put into two basic groups, sworn and non-sworn. Sworn are those positions which in the performance of their duties carry a firearm, have arrest power, and have a badge. This would include police officers, deputy sheriffs, state troopers,...
What will Stop You from Becoming a Police Officer?
There are 2 categories of items which may affect a potential applicant’s ability to become a police officer. “Automatic Disqualifiers” are items which will automatically remove the applicant for consideration as a police officer. “Discretionary Disqualifiers” are...
Why a Domestic Violence Conviction will Stop You from Becoming a Police Officer?
In 1996 Congress passed the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, which prohibits any person convicted of an act of domestic violence to possess a firearm. As police officers are responsible for carrying a firearm in the performance of their duties, conviction for...
What is a Peace Officer?
When applying for various law enforcement jobs the term “Peace Officer” may be used. While the term can vary from state to state it usually means a position that carries a badge, has the power to arrest, and also carries a firearm. A police officer, deputy sheriff,...
US Citizenship Required to be a Police Officer?
The citizenship requirements to be a law enforcement officer with a local or state agency will depend upon the individual agency. Some agencies require applicants to be US Citizens or US Nationals. Other agencies open up the requirements to those who are resident...
What is the Minimum Maximum Age Requirement to Become a Police Officer?
Each state sets their own requirements on what the minimum age will be for becoming a police officer and if there will be a maximum age and if so what that will be. Individual agencies may then set their own policies for minimum and maximum age requirements which fall...