There are many requirements to entering a police graduate program. In most states, the U.S. citizenship is the first requirement. Minimum and maximum ages are usually stated by police academies. Having a school diploma is required, but other education requirements are defined by police academies. To enter a police school, a person should have valid driving license. Some of the states require that people “who enroll into police academy at that particular state resides in that state as well”. A person should also have a good health (Protecting People From Crime And Danger: Are You Up For It?).
Some tests should be passed; usually it is sprint and distance-running lap times and weight-bearing exercises, for example, sit-ups and press-ups (Protecting People From Crime And Danger: Are You Up For It?). Future police officers usually receive all necessary knowledge in police academies or schools; however, obtaining a police science or related degree can be also helpful (Police Officer).
It is necessary to study admission requirements for a particular school. I have chosen PoliceAcademy at ReinhardtUniversity. To enter it, a person should: be minimum 18 years old; be American citizen; have a high school diploma; not have been convicted of any felony violation of law; have a good moral character; be free from any physical, emotional or mental conditions which might make influence on the ability of performing the duties of a police officer; and complete academy entrance examination (Minimum Requirements for Entry into the Police Academy).
Curriculums are different in different schools. For example, the curriculum of JohnsonCountyRegionalPoliceAcademy includes such disciplines as Introduction to Law Enforcement, Laws and Procedures, Traffic Enforcement, Emergency Vehicle Operation and others. At this academy, curriculum lasts totally 639 hours (Police Academy Curriculum).
In order to be employed, police officers should complete different tests. They usually include: written examination (reading, problem-solving /judgment skills, memory and writing skills); video exam; physical test (different tasks like running stairs, drawing a weight, or climbing a wall); background investigation (reviewing of employment history, criminal history, education, and credit history); drug testing; psychological testing; testing with a polygraph (lie detector); oral interview (testing general appearance, behavior, communication skills, and interest in career); medical exam (The Hiring Process).
Salary range of police officers can be received from The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics lists. Salaries usually vary depending on location, seniority, experience, and assignment. The lowest annual salary is nearly $30,070, and the highest one is nearly $79,680 (Police Officer).
Areas of police work are very wide. A person can work as “a Deputy U.S. Marshal and work in a courthouse, or join the Internal Revenue Service and participate in financial crime investigations. Graduates of criminal justice programs are Special Agents for the Secret Service, investigators for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Air Marshals for the Transportation Safety Administration” (Federal Law Enforcement Jobs).
The working conditions of police officers may be very stressful and dangerous; nevertheless, the jobs are well rewarded. Police officers usually work 40 hours a week; however, they are to work overtime when it is needed. Police officers are usually required to work more in case of emergencies. Working hours are not count like office working hours. Police officers often work on weekends, holidays, and at night (Police Officer Job Description).