How to Become a Police Officer

People depend on police officers to protect their lives and property. Uniformed police officers have general law enforcement duties, including maintaining regular patrols and responding to calls for service. Some police officers specialize in such diverse fields as chemical and microscopic analysis, training and firearms instruction, or handwriting and fingerprint identification. Others work with special units, such as horseback, bicycle, motorcycle or harbor patrol; canine corps; special weapons and tactics (SWAT); or emergency response teams.

Becoming a police officer is attractive to many because the job is challenging and involves much personal responsibility. Furthermore, law enforcement officers in many agencies may retire with a pension after 25 or 30 years of service, allowing them to pursue a second career while still in their 40s or 50s.

Because of relatively attractive salaries and benefits, the number of qualified candidates exceeds the number of job openings in Federal law enforcement agencies and in most State police departments - resulting in increased hiring standards and selectivity by employers. Applicants with college training in police science, military police experience, or both should have the best opportunities.

Read More: Quiz: Would you make a good Police Officer?

The following schools offer law enforcementdegrees which can help you gain the skills to become a Police Officer:

We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

South University

South University

As a student in this online program, you'll focus on the criminal justice field that most interests you by selecting one of five areas of emphasis. In the Law Enforcement emphasis, you will prepare to protect the public and serve on the front lines of homeland security by learning about law enforcement operations, criminal law and investigation, and terrorism and homeland security.

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Kaplan University

Kaplan University

This degree program will help prepare you to pursue high-level opportunities in law enforcement, security, court systems, education, and training.

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American InterContinental University Online

American InterContinental University Online

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement is offered by American InterContinental University to students with aspirations to pursue career paths that can include DEA Agent, State Insurance Fraud Investigator and many others.

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