How To Become a Police Officer for Free

From 2020 to 2023 American police departments saw a decline in employment and fewer people starting the application process. In 2023, law enforcement agencies finally saw growth in applicants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a positive growth rate for law enforcement careers by 2032.

People looking to become police officers have opportunities to start at little to no cost. Programs like the police academy and two-year associate degrees in criminal justice aren't typically free; however, you can reduce these costs with scholarships, military service education benefits, or other types of financial aid.

Tips To Becoming a Police Officer With Little to No Cost

Most people can't become police officers without spending any money, but several options can at least reduce your total costs. Aspiring police officers can access free money programs (i.e., grants and scholarships) and training opportunities.

1. Join a Police Cadet Program

Police cadet programs provide apprenticeship opportunities to people ages 18 to 21, but some age guidelines differ between programs. Police cadets receive basic training for skills essential to law enforcement officers, including gun safety, writing and filing reports, and ethics.

Generally, a cadet must have a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check, and have or be able to get a driver's license. These programs can help you network with your local police department and develop skills to make you a good police officer candidate.

Enrollment in cadet programs includes physical fitness, field training, and other hands-on skill development programs that could improve your resume in the hiring process.

2. Enlist in the Military

Enlisting in the military has many advantages for aspiring police officers, including financial and training benefits. One of the biggest advantages is the military education programs, like Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill programs. These programs provide active-duty service members and veterans with financial assistance for qualifying higher education and training programs, like the police academy.

Additionally, there are military roles with a focus on law enforcement. Military law enforcement is different than civilian positions in some ways but the skills you learn in one of these positions can help prepare you to attend a police academy or cadet program with a solid foundation.

3. Discover Scholarship Opportunities

Paying for police academy training or a criminal justice degree isn't too different from paying for other degree programs or vocational training. There are multiple scholarship programs designed specifically for aspiring police officers.

POAT Scholarships

The Police Officer Assistance Trust (POAT) offers seven scholarships each year to be used for students pursuing different bachelor's degree programs, such as criminal justice. Each scholarship has differing eligibility requirements and award amounts, so it's important to look into the different scholarships to find which is best for your career goals.

The WIFLE Scholarship Fund

Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) is a group that offers scholarships to encourage women to enter the in-demand field of law enforcement. There are two main scholarship programs offered: general scholarships and members-only programs.

Students must be enrolled full-time in a qualifying program at a community college or a university program. The members-only scholarship can be used by active police officers working on graduate degrees.

4. Look for Law Enforcement Grants

Scholarships are only one type of free money program. Students looking to pay for their law enforcement training can also use grants offered by private and public organizations to cover tuition and supply costs.

FDLE Grant Program

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) works with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to help assign federal grants to law enforcement students in Florida. The FDLE coordinates six different grant programs. These grants are only available to Florida-based applicants, but other state administering agencies handle similar grants across the U.S.

The Justice Grants System (JustGrants)

The Justice Grants System is the management system used to coordinate federal grants. These grants include Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).

5. Work for a Police Department as a Civilian

Police departments have more career opportunities than just police officers. These roles can help prepare you to work as a police officer while giving you a broader look at all the positions that make a department run.

Administrative Assistant

Many industries have roles for administrative assistants that have common responsibilities, but there are also industry-specific skills that will be needed. These positions will perform tasks like scheduling, document filing, and more.

Aspiring police officers can use this role to learn additional information about this career while receiving pay that can be used to attend a police academy program.

Records Clerk

Police work involves a lot of document writing and filing. Reports must be completed after different types of police action, and records clerks help file these reports and keep track of other records both physically and digitally. If you plan to become a police officer, this position will help you develop a better understanding of the various paperwork and records used.

Community Outreach Coordinator

Police departments often hire community outreach coordinators to help them connect with their communities. One of the biggest challenges to modern police departments is the changing public perception of the profession. Community outreach coordinators bridge the gaps between police departments and the people they serve and protect. This role helps aspiring police officers learn about the broader role of police officers beyond criminal justice and how they fit into their community.

6. Utilize GI Bill Benefits If You Are a Veteran

Veterans who satisfy minimum requirements have access to different forms of the GI Bill. These benefits can be used to pay for college tuition and supplies, but they can also be applied to vocational training programs or other learning opportunities, like the police academy. Veterans understand the value of public safety and will have many skills that help them transition to civilian law enforcement after their service ends.

7. Network With Law Enforcement Professionals

Reach out to your local police department and make networking connections with officers. Professionals in the field can give you insights into how they got their positions, including additional information you didn't know about. Try to meet with various officers as this will provide multiple perspectives on law enforcement and how to become an officer.

8. Consider Community College Programs

A community college program is a good way to earn or start a college degree due to affordable costs � some states even offer free community college to eligible students. Look into your state's programs to see if you can attend community college for free and if you can use those credits towards a criminal justice program or other relevant degree for law enforcement.