How To Become a Police Officer Without a Degree

Many career paths require a degree, but you do not need one to become a police officer. There are certain benefits to holding a degree, but it is overall not a necessity. However, that doesn't mean you can graduate from high school and get a job as a police officer. Keep reading to learn how to become a police officer without a degree.

Do You Need a Degree To Become a Police Officer?

While many people assume that you need a degree to become a police officer, this is not the case. While some police departments require police officers to hold a college degree, others do not. For those who do want a college degree, many colleges and universities offer criminal justice associate degrees and bachelor's degrees that help prepare students for a law enforcement career.

While you can become a police officer with a high school diploma, police officers usually must complete some training academy. These programs provide law enforcement training to prepare students for roles in police departments. Note that other law enforcement officers, like those in federal law enforcement, are usually required to hold degrees.

How Hard Is It To Become a Police Officer?

In most places, it isn't hard to become a police officer. You'll complete the application process for your local police department and attend that department's training program. You'll also usually have on-the-job training once you join the police force.

Steps To Becoming a Police Officer Without a Degree

While becoming a police officer isn't particularly difficult, there are still a few steps that you'll have to follow. We've outlined these below.

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

You must meet several basic eligibility requirements to be accepted to the police academy. These can vary significantly by police department and law enforcement agency, but typically include things like:

• Age: Many agencies require 21 years, but some go as low as 18. Some also have a maximum age.
• Citizenship: Most agencies require you to be a U.S. citizen
• Driver's license: Most agencies require a valid driver's license
• Education: Some agencies require a college degree, while others will accept a high school diploma or GED

You'll also need to pass a background check, and things like a criminal record with a felony conviction, a conviction involving domestic violence, and a DWI or DUI can cause you to fail the background investigation.

2. Gain Relevant Experience

While not always a requirement, many police departments and law enforcement agencies prefer candidates with some relevant experience. Some police departments offer a cadet program for those not yet old enough to apply.

Police departments often give preference to those with military service. In addition to military experience, other jobs that will help you gain relevant experience include:

• community service worker
• corrections officer
• firefighter
• security guard

3. Prepare Yourself Physically and Mentally

A physical fitness test is part of the hiring process for many law enforcement positions. This test assesses your fitness and health and often includes things like:

• climbing
• obstacle courses
• pushups
• running
• situps

Additionally, mental preparation is also important. Understanding what your job may require and how you handle those situations can help you prepare for police officer jobs.

4. Attend and Complete a Police Academy

Police training academies, or police academies, are typically offered by the police department. They usually take 14-20 weeks to complete, although the length can vary. There is no national curriculum for police training, but most states set minimum training requirements. Most curriculums cover topics like:

• patrol procedures
• writing reports
• criminal investigations
• firearms skills
• self-defense
• ethics and professionalism
• criminal law

Depending on the location and specific law enforcement agency, various other topics are covered, like emergency response or first aid. As part of the police academy, you'll also participate in field training. This usually involves being paired with a training officer and joining them on their routine patrol.

5. Complete Specialized Training

Once you've completed the police academy and any probationary period required by your police department, you may want to complete specialized training programs. These programs allow you to become better informed in specific areas of law enforcement. For example, you can take specialized training in areas like:

• crime scene investigation
• juvenile offenders
• human trafficking
• domestic violence

You can also train in special weapons and tactics (SWAT).

6. Network With Law Enforcement Professionals

Networking with law enforcement professionals is a great way to further your career. Maybe you want to move up in the police department or switch to working for a federal agency, and networking can help. Networking can take on many different forms. This can include collaborating with officers on investigations or attending conferences or seminars.

7. Consider Alternative Education

Even once you're an established police officer, you may still want to consider earning a degree or completing a certificate course. This can help you get promoted or specialize in specific areas. Many colleges and universities offer criminal justice degree programs, but you can also major in psychology or social work. Courses and certificate programs are available to help you hone specific skills.

What Is The Easiest Law Enforcement Job To Get Into?

Several law enforcement jobs require less training than becoming a police officer. These jobs include corrections officers and bailiffs. These roles often don't have a degree requirement unless you're looking into working in federal facilities.

Common Law Enforcement Career Paths

Several common law enforcement paths are available to those wanting to work in the field. We've listed a few below.

Correctional Officer

Correctional officers work in penal institutions like jails and prisons. They're responsible for patrolling the facility and supervising those in custody. To become a correctional officer, you'll typically need to be a high school graduate and complete a training program, which varies by state. You serve a probationary period during your first few months on the job.

Patrol Officer

Patrol officers are a common type of police officer. They are the type that wear uniforms and respond to calls. This is often an entry-level policing job. After gaining experience, patrol officers may be moved up to detective or something similar.

Peace Officer

The term 'peace officer' is a broad term that covers multiple law enforcement careers. Essentially, a police officer is someone who upholds peace and enforces laws. Some agencies define peace officers as those who wear a badge, can arrest people, and carry a gun, such as a police officer, probation officer, or customs officer.