When you want to start a criminal justice career, you may consider taking on a role as a police officer or a detective. Attending your state’s police academy plays a critical role in the process by giving you the training you need to handle the challenges of your career. By taking measures to prepare for your career options, you will be able to improve your chances of starting a career in law enforcement.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities within the police and law enforcement are growing at a rate that is average for the overall job market. It is similar to the growth of other fields and industries, so there are opportunities each year due to the increasing growth of the population. Roles within the police force also become available when older police officers decide to retire from their job.

Exact job growth depends on locality and the needs of your community. In some locations, you may have more options available for your career. Other areas may have limited options for new recruits due to the size of the department or the limitations in the budget.

What Law Enforcement Looks for in New Recruits

Law enforcement agencies look for a few key traits in new recruits. The first is that you meet the standards for your age. You must be a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years old when you graduate from the police academy to start your career. You are also required to have a valid driver’s license and you must pass a background check. If you have been convicted of a crime, then you will not be accepted into the police academy. 

The police agencies also require that you pass a psychological evaluation and that you have the legal ability to obtain a firearm. If you are not qualified to purchase a firearm, then you will not qualify for the law enforcement agency. The final consideration is the physical standards set by the police force. You must be able to pass the fitness test to qualify for your role as a police officer.

Programs in the Police Academy

When you decide to pursue your career by going through the police academy, you will learn relevant skills based on your goals and the needs of the police. The academy trains in criminal law, defensive tactics, firearms safety, first aid, policing, and related topics. The exact standards and programs available through the police academy depend on the state. Each state sets different standards for the programs, so you will want to evaluate the details for your state to determine the training you can expect.

Keep in mind that you will also go through physical training as part of your studies. The physical training focuses on helping you pass the physical fitness test when you complete the program. 

Applying to the Academy

The standards to apply for the police academy may vary slightly by state; however, certain standards apply to most states. The key standards to apply to the academy include:

• A valid driver’s license
• U.S. citizenship
• An appropriate age, which is either 18 or 21 years old
• A high school diploma or higher
• A background check
• Biometric tests, such as your fingerprints
• An academic test, which is called the Law Enforcement Examination
• A drug test
• A psychological evaluation
• An application

After you submit your application for review and pass the appropriate tests to qualify for entrance into the police academy, you will start learning the relevant skills for your career. Keep in mind that your state’s academy may require you to pass a fitness exam and to provide details about your health as part of the process. Certain mental health or medical conditions may prevent you from being allowed into the academy. You should also keep in mind that a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field will improve your chances of being accepted into the police academy.

Tips to Get into the Police Academy

Although the application process involves multiple steps, there are key aspects that will make it easier to get into the academy and start your career. The first step is getting a degree in criminal justice, forensics, or a related field. While you can be accepted with a high school diploma or an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree will improve your chances due to the higher level of training and education.

You will also want to work on your physical fitness before you start your application. You must pass the fitness exam to become a police officer or a detective. Preparing in advance will help you reach your goals by giving you the physical strength and stamina you need to pass the exam. While physical fitness standards differ for each state, you will want to be able to do pull-ups, push-ups, and related exercises. Building up your stamina by running will also help with your goals.

If you have never handled a firearm, then you may want to take a firearm safety course before entering the police academy. The training will teach you to handle a gun and prevent accidents. 

Going through the police academy gives you the training you need to work as an officer and start your career in law enforcement. By taking measures to improve your chances to get into the academy, you will be able to feel confident in your abilities after you start your training.