Protecting life is one of the most meaningful jobs you'll do when you become a police officer. There are many steps in becoming a police officer, from job training and police academy training down to post-secondary degrees and more. It can be a long career, but it can be a stepping stone to an advanced career in the law enforcement or criminal justice field.
What is a police officer?
Police officers (policeman/policewoman) are a specific person that is a warranted law employee of a police force. They generally apprehend suspects and prevention, detection, reporting of crime, assisting the general public, and maintaining public order.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Police Officer?
When choosing a career, it is helpful to know how long the educational process will take. It depends on how long you want your long-term career to go, as well as which path you choose to get there. A police officer will no answer this question “how long training and education will take” Here are some timelines you'll encounter when you choose to become a police officer.
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Military Training – A process that intends to establish and improve the capabilities of military personnel in their respective roles. Training depends upon the commitment to service, but some might be anywhere from a few years to a few decades.
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Police Training Academy – This training includes examinations, physical requirements, medical requirements, legal training, driving skills, equipment training, and firearm training for law enforcement recruits that may take up to one year.
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Associate in Law Enforcement – This combines practical training in police procedures with the theoretical foundation of such topics as corrections and criminology, which take up to two years of full-time study.
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Bachelors in Law Enforcement – This is to pursue practical experience through an externship or a capstone project and complete job training after graduation in policing corrections or security. Mostly it will take up to four years of full-time study.
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Masters in Law Enforcement – This helps open the doors to many opportunities, including jobs as forensic investigators, private detectives, loss prevention agents, detective sergeants, or financial investigators, which would take one to three years of full-time study.
If you consider becoming a police officer contact Law Enforcement now at (301) 818-2863 for more information about Law Enforcement Texas.
