Alternatively, ask them for their phone number. Similar issues surface on driving records, which is why it's important to get transcripts, Cooley says. If your application is successful, you'll be invited to an assessment centre where you'll: Small Town Police Chief Interview Questions. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. Make sure you pick the option that suits your needs and interests. A new government campaign is hoping to recruit thousands of new police officers by 2020 - here's what you need to know about joining the force. Why I want to be a cop Everyone wants to be a hero by serving people in their own ways. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Decision-Making Skills. Police officers face greater public scrutiny than many other professions, so you'll also want to ask friends how putting on the badge affects those relationships. To become a police officer, individuals need to meet physical and educational requirements, as well as complete a state-approved police academy training program. The first step in becoming a police officer is working out how you want to be involved with the police force. You can ask them to get a drink or meal with you to discuss additional ways to help your neighborhood. Ralph Heibutzki's articles have appeared in the "All Music Guide," "Goldmine," "Guitar Player" and "Vintage Guitar." Visiting departments and meeting with recruiters can provide additional useful insights. However, a law enforcement career isn't for everyone. I don’t want to be a cop for the glory. Dating a police officer means you are dating a man of high moral character who has a tendency towards altruism. As a police officer, you never know what kind of situation you might … Wondering whether you'd be a good cop? Recognizing Police Impersonators Online Understand when police use the internet. Where possible, assure them you will take care of the problem. parts: 29 jenn . Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 38,534 times. Would you like to get coffee to discuss other ways to help the community?". They’re in dangerous situations, fighting a war that’s going nowhere. Let's look at the steps it … By using our site, you agree to our. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. For example, they may be working while you are sleeping, and they may be required to work on holidays. Steps to Become a Police Officer. For most cop-supporters I see, 90 percent of the time their response to dissenters is something along the lines of, “You haven’t served,” or “You don’t know what it’s like to walk a mile in a cop’s shoes.” (I can go shooting with my dad on the weekends if I just want to hold a gun.) Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. New recruits should do an honest self-assessment of why they want to join one of the world's most stressful professions. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. When you send a message you can say something like, “Hello there! % of people told us that this article helped them. If you are unsure of what is on your record, search online to find free background checks. But before you apply, there are a few things you should know. A recruiter can provide crucial details of conditions for employment, such as educational and physical requirements that recruits must meet. You can establish weekly Taco Tuesday nights with your friends, for example. He is also the author of "Unfinished Business: The Life & Times Of Danny Gatton," and holds a journalism degree from Michigan State University. The activities you witness will go a long way in determining whether a law enforcement career is right for you. The bad guys don't call it a day at 5 p.m., so neither can the cops. Instead, try to be positive and optimistic at all times. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. If you're satisfied by the results, scheduling an appointment with a recruiter is the next step. In order to enter a police academy and get hired in law enforcement, you might be required to take a written basic abilities test to measure your reading comprehension, cognitive reasoning, and problem-solving skills. I want to see more good people apply to become cops, and I especially want to see more worthy veterans become cops. However, convictions for serious violations -- such as drunken, or reckless driving -- may prove hard to overcome. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Date-a-Police-Officer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Date-a-Police-Officer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Date-a-Police-Officer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid9912017-v4-728px-Date-a-Police-Officer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"