How to Become a Police Officer

If
you want to know how to become a police officer, the first step starts
in high school, where you should take classes that fit the field such
as jurisprudence, psychology or behavioral science.  Physical fitness
is also important if you want to be a police officer, so athletic
involvement during high school is a big plus if you want to apply to
the police department.  In addition, a stint in the military, a ROTC
program or the National Guard are all excellent training for the police
force because the physical skills and strategic training you get are
the same ones you'll need in the police force. 

If you're asking how to
become a police officer you have to be aware that if you had criminal
problems during your youth, even if they were when you were a minor,
they're going to cause a problem when there's a background check. 
Also, you have to pass the police officer's civil service exam in order
to qualify, so preparation for the test is advised.  (You can find
practice exams online or at a bookstore.) 

Once you've passed the
written test, the next step in how to become a police officer is taking
the physical exam, which makes sure your hearing, vision, agility and
strength all pass muster.  They'll also give you a lie detector test
and a drug test.  If you want to become a police officer, integrity and
fitness are equally important.   

Although it's not
absolutely required, attending a criminal justice school is a good road
in how to become a police officer.  There are many criminal justice
schools around the country, including possibly the best known one, The
John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City.  There are also
a multitude of programs online that may fit your needs with lower cost
and more flexibility.  Not having a degree in criminal justice won't
preclude you from becoming a police officer, but having one, whether
it's an associate degree or bachelor's degree, will definitely help. 
In addition, if you want to join the state police or a federal agency
you'll absolutely need a four year college degree.  The best bet if you
want to know how to be a police officer is to contact all of the police
departments you're interested in applying for and find out their
specific requirements.   

Finally, if you want to
know how to become a police officer, beware that it is a grueling,
demanding and frequently dangerous job.  It depends on the area where
you intend to work—a New York City Police Department officer is going
to have more stress and danger than a suburban police officer who
spends most of his time patrolling looking for traffic violations. 
However, all police officers experience danger and stress on the job
and it sometimes affects their home lives as well (policemen and
policewomen have a higher divorce rate than many other professions).