Okay, after entering college last year, I've been thinking about my future and what I want to pursue as a career for the rest of my life. I wanted to be a law enforcer since I was young and I was wondering if I could get some advice/help on becoming a police officer in northern california.

1. Do I have to be a U.S citizen for a certain amount of time to become one? I've been a resident for almost 18 years and I'm in the process of filling out my citizenship form right now.

2. What major should I be studying when I decide to join the police academy after I finish my undergraduate program.

3. Do I need to know anything else?

- I have a clean record, no felonies or misdemeanors, 2 moving violations (speeding, illegal U turn) and 1 accident being my fault.

 

Im not sure about what you need besides the academy but they are pressing for more officers damn near everywhere so im sure it will be fairly easy.

 

Criminal justice!

 

nice!

I just hope its true around my area (south bay)

Anyone know how hard the physical aspect of the academy is? I heard its like boot camp x100

 

just put in mind that you have to be atleast physically fit to go to boot camp...

criminal justice would be good to take...

but i think you just have to be atleast high school grad to go and join the academy...

most likely you'll get more direct answer from cops...

goodluck!

 

Ironic, I'm along the same career path.

You don't need to study or major in anything specific. You can take criminal justice if you want, but you learn most of the basics of criminal justice in the academy. Unless you're looking to become a detective or specialize in a specific area of law enforcement (other than being a cop), criminal justice is unnecessary. I've worked alongside with 2 police departments, and many of the cops I know majored in random subjects such as history, economics, and sociology.

You can apply anytime after graduating high school. However, depending on the agency, some will look highly upon a college degree.

Becoming a cop involves more than just education though... you must be street smart and quick to your feet. You can be a genius at math, english or what have you, but if you aren't street smart, then the job is not for you.

It is not 100x harder than military bootcamp. The training is different. Also, being physically strong is important, but like I said, being buff and street-dumb will not fair well.

Plus, do you have an idea of what agency you want to work for? Sherriffs, police, or CHP? CHP however go thru a different training process. Although they pay quite well...

My advice is to study what you enjoy, and how you can apply your area of interest to better yourself as a person. Don't just take criminal justice for the sake of being a cop. You may learn more about yourself if you study what you enjoy.

 

police! My dad's friend is a CHP right now, i'm going to talk to him about being a chp. His name is officer sung by the way, if you ever talked to him before. I think I might combo as a fireman/police since thats what my friend's brother is doing right now. My parents are forcing me to get a decent undergraduate degree at a legitimate school so I'm going to finish my college at a 4 year university hopefully. After, i'm going straight to the academy.

 

NWA- @#$! the police!

 

 

How about joining the FBI after you get your degree?

It helps when you speak/write a foreign language. Large city gets paid more.

http://fbijobs.gov/