Question about Becoming a Policeman

Ive been working for a septic company installing systems for a while now. I make good money but I'm getting pretty sick of working in other peoples piss and sh**. And I'm serious about working in piss and sh*t, if you ever get a chance to clean an effluent screen or the filter on an aerobic system, PASS on it trust me.

So Ive checked out a few other careers that I'm interested in and since Ive been interested in becoming a police officer for a while now, i think its a good time i look more into it.

The only problem is i have no idea where to start looking or asking (I'm only 18). Ive looked it up on the internet but didn't find much, a friend told me to call 911 or something to ask where to apply but that's kinda stupid. I don't know any police officers, etc..

I know this is a dumb question but i was hoping someone could give me some info on what to do to get started on learning more.

Thanks.

BTW, i understand that some people don't like cops but don't worry ill be one that mainly gives warnings
:smooch:

Dude, just go into a police station and ask. Easiest way. They'll point you in the right direction.

heres a direct link to the application, using the city in your profile seattle, washington... good luck
https://egov2.seattle.gov/personnel/external/PoliceEntryApplication.aspx

BTW, i understand that some people don't like cops but don't worry ill be one that mainly gives warnings
:smooch: people don't like cops that are jerks. I've has some cops that were cool as hell (even though they gave me a well deserved speeding ticket). Its just about how you act. please don't be the one who turns on lights and sirens just to go through a red light!

in my town atleast, you can join the force if you have some kind of college degree (ex. 2yr criminal justice, 4yr criminal justice, etc.),
or if you have any previous military experience.

It's the same way for a lot of the towns around me too. I have a few friends that are about to get their 2 years of criminal justice done and they already have jobs lined up.

So, now you'd rather work with the piss and shit of society? j/k.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure you have to go through criminal justice courses. All of the people I have known in the past that were working toward becoming a police officer have been security guards (or corrections officers) at some point. You might look into doing that for a while, probably looks good on a resume of someone trying to become a cop.

Also keep in mind that if you have smoked pot even once in the past four years you will not be eligable. People may be able to pass the urine test but in any state in order to carry a firearm as a public servent you must pass a polygraph exam. That is where they find out about the pot and any other vices you may have had in your 18 years.

So, now you'd rather work with the piss and shit of society? j/k.It definitely takes a special type of person to have that type of career. If you're able to handle the shit and piss of society, i give you a round of applause. That is something that I could never do.

Also keep in mind that if you have smoked pot even once in the past four years you will not be eligable. People may be able to pass the urine test but in any state in order to carry a firearm as a public servent you must pass a polygraph exam. That is where they find out about the pot and any other vices you may have had in your 18 years.

mm, some cities where cops are needed, like NYC, its a bit more leanient...

NYPD is one of the Hardest police forces to get into. When I signed up and was accepted into their academy there was a 2 year wait. The nation's lowest standards as far as drugs go is in Florida. In the state of Florida the only requirements other than being in decent physical shape is that you are 21 years of age with a GED and a clean record. Minimum of 2 years without use of marijuana or any other chemical dependency.

Look deep within yourself to find out exactly why you want to be a cop. If you dont have an honest desire to help those that dont/cant help themselves, you really need to revaluate your attraction to the job. You also need to believe in what you are doing as a law enforcement officer.
Heres my story.
I grew up in a law enforcement family that included several corrections officers, a couple state police officers and a step father that retired from a city police depertment. There were always police officers coming and going at my house. Its not just a job, its a lifestyle.
When I was 15 I became a police cadet until I turned 18 when I went into the Marine Corps. When I got out of the Marine Corps. I became a parttime sheriffs deputy for a year or two while applying for fulltime law enforcement jobs. My future was pretty much set. I was turning jobs down waiting for the one that seemed right for me. This was back before college was more important than military service and experience as far as getting a job in law enforcement.
In that year or so that I worked as a sheriffs deputy, I realized that I really didnt want to help the dregs of society and I didnt even agree with many of the laws that I was asked to enforce. On paper I was the ideal candidate for law enforcement, but my heart wasnt in it. I changed careers before it was too late. I think thats the problem with alot of cops out there today. They didnt get out of it when they first realized they shouldnt be doing it, now theyre stuck in it for the wrong reasons and they make bad cops.
Just something to consider.

I think you should do what your friend said and call 911 and tell them you want to be a cop, I am sure they will be thrilled to tell you everything you need to know to be a cop. Like when not to call an emergency phone number.

Slap your friend for saying you should call 911

Don't drop the soap buddy....wish you luck on that one.....nah jk.

wish you luck in your application. I would guess to go to the station as well.

I always wanted to walk around with a S&W 659 on my belt.

I don't know how much cops make in your area but in southern Illinois, as a Security Officer in a state run mental health and developmental center I make a little more than twice what a cop does. Being a cop dosen't pay well but if you really want to help the people in your community, I say go for it.

Don't drop the soap buddy....wish you luck on that one.....nah jk.


Err...he's going to the Police, not jail.

Err...he's going to the Police, not jail.


I kinda based the joke off of the military and tweaked it with the police academy....yea, kinda dry, I know.

There should be plenty of websites to check out for your local police department. Sometimes they'll advertise in the papers.

If you don't have a 4 year degree(or the 2 year criminal justice, or experience), you'll be limiting your choices.

I know several police officers, and they've said a good way to get the training is to join the military for a few years. Yes, it's the military (with all the stuff that goes with it) but as an MP, Shore Patrol, or whatever it's called(depending on the service), you'll learn what you need to know while getting paid for it. When you get out you'll be snapped up by just about any police department.

Good luck with it.

Sorry for the late response, but thanks for all your replies, ive looked into it more now and now thinking about the military experience you guys suggested.

I still want to look into other career options though like someone suggested since i dont know if i want to do this long term yet.

One of my best friends became a cop. Now he's an asshole.

NYPD is NOT more leaneant because they need cops. They dont want dirt bag cops they need GOOD cops not small town crap cops. And you have a gift of paitence and strong emotional capablility if your going to be come a cop. Good luck and be safe.