Many Police Departments Want College Degrees Or Enrollment In Law Enforcement Training Classes

Police officers who want to apply for a promotion on the force may need to have a college degree. In fact, some forces only hire new officers if they have one. Colleges offer law enforcement training classes in evidence processing and other related topics.

A degree can be earned in many different areas of law enforcement, processing and investigation are two. A position in gathering and processing fingerprints is a specialty. A four-year degree in forensic science can open many doorways within the department.

It is never easy to become a police officer. Recruits must experience how pepper spray feels. Training resembles military training. Every modern police officer has to go through a certification course before working on the job.

Some recruit training programs keep the recruits in dormitories that are like those of college students. Physically challenging tasks are the norm. Some studies can require a lot of reading and memorizing.

There is no long hair or pony tail allowed for men. There is no make-up worn by the women. Appearance and conduct are closely monitored and the standards upheld.

They spend approximately six to eight months at the police academy preparing to work as an officer. Every state is entitled to set requirements for that locality. Coursework may or may not be offered by colleges affiliated with police agencies.

Teaching positions are filled by senior police officers. In some departments free training is given after the individual is hired. In others, the applicant must first get a bachelor degree at his or her own expense.

Some type of written exam will be required. Then there will be drug and alcohol testing and a physical fitness course to pass. Background checks must reveal no criminal record and recruits must be twenty-one or older. Other requirements vary.

There was a time when, after passing physical tests, a new recruit was trained on the job by an experienced partner. That partner passed on his own on-the-job training tips. The recruit would undergo actual patrol and arrest scenarios as he gains his own experience.

Some possible examples from a department might include learning to use firearms in 113 hours of training, driving a police car in 40 hours and academic courses taking 230 hours. Legal studies might take 105 hours and human relations 100 hours.

Officers need to be knowledgeable about the laws they are enforcing. Entering a suspects residence without proper authority can prevent the suspect from being prosecuted successfully in court. Domestic violence calls now are required to include an arrest of one or both people.

Not only when, but under what circumstances an arrest can be made must be understood. Special areas are explored and recruits are taught the best way to handle them. One specialty often seen on television shows is hostage negotiating.

The diplomatic ways to handle race relations and civil rights issues can be understood with training. Officers are taught what ethical standards to follow. Criminals, however heinous, must be treated decently. Hostage negotiations are an area of police work needing advanced training.

Common sense cannot be taught. But, the things you can and cannot do on the job can be taught. There are decisions that promote successful arrests and those that do not. An officer must be ready to deal with brutally violent individuals without sinking to their level in the interaction.

Find a summary of the benefits you get when you attend law enforcement training classes and more information about a reputable training provider at http://www.policeofficer.training now.