Is a police officer considered an in-demand profession?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for police officers and detectives will grow by 5% from 2018 to 2028. That growth is due to the increased need for public safety.
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Do police officers make good money?
How much a police officer makes will vary greatly depending on their location and cost of living in that location. Most police officers make above the average salary in their location, allowing them and their families to live comfortably.
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What qualifications do I need to be a police officer?
To become a police officer you will need to graduate high school or get a GED, get a bachelor's degree (optional) and graduate from the police academy. Each state or city may have additional requirements.
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What does a police officer do?
A police officer is responsible for enforcing the law. Police officers are assigned to locations to patrol and watch for crime, enforce traffic violations, investigate criminal complaints and respond to emergency situations.
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What other positions are similar to police officer?
Police officers can be drawn from people with a professional backgrounds such as the ones below:
Army Officer: In the U.S there are army officers who, after their tour of duty is over, as veterans join the police force. They are able to transition easily to police officers because they have the discipline and training needed to be in civilian law enforcement.
Forensics: Graduates with a criminal justice bachelor's degree can easily transition to be police officers because of their forensic skill set. They can analyze crime scenes and get evidence from them using their training, which can be useful during investigations.
Homicide Detectives: These hold a degree, mainly in criminal justice. They interview witnesses, collect evidence from scenes where bodies are found and carry out background checks on victims. In some states, for one to be a homicide detective, they'd have to be a police officer first.
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How many college credits do you need to become a police officer?
Each state has different requirements for how many college credits are required to become a police officer. Many states and police academies require around 30 college credits to enroll in the police academy.
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Does bad credit disqualify you from being a police officer?
Bad credit will not completely disqualify you from becoming a police officer, but it could make it difficult to pass a screening. Many police departments use a credit check to screen candidates, so taking action to fix your credit score is a good idea.
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What is the starting salary for a police officer?
An entry-level police officer starts off making $31,965 per year on average in the US according to reported salaries by Indeed users.
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How can a police officer remain competitive?
Police officers aiming to be professionally competitive can further their education by enrolling for a criminal justice degree. The degree increases their skills set and can help them get jobs in forensics, crime scene investigations, paralegal, corrections or to become FBI or DEA agents.
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Is it hard to get into the police academy?
Some police academies are very competitive, making it hard to get accepted and graduate. If you are keen to pursue a career as a police officer, you can increase your chances of getting accepted by getting a degree in criminal justice prior to applying, joining after spending some time in the military or gaining experience in a security position.
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What is an entry-level police officer?
An entry-level police officer is a police officer that is new to the police force, typically coming straight from the police force or having less than two years of experience.
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How much does a cop make per hour?
Police officers make $23.86 per hour on average.
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What type of person makes a good police officer?
A career as a police officer might be right for you if you are responsible, hardworking, stay out of legal trouble and have a desire to help others and keep your community safe.
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Can you be a cop with prior drug use?
Each police department will have different rules, but generally, prior drug use or a low-level arrest will not disqualify you from becoming a police officer. Be prepared to be honest and upfront about this within your interview.
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Do police officers get paid monthly?
This will depend on the specific police department, but most police officers get paid on a biweekly basis.
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What are the main responsibilities of a police officer?
The primary responsibilities of a police officer include enforcing laws, preventing crimes, responding to emergencies and providing support services.
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What's the difference between a detective and a police officer?
A detective is in charge of investigative work in a specific case and police officers are more focused on patrolling areas and stopping crime.
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What state pays the most for police officers?
Washington state has the highest-paid police officers in the U.S.
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How can I become a detective from a police officer?
Detectives need experience as a police officer before applying to be a police detective. Police officers should try and get experience in investigations before applying for a detective job.
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What skills should a police officer have?
Some skills that a police officer should have are: attention to detail, critical thinking, calm under pressure, responsible, assertive, excellent communication skills and decision-making skills.
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What city has the highest-paid police officers?
New York City has the highest-paid police officers in the country.
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How long does it take to become a detective from a police officer?
Once a police officer has about five years of experience, they will be able to apply for a job in the force as a detective.
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What are the duties and responsibilities of a police officer?
Police officers have many duties and responsibilities. They are primarily concerned with protecting people and keeping communities safe. Common duties include traffic patrol, responding to emergency calls, writing citations and making arrests of those violating the law.
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Do police officers get raises?
Yes. Most police officers will continue to get raises throughout their careers as they continue gaining more experience. Many entry-level police officers will get their first raise after six months to one year of experience.
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What skills are needed to become a detective from a police officer?
Police officers who are especially skilled in investigative work, are detail-oriented, patient and resourceful make excellent detectives.
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What will disqualify you from being a police officer?
A felony, domestic violence conviction, lack of driver’s license, bad work history, undesirable academic performance, severe medical condition, poor physical fitness or substance abuse issues will all most likely disqualify you from being a police officer.
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What is an appropriate salary for a police officer?
If you’re unsure about what salary is appropriate for a police offer position, visit Indeed's Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized pay range based on your location, industry and experience.
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What certifications are needed to become a detective from a police officer?
Some precincts may require a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field in order to move up into a detective position. Additional training may also be required, but no formal certification is needed.
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How much do similar professions to police officer get paid?
Check the below Indeed career pages for the detailed pay ranges for similar professions to police officer here:
A driver's license is required to become a police officer or a police detective.
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How much more I can earn if I become a detective from a police officer?
Police detectives earn $16,862 more than junior police officers, on average per year according to salaries reported by Indeed users.
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What are the next steps after I become a police officer?
After becoming a junior police officer, gain experience in order to move up to positions such as detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain or chief of police.
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How many years does it take to become a police officer?
While police academy programs take only about 6 months, most will require at least an associate degree in order to get accepted. With all things considered, it takes about 2-4 years to become a police officer.
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Can you get rich as a police officer?
Most police officers make average or above-average income in the United States. While police may earn more in certain cities, this is usually because the city has a higher cost of living. Police officers can increase their income by advancing to detective or chief positions within the force.
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What jobs are there in the police?
There are several different kind of jobs within the police including:
