Whether you are just getting started in law enforcement or a veteran officer looking to expand your horizons, many certifications are available to help you build your credentials.
A degree in criminal justice or police studies can give you a leg up on competing applicants, Stephen Webb, an instructor of criminal justice and a retired Virginia state trooper, tells Inkster News. You can earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree online.
Many law enforcement agencies rely on training to keep officers up to date on new tactics and skills. In addition, community members expect agency leaders to ensure that law enforcement is properly trained and equipped to deal with tense situations.
Historically, law enforcement training has been centered around an instructor-led classroom setting. However, in recent years, agencies have sought to reevaluate this “learn by lecture” approach and develop more innovative methods for training.
If you want to advance your career in law enforcement, consider earning a degree or certificate in a specific area of interest. Some programs focus on law enforcement, while others offer a more general overview of criminal justice.
For example, you can earn a bachelor of public administration degree focusing on management and administrative skills in various fields, from law enforcement to prison and corrections administration. Depending on your goals, you can earn a master’s degree in a specialized field, such as criminal justice research or teaching.
Certification Requirements
Getting into the field of law enforcement requires many qualifications. In addition to a high school diploma, police officers may also need to complete college-level courses in criminal justice studies. Some agencies will pay more for police officers with higher levels of education.
Every state sets its requirements for becoming a police officer. The standards are designed to ensure the highest quality of officers are on the job, devoted to their work, and serving the public well.
Some states have academies, while others set training standards in partnership with universities. In most cases, police officers advance through civil service or merit plans.
In New York, sworn police and sheriff’s patrol officers must meet statewide minimum certification requirements. They also must pass a physical agility test and a background check.
Training Requirements
Law enforcement certifications prove that an officer has completed the training requirements necessary to perform their job. Often, these qualifications include criminal law, physical fitness, firearms, and first aid.
To obtain a certificate, police officers must attend a police academy or similar program and pass a written exam. Various training options are available, including weekday or weekend sessions and college-based programs.
In addition, some academies offer specialized courses designed to meet the specific needs of particular departments or agencies. For example, jail officers may receive special education in security and prison operations.
A law enforcement officer can be certified by a state or national organization that regulates training for police officers. Typically, these organizations require applicants to pass a criminal background check, physical fitness test, and drug screening. Most academies also have minimum training hours required to become certified. Some academies offer classroom and field training, while others only require basic classroom instruction.
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Exam Requirements
If you’re interested in a law enforcement career, many different certifications are available to help you gain credibility and prove your skills. Some are more specialized than others and may be better suited for certain law enforcement professionals.
Often, these types of certifications will require specific courses designed to cover the topic. These include coursework in police agency administration, public agency leadership, and policy analysis.
One of the most important skills in police work is report writing, but it seems to get short shrift in the academy, FTO, and in-service training programs.
It would make sense to have officers complete a written report after every scenario and defensive tactics session, as well as during classroom instruction. This way, they’ll have a clear idea of what happened and can make appropriate decisions.
