The Job's Changed

• Thousands of people apply for hundreds of positions as police officers across the United States each year. The process that each potential law enforcement officer follows is a bit different depending on the size and political structure of the municipality in which they seek their job. Potential candidates face evaluation by anything from a town board to a police or civil service commission and frequently face several interviews before being offered a job. As little as 50 years ago, most potential "coppers" were military veterans and many were given a badge and a dime to report in on a pay phone and thene sent out to walk or drive their "beat". Most modern police officers face a job that would be unrecognizable to their older brother officers.
  
  

Preparation

• 
  
  Although many modern officers come from a military background, the nature of police work differs significantly from most tasks completed by military personnel. Police officers serve to preserve the public safety, not pacify an enemy. Although at times the police use military tactics in civil situations that resemble a military battle, most police (except those who are members of the special "tactical" units trained for these situations) will admit that their jobs consist mainly of writing reports, monitoring traffic and responding to complaints. Most officers begin their vocation at a technical school or college, majoring in criminal justice. Sixty class hours is the typical qualification for entry-level applicants. An associate or bachelor's degree program includes coursework in law, psychology, sociology and forensic procedures. Many states operate concurrent training programs for criminal justice students who wish to become members of the state police. In these "police academies", particular emphasis is placed on state and local laws and procedures and issues unique to the jurisdiction.
  
  

On-the-Job Training

• 
  
  Once the candidate completes an application to a particular department, she will be expected to submit to a complete criminal background check and pass both physical and psychological exams. If offered a position, the candidate will serve a period of probation and may need to complete further coursework in procedures and tactics at a local police academy. He will most likely be assigned a "field training officer" (or some equivalent superior officer) whose job is to educate the new recruit in procedures and equipment unique to his community. During the probationary period, the recruit may also be required to attend continuing education courses in law, applied computer science, bloodborne pathogens or any other area that requires updating or completion. During probation, the recruit generally ends up writing a lot of reports and maintaining a lot of equipment, just as any probationary employee would. At the end of probation, the field training officer will certify the successful recruit and he or she will officially become an officer.