But not everyone they talk to understands what they need to know, or that they need people to talk to them.

Capt. Troy Schulze recalls once fielding a call about a fight in progress outside a person’s home.

He asked for the caller’s phone number, address and a description of what was happening, but the caller got upset.

“Most fights are over when we get there,” Schulze said. “We need to let the public know that these questions will be asked because we need the information.”

Without the information, officers can’t perform their jobs, Schulze said.

That’s why the Lake Wales Police Department is presenting a “Citizens Police Academy” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday nights, May 10 through May 24, at the Lake Wales Police Department.

The idea is for citizens to understand what police do on a daily basis, and build a rapport between police and the community, Schulze said.

There is a need for people to approach police when they arrive and let them know what has happened, he said, and not just walk away thinking, “It’s OK now. The police are here.”

Asked if the academy had anything to do with recent gun violence in Lake Wales, Schulze said the police department has been trying to schedule a new session for several months, and has used the program to build cooperation many times in the past.

Participants in the citizens academy will get to see the tools, vehicles, dogs, report forms, policies, hiring procedures and other aspects of the job as defined by city ordinances or Florida statutes.

A lot of questions officers will answer in the academy are the same that elementary school children will ask any time they see an officer, such as what is on their belts; questions adults won’t ask, Schulze said.

Participants will also get to know the officers as people. For example, Schulze said he is a guy named Troy with a wife and two children: A 14-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son.

“It gives them an ‘in’ to the officers,” Schulze said. “It makes us real.”

Realizing that people can talk to officers helps make them willing to help, he said, and will make a difference in how effective police can be.

Some of the citizens academy graduates have become members of VOICE — Volunteer Observation Impacting Community Efforts. The group helps the police department perform daily tasks as workers with the police.

Only two of the current 12 to 15 VOICE members were youth cadets who were not in the citizen’s academy, Schulze said.

Applications for the Citizens Police Academy are available at the Lake Wales Police Department, 133 E. Tillman Ave. in Lake Wales.

For other information please contact Sgt. Tim Harrell at 863-678-4223, extension 275.

Phil Attinger can be reached at 863-401-6981 or phil.attinger@newschief.com.

The Citizen Police Academy is a 10-week program designed to give participants a working knowledge of the Huntley Police Department. It consists of a series of classes and discussions that provide an overview of the various areas of law enforcement.

The Citizen Police Academy is free and open to individuals who are at least 18 years of age and live or work in the village of Huntley. Applicants will be subject to a background check. Advanced registration is required.

Applications are available at the police department or can be downloaded from the Huntley Police Department website, huntley.il.us/depts/police.asp. For details, call Sgt. Amy Williams at (847) 515-5331. The registration deadline is Feb. 23.

The name of the game in becoming a Police Officer is Preparation

To become a police officer, especially with today’s competition, the name of the game is preparation. If you don’t prepare, you’re in trouble, period. One way you can better prepare yourself is using online practice exams that will better prepare you for police exams. These sell for around $20 to $30 on average, and are loaded with test questions and information on how to answer oral board questions. They make preparing for police tests as easy as possible, and are laid out in a step-by-step method detailing key points that are critical to an applicant’s success. Most will explain “why” you answered a question wrong or right. If the $20 to $30 price is a bit much for now, you could also use some of the training guides on how to become a police officer, which usually sell for around $15 or less. This is personally how I studied prior to getting into law enforcement (because the above courses were not available at the time).

If you’re sure you want to pursue criminal justice, take Amazon for example. They have plenty to choose from, but you can also go to your local book store and find them under the “Reference” section. Just look for Prep practice study exams. These books are pretty bulky, but you should at least invest the $15 before even considering applying for a police department. The information is critical. At absolute minimum (even if you make some type of purchase), you should prepare yourself as much as possible with this minimal investment. Don’t get eliminated because another guy prepared and you didn’t.

Something to understand is that in the past, people wanting to go into the criminal justice field simply applied, and were hired under much less standards.  At one point, simply applying almost guaranteed your hire date.  This is because in the early days there was not a strong interest in this field, thus making it much easier to get into police work.

But with the explosion of shows like Cops, LAPD, Police Videos & Chases, etc. its no wonder a lot of people have become interested in becoming officers.  But with that explosion of interest comes fierce competition. That competition has fueled many companies to start offering books, videos, etc. for people who are interested in how to become a police officer.  That brings us to our next point; On one end of the spectrum, getting into this field has become tougher, but on the other end, its become easier to prepare for. Just take a look around; online, book stores, colleges, etc. The study guides and programs have simply exploded.

Police Exam Video Training Course – Police Exam Video home study course will help you get TOP SCORES on the police exam.  Satisfaction Guaranteed!

If you’re preparing to become a police officer now, consider that Criminal Justice Schools are eager for your business

Another route that you can and should consider is that there is also a lot of free information available online by running a simple search. Its important though that you’re getting reliable information, so be sure what you are reading is taken with a grain of salt.  Most Police Forums for example offer tons of valuable information on preparing for tests, preparing for oral boards, exams, how to answer questions, etc. This resource can never be overlooked and because of membership levels, they stay current with daily updates.

Some sites even offer help and practice tests for minimal fees. You can actually purchase these and have immediate access to study questions, oral board scenarios, etc. as fast as it is paid for online. So not only is the information there, its quick as well.

Its been our experience that the information seems to be getting cheaper and cheaper, while at the same time the quality continues to rise. The reason? More competitors entering the field wanting your business. We do however recommend that you do at least “some” research when it comes to choosing a exam tutorial. If you want to know how to become a police officer, start doing the research now before you apply. When you’re competing with a thousand other people for the position, you need every piece of preparation you can get your hands on, because once the moment passes, its too late. Good luck.

It is expected that what is on the police officer exam involves difficult content, and if you really want to be able to serve the country as a law enforcer then you need to really prepare for the test. The best way to be able to pass the exam is to get valuable information from reliable sources such as those who have been recruiting police officers or those who have been in-charge of what is on the police officer exam.

One has to take extra care for every detail submitted to answer what is on the police officer exam as even a small mistake can make one fail the test. The police academy has a very high standard that when you do not gear up to the challenge of what is on the police officer exam, it will be hard for you to move to the next round.

Some of the known ways to prepare for the police examination are taking free online exams and reading free police exam materials. Another way to prepare for the difficult police exam is to enroll in short courses in police academy colleges. You need to make sure that you can really gain more knowledge on how to get accepted. You can start by reviewing the application process and the various tests that you need to pass so that you will be able to get into the police academy. This also assures you of advance knowledge on what you will be learning from the institution as the colleges that offer police short courses are much updated on the latest developments and improvements in the police training process. The only disadvantage of these short courses is that they are very expensive and are not really offered at a cheap price or for free. The competition and the demand from those interested to join the police force are a bit high and too tough for the ordinary person. Another cheaper alternative is to purchase home training videos which can assist you in helping you shape your goals in becoming a law enforcer.

What is on the police officer exam can either make or break you so take time to research, read, practice and comprehend the various information given to you as you will need it for your police enforcer major examination. To the ordinary citizen, policemen are always treated with respect and utmost regard regardless of the state. Make yourself truly deserving of that praise by preparing hard for your examination.

It is the intention of the Tucson Police Department, through this 13-week Academy course, to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the functions and responsibilities of providing law enforcement services in Tucson. The police department’s members and instructors are professional with their presentations and in making all participants feel welcome.

Academy Schedule
The Tucson Police Department conducts a spring and fall session of the Citizens’ Police Academy. Each session is twelve weeks in length, with classes meeting on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the City of Tucson’s Public Safety Training Academy. The twelfth week of the Academy is a graduation ceremony, which family and friends are welcome to attend.

2010 Schedule:

Entrance Requirements
Interested candidates for the Citizens’ Police Academy must meet the following criteria:

The Police Department confidentially reviews all applications for approval. There is no cost to apply or enter the Citizens’ Police Academy.

Selection Procedure
The Chief of Police generally selects Citizens’ Police Academy students through a nomination and application process. Citizens are nominated by police staff, past Citizens’ Police Academy graduates, and by direct application. Enrollment is limited to approximately thirty students per session. For more information or an application, call 520-791-5211 Ext. 1116.

Some of the covered topics include:

Whose Problem is Crime?
Crime is a community problem, not just a police problem. The safety of all citizens depends on actions and involvement by all of us. The Tucson Police Department believes that community education is an essential and productive activity that leads to an effective partnership that attacks the causes of community problems, not merely the symptoms.

• Form or join a coalition to address problems
• Support established solutions like Neighborhood Associations
• Work to improve our community environment.
• Blend all of the talents of the police and community for a better Tucson!

August 1, 2010 – October 1, 2010: Recruitment & Application period;
October 22 – 25, 2010: Written examinations;
December 13 – 22, 2010: Physical agility testing;
January 3 – 13, 2011: Oral Board examinations;
February – June, 2011: Background investigations; medical testing; selection;
July 2011: 2011 State Police Recruit Training Academy begins.

The Rhode Island State Police encourages prospective applicants to periodically monitor this website to follow any changes that may occur to the above-described schedule. For specific information with respect to qualifications and the selection / training process, you may call (401) 444-1192 for additional details.

Thank you for your interest in the Rhode Island State Police.

Sincerely,

Stephen M. Bannon
Major
Chief Administrative Officer

Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining peace. In addition to earning a high school diploma, most police officers complete degree programs in law enforcement or criminal justice and receive training at a police academy.

General Requirements – All standards must be met:

Age Requirement – Applicants must be at least 20 years of age on or before the date the application is completed. Applicants must be 21 years of age and cannot have reached their 40th birthday prior to or on the date of appointment as a State Police Cadet.

Residency Requirement – Applicants must be a resident of Pennsylvania at the time of appointment. Applicants must also possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license upon appointment as a State Police Cadet.

Educational Requirement – Applicants must possess a high school diploma or a G.E.D. Certificate plus an Associate’s Degree or 60 semester credit hours in an accredited institution of higher education at the time of application. Only one waiver per candidate, as follows, is allowed:

• 60 semester credit hours waived for those applicants with two full years as a full-time police officer as certified by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC).

• 30 semester credit hours waived for those applicants with two full years of any law enforcement experience that encompasses the powers of arrest under State or Federal law, e.g., Liquor Enforcement Officer, Corrections Officer, Probation and Parole Officers, Fish and Game Commission Officers. Determination of relevant law enforcement experience to be made by the Pennsylvania State Police on a case-by-case basis.

• 30 semester credit hours waived for those applicants with at least two years of full active military duty with an Honorable Discharge or who have completed Officer Candidate School and have no term of obligation.

• 15 semester credit hours waived for those applicants who have successfully completed Act 120 training, as certified by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC).

The minimum fitness requirements are different from state to state, but here’s just some general information:

* 50 push-ups in less than 2 minutes
* 60 sit-ups in less than 2 minutes
* 1.5 mile run in less than 15:12
* 300 meter run in less than 50 seconds
* chin-ups & flexibility test

There maybe other testing too. Like, dummy drag, obstacle course run, fence climb or trigger pull. That’s why I encourage anybody who is interested in being a state police officer to start training for the test as soon as you can. Don’t wait until the last minute to start training for the physical fitness test.

Another important thing, please don’t follow a one-size-fits-all workout program that you find over the internet. Instead follow a police specific workout program uniquely designed for police officers.

Moving On….

It is most important to get used to walking fast because you will do this everyday at the state police training academy. Even though you want to make sure you can meet the minimum requirements, you will want to make sure you can eventually meet the recommended requirements. As a state trooper you need to strive for the best and that includes your testing.

Here are the recommended scores:

* 70+ push-ups within 2 minutes
* 70+ sit-ups within 2 minutes
* 12+ chin-ups
* 1.5 mile run within 12 minutes
* 300 meter run within 40-45 second

Here’s a brief history on the state police test requirements:

The law enforcement fitness test is not something new. It has been around for quite a long time. The police officer physical fitness test was originally designed to identify qualified candidates, who can physically perform the task of a police officer. While at the same time eliminating those who aren’t able to pass the fitness standards. But the problem is many good applicants who would have otherwise make great police officers get eliminate prematurely as a result of poor conditioning. That can all change if you follow a police specific workout plan consistently 3 or 2 months before your test.

It’s a fact that some recruits will sail through the academy without a hitch, while others will either flunk out, quit or decide that police work is not for them (that’s a cop out if you ask me). For the recruits that flunked out because of test results would have probably benefited from a  police academy study guide. The great thing about the New Jersey police officer academy is you’ll leave your respective class in elite shape, and very well trained.

The requirements to get into the academy is pretty much similar to any other agency as you must be someone of good moral character, without any felony convictions.

Here’s some of the requirements needed to get into the New Jersey police academy:

Education Requirements

An applicant must have (1) a bachelor’s degree, signifying completion of the undergraduate curriculum and graduation from an accredited college or university

or, (2) alternatively, an associate’s degree or have completed 60 college credits from an accredited college or university, plus at least two years of satisfactory employment or, (3) alternatively, have completed 30 college credits from an accredited college or university plus at least two years of active duty military service with an honorable discharge.

Age

Applicants must be at least 21 years old on the date that the initial application is submitted and must not reach their 35th birthday prior to the graduation date of their State Police class.

Citizenship

Only citizens of the United States are eligible for appointment to the New Jersey Police Academy.

Driver’s License

Applicants must have obtained a valid automobile driver’s license at the time that background investigations begin.

Background Investigation

Applicants must have a good reputation and be of sound moral character. Factors, which are automatic disqualifications for the position, are listed in the application. An applicant’s background will be carefully investigated and the answers, which are supplied on the application and written examination, are subject to verification. An applicant who has intentionally made a false statement or practiced, or attempted to practice any deception or fraud in this application, in any examination, interview, application, or in securing eligibility for appointment may be rejected from the process. Any intentional misstatement of fact is reason for disqualification from the selection process, and may be punished by law .

Responsibility of the officers can vary within the political context to one another. The typical duties of the forces are related to maintaining peace, protection of property and persons, investigation of crimes and law enforcement. Cops are expected to respond to various situations, which may arise while they are on their duty. In most countries, procedures and rules will dictate whether a police officer is obliged for intervening in a crime incident, even when they are off-duty. Cops in all the countries do have the lawful powers even when they are off duty.

If you have always wanted to serve your country in some or the other way, then becoming a cop is the best option. Here are som

Steps:

• The first step towards becoming a cop will be education. All the police departments will want you to have basic high school education, and some additional training, like bachelors degree is recommended.
• There are many colleges that offer a course in criminal justice for people who are interested in becoming a cop. The course structure will involve studying the human behavior, legal issues, and other subjects related to law enforcement affairs. The more advanced training you have the more successful your application will become.
• The next thing that you will have to consider is physical fitness. Try to participate in organized sport that will help you in conditioning your body and will help in applying for the police department.
• Always remember that if you have to apply to join the forces, then you will have to pass the background check. People who have committed traffic violation, drug convictions, or any other indiscretion then you are likely to get rejected. If you get accepted as a cop, then you must have common sense, and you must avoid getting involved in any kind of dangerous situations or ones that are potentially illegal.
• Once you are ready for applying in police department, then you will have to sit for civil service examination. The police department will administer this civil service exam. If you are concerned about passing the exam, there are many companies that offer study guide, which will help you in getting a better score. The civil service exam will be organized when the department has an opening and some department will offer the exam on a regular basis for offering a pool eligible recruit.
• Remember that you will have to take a physical exam, which will test your agility, vision, hearing and strength. If you happen to pass these tests successfully, then you will have to go through a lie detector and drug test and start with the interviews for the police department. The academy of police will prepare your completely to become a cop.
• Always keep in mind that police officers are expected to continue their education and attend the yearly seminars and workshops. The law enforcement committee will want to adapt to all the new changes that are happening and this will ensure that you are updated with the current trends and legal procedures.
• In some the countries, the police academy will be affiliated with a specific police department. If you are not sure in which you would want to work, then you can first apply in the police academy and later decide, which department you want to join. Pursuing your dream of becoming a cop will be a lengthy process but it will be worth it in the end.

e simple steps on how to be a cop.

It was the “thing to do” in his family, Brooks said. It wasn’t until later that he used his bachelor’s degree, in part, to pursue his dream of working in the criminal justice field, securing a job on the police force.

Police departments in Allen County require their officers to have a high school diploma. Although college degrees or similar life experiences are viewed as achievements in the hiring process, they aren’t required.

And local law enforcement officials say there are no immediate plans to change that.

No increase planned

Both Fries and York said that higher education has a role in hiring but say there are no immediate plans to change the criteria to increase education requirements.

“In the end, I’d much rather have someone that has a lot of common sense and knows who they are,” said Fries, who has taught at Ivy Tech as an adjunct instructor because of his background in law enforcement.

For Fries, money for schooling was an issue. When he was hired as an Allen County Jail confinement officer and then a sheriff’s officer, the need for the degree lessened, he said.

For now, he’d like to get back into the classroom to teach. But maybe someday, again, he too will be sitting behind a classroom desk.

Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining peace. In addition to earning a high school diploma, most police officers complete degree programs in law enforcement or criminal justice and receive training at a police academy.

Those who are younger and still enrolled in school may have an advantage in finding education for becoming a police officer. Many high schools and continuing education facilities provide students with the education they need to get into these programs. If you are in high school, for example, focus on taking math, accounting, business management and behavioral science courses. You will also find that taking computer application courses can also help you to get into this field. While you cannot become an officer right out of high school these types of courses will prepare you for the courses you do need to take and help your application into police academies be more favorable to those who are considering your application.

While you are working on these aspects, it is also necessary to consider your physical condition. While each state and local area has its own specific requirements in terms of what the minimum goals are, it is a good idea to get physically fit. It can be a good idea to be part of athletics during high school and to stay active afterwards. You may also want to increase your stamina in physical activities. Remaining active is an important part of being a police officer.

Next, look into the police academies located in your area. Some community colleges offer these while in other situations you can find schools specifically designed just for law enforcement trading. You will need to obtain the necessary education as required by that program. This will focus not only on concepts important to police officers but also towards earning a bachelor’s degree and later a master’s degree in law enforcement. Most programs take about two years to complete, though some are less and others are more. Individuals who want to learn how to become a police officer can easily spend a day touring these educational facilities to learn more about it.

In addition to your education, there are other aspects to consider. For example, you will want to remain in good compliance with the law. Too many indiscretions, even teenage mistakes, can stop you from becoming a police officer. Also consider the benefit of getting military training on your background. This adds another benefit to your resume and makes you a better candidate than others. Once you have worked towards these goalsComputer Technology Articles, the next step is to sit for your state required civil service entrance exam.

This exam will cover most of what you have learned. It is thorough and a requirement to become a police officer. The school you get your education from will need to be accredited and it is likely that these schools will provide you with the type of education you need to pass these programs.

You can learn how to become a police officer by simply talking to other police officers or asking for a tour of your local police station. Get to know the job and the skills required to do well in this position. It is a good idea to take the time to explore all of your options thoroughly before making a decision on if you wish to go this route with your career.

* The applicant must be a United States Citizen plus, must fulfill some domicile, conditions that are stated by the police department.
* In most of the cases, the person must be an adult and in some cases, must have completed at least 20 years of age.
* The third condition is that the applicant must pass the written and physical examination, where general aptitude, EQ, IQ, height, eyesight and general fitness is checked.
* The minimum educational qualifications that are required to have a high school diploma or in some cases, a graduate-associate degree.

The police officer requirements may also differ from department to department, and your graduate-associate degrees may also be closely related to your academic qualifications. You may also have a look at police officer jobs.

Requirements to Become a Police Officer: Academic Qualifications

Police departments and academies often take up recruits right out of school based upon their general aptitude, IQ and physical fitness. The educational qualifications, do not matter a lot, the only requisite being that the person must be a diploma holder. These recruits are then put through intensive training for combat and law enforcement. Often considered to be the cream of physically fit and combat capable cops, these recruits later become patrol specialists, special response teams, anti-terror squads and SWAT units, and are also generally referred to as the ‘really tough guys’.

The second type of entry stream is after college education where bachelor and associate degree is used to recruit cadets. In case if you aspire to become a homicide detective or rise in a hierarchy then you can take up majors accordingly. Criminal justice, forensic sciences, chemistry, human anatomy, law enforcement, study of certain specialized technologies such as finger printing, weapons and ballistics, expertize in criminal psychology, expertise in other unique sciences such as study of certain crimes can earn you a good channel in the force. Please note that recruitment and selection procedures often tend to vary as per departments, states and also the requirement.

Requirements to Become a Police Officer: Police Academy

In answering the question, ‘how to become a police officer’, elaborating an explanation about the police academy is a must. Most of the police academies are set up, managed or monitored by the state governments. Federal agencies also have set up their own academies and training centers. The intensive training that involves combat, emergency preparedness, physical training, self defense, first aid procedures and weapons training is given in such academies. In Florida for example, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission provides this appropriate training to their recruits, or in Maryland, the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission is in existence. The Police training officer program is a post academy program that is implemented in some departments and is a more educational in approach. For more information you may also refer to police academy requirements.

Apart from becoming a regular cop you also have several other options such as Military Police, Troopers, Marshall Service, more specialized branches such as FBI and CIA or even transit police. The requirements to become a police officer differ from department to deportment, hence it is better to take a look at the official website of the department which will give you some concrete leads and guidance. Good luck.

You need to know that requirements to become a police officer may vary from department to department, but many times they are a mirror image of each other.

Maryland Police Academy Requirements and Maryland Police Officer Qualifications

* Be a United States Citizen
* Possess a High School Diploma or GED
* Possess a valid Driver’s License in any state and a satisfactory driving record
* Binocular far and near visual acuity, with or without correction, must be 20/20
* Be at least 20 years of age but not older than 59
* Be in excellent physical condition
* Have a good reputation and sound moral character
* Not have any current court orders relating to domestic violence
* Be truthful in every stage of the application process

The road that ends with you on patrol and investigating crime is long and challenging. One of the more mentally challenging aspect of the police officer selection process is the police academy. You see, the police academy is tough in any state, but it’s especially tough in Alabama. That’s why if you are out of shape or overweight, you might as well forget it because you won’t survive your first week at the academy. It’s really that simple.

Now to help you out if you are a little bit overweight, watch this training video on how to lose weight fast. I’m only recommending this to overweight recruits. If you are in decent shape, you can always get better by following a police specific workout guide. Below is a list of all the requirements needed to enroll in the Alabama police officer training academy.

Alabama Police Academy Requirements and Alabama Police Officer Qualifications

Applicant must provide High School Diploma or GED certificate.

Applicant must possess a valid Alabama driver’s license

Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.

Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.

Applicant cannot have any felony convictions in any State or be under indictment or have a pending case. (Note: a pardon does not nullify a conviction.)

Applicant cannot have a misdemeanor conviction involving domestic violence or moral turpitude or have a pending case regarding such.

Applicant who has been a member of the armed forces of the United States must provide proof of honorable discharge.

Applicant shall be a person of good moral character and reputation. A background investigation will be conducted.

Applicant will be required to pass a physical agility/ability examination.

Agility course involves:

* A timed run of 150 yards while completing the below listed requirements.

* Pushing a vehicle on a level surface for 15 feet. (Running for 50 yards)

* Climbing a 6 foot fence. (Running for 50 yards)

* Climbing through a 2 foot square window frame. (Running for 25 yards)

* Walking a balance beam for 15 feet. (Running for 25 yards)

* Dragging a weighted object (165 lbs) a distance of 15 feet.

The above 7 requirements must all be completed within 90 seconds.

Ability portion involves:

* Completing 25 sit-ups in 60 seconds.
* Completing 22 push-ups in 60 seconds.
* Completing a 1.5 mile run in 15 minutes and 28 seconds.

Applicant will be required to take a written examination.

Applicant will be required to submit to a psychological test.

Applicant will be require to take a polygraph examination to determined the truthfulness of answers provided on pre-employment booklet submitted with application.

Applicant shall be certified by a licensed physician designated by the City of Decatur Personnel Board.

Under the rule, all new recruits are required to have taken at least 60 semester hours — the equivalent of an associate degree — from an accredited college or university. The requirement is waived for recruits who completed at least two years in the military.

In addition, the NOPD will be updating its entrance exam for the first time in 10 years, and will toughen its physical fitness tests.

“Enhancing the entry-level requirements of police recruits is a key component of the transformation of the NOPD that Mayor Landrieu and I have committed to deliver to our community,” Serpas said in a news release.

The college requirement is the first of its kind for any Louisiana municipal police force, according to the NOPD. Other cities across the country have implemented similar prerequisites.

The change is effective immediately, though the NOPD is not currently accepting recruits.

The agency plans to reopen the application process on Nov. 29, with a recruit entrance exam scheduled for Dec. 18. Those who meet the requirements will be accepted into the NOPD academy.

Because of budgetary constraints, the NOPD anticipates graduating only one full academy class next year. Recent graduating class sizes have topped off at about 30 officers.

If applicants fail to complete the recruitment process, they must wait six months before reapplying, the NOPD noted. This doubles the previous three-month wait period.

In announcing his proposal last month, Serpas said he was disappointed with the NOPD’s standards for accepting new recruits. He noted that only 25 of 66 applicants graduated from the last academy class.

The new requirements do not affect anyone already employed by the NOPD. About 24 percent of the NOPD’s staff has earned some type of college degree, according to the agency. Educational requirements, such as college degrees, still exist for officers seeking to rise through the NOPD’s upper ranks.

Serpas requested at a meeting Monday that the city’s Civil Service Commission adopt the change. The commission would have to adopt the proposal, possibly as soon as next month, before it becomes a departmental regulation.

Serpas, who is four months into his job, said he was disappointed with the department’s standards for accepting new recruits. For example, of the 66 applicants for the NOPD’s last academy class, only 25 recruits graduated.

“We believe that the New Orleans Police Department should not be the employer of last resort,” Serpas said at a news conference.

Serpas also noted that the written exams haven’t changed over the last 10 years and that the physical requirements need to be bolstered.

Under his proposal, all new recruits would be required to have taken least 60 semester hours — the equivalent of an associate’s degree — from an accredited college or university. The NOPD would waive this requirement for recruits who completed a minimum of two years in the military.

“A better-educated workforce can provide a better service,” Serpas said. “Policing in America today requires officers to be problem-solvers, requires them to use experience, education and training to make differences.”

The new guidelines, if implemented, appear to be the first of a kind for any municipal police agency in Louisiana, according to the NOPD. Other cities, such as Nashville and Washington, D.C., have similar educational prerequisites, according to Serpas.

The proposal is now in the hands of the Civil Service Commission, which should make a ruling in October, Serpas said.

About 24 percent of the NOPD’s employees have earned some type of degree, Serpas said, noting that he wants the number to climb to 70 percent, like other top police agencies.

The proposal will not affect anyone currently employed by the NOPD, though certain educational requirements exist for officers seeking to rise through the ranks. Educational incentives, ranging from annual bonuses of $1,000 to $3,000 per officer, depending on the type of degree earned, will continue.

The superintendent said he also wants to update the written exam and implement new physical requirements, such as a timed 1.5-mile run.

Because of city budget woes, the NOPD is not offering another recruit class until 2011. Serpas said he believes the proposed requirements would not adversely affect recruitment. He noted that his proposal is similar to what the Louisiana State Police, which offers a comparable pay package, requires of recruits.

A recent study, released earlier this year by Police Quarterly, found that officers with some college education are less likely to use force on duty in comparison to colleagues who never attended college. The study claims a college education significantly reduces the likelihood of force occurring in an encounter with a citizen. Researchers posited that the officer’s ability to use discretion plays a role in such matters. They also found that higher education does not influence the probability of an arrest or a search.

On Tuesday, Serpas also announced that the U.S. Department of Justice is devoting a team of about eight experts to analyze the NOPD’s homicide investigations. The group will review at dozens of cases and assess how detectives can improve their cases.

In addition, the federal team will look at the root causes of murder, with the goal of understanding why the city’s murder rate is so high, Serpas said. They are to produce an assessment within five months. Serpas said he requested such a measure when he met in June with federal law enforcement officials. The review is not related to the ongoing federal civil rights probes into the NOPD.

Last month, 63 new State Troopers, including two women, graduated from the Kentucky State Police Academy in Frankfort.

That means 27 cadets dropped out of the class during the intensive 23-week training program.

Now, KSP is recruiting a new cadet class, with testing starting Monday at Eastern Kentucky University. But to be tested, your application must be on file at KSP headquarters by tomorrow.

Applicants must be 21, a U.S. citizen, have a good driving record, and have either some college experience, or a high school diploma and military or police experience.

Don’t know what are the best workouts to do as you prepare for the police academy? Find out right in this article what workout routines are best as you prepare for your upcoming training. Preparing for the police academy is probably one of the single most important thing you can do. The truth is if you arrive at the training academy out of shape or over weight, you might as well turn around and go home. Why? Because you won’t survive the police academy. It’s really that simple.

You see, many law enforcement training institutions have an entrance fitness test, as well as an exit physical fitness test. So if you show up in poor physical conditioning, you won’t be allowed in anyways. There are several workouts that you can do as you prepare for the police officer academy, but the one that stacks above the rest is high intensity interval training (also known as H.I.I.T).

High intensity interval training is by far the best workout routine to do as you prepare for the law enforcement academy. Why? Because you are training your anaerobic power, as well as your aerobic capacity. Both of which are extremely valuable if you want to pass the academy.

High intensity interval training consist of doing a high impact exercise like a full speed sprint for about 60 seconds, followed by a low impact training exercise like a slow-paced jog for 60 seconds. You can alternate between high impact training and low impact training for about 30 minutes.

The combination of slow and fast pace training will get you in elite shape fast.

In Conclusion

If you are preparing for the police academy there are 2 things you need ASAP. First, you need a Police Academy Study Guide that covers courses like EVOC, criminal law, traffic law, defensive tactics, and firearms.

Here, these prospective cadets will have the chance to earn for special positions or jobs in the near future by becoming equipped and prepared in facing bravely the exciting and noble challenges of a Law Enforcement task and as a dignified professional man of the law.

Missouri Police Academy aims to mold and develop would-be police officer in their moral, mental, and physical aspects. It has also the duty of instilling in these cadets the noblest and highest ideals of justice and peace, of integrity and courage, of fervor and commitment so as to bring out the best police graduates.

It also aspires to produce cadet officers who are noble enough and dedicated to a life of police service. It aims as well in making police officers who are human and concerned enough with the needs of the ordinary citizen and who have the possibilities of supporting programs for future development in character and thinking in order to take charge the highest obligations and responsibilities of public service, citizenship, and community safety and protection.”

Moreover, the Law Enforcement Academy of Missouri Police is dedicated in meeting the demands of police training of all those who are aspiring to become law enforcement officers. The Missouri Police Academy, a Peace Officer Standards and Training in Missouri (P.O.S.T.)is one of the most notable approved providers which has extended fundamental and specialized training services for more or less 2,500 would be law enforcement officers since the time of its establishment.

Prospective Academy Students/Requirements:

Candidates seeking admission to the Missouri Police Academy must:

* Be a U.S. citizen
* Not be a law offender of any sort such as felony convictions or any form of case for a misbehavior involving moral turpitude
* Have no DWI conviction or has not been suspended within three years of his application
* Be at least 21 years old
* Submit the usual Academy a form or application with a $100 registration fee which is also non-refundable
* Present a copy of the high school diploma or the GED
* Submit a copy of their birth certificate
* Possess a valid driver’s license
* If you entered the military before, you must provide a copy of your DD-214
* You must also submit yourself to the required criminal record checks.

As I’ve mentioned earlier the process is not easy. First you’ll have to successfully complete the enormously detailed employment application, and then you’ll have to pass the physical fitness test, written exam, polygraph test, and the oral board interview just to name a few.

However the toughest test of them all will be waiting for you at the Utah police academy. To be perfectly honest with you the trainees that you see on day#1 won’t be there on the final graduation day. Some recruits will be eliminated as a result of poor physical conditioning, while others will get dismissed because of a poor score on their curriculum course exams.

That’s why it’s so important to study up on the police academy curriculum no less than 2 weeks before you go to the academy. You can study up on the curriculum by downloading a police academy preparation guide at any law enforcement website.

Here’s some of the requirements needed to be a police officer in Utah, as well as things needed to enroll in the police training academy.

Utah Police Academy Requirements and Utah Police Officer Qualifications

• Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age as of initial test date.
• Applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• An employee in uniform is prohibited from having a tattoo anywhere on their body that is visible while in a short sleeve uniform.
• Applicant may not have received more than three (3) minor traffic violations within two (2) years prior to the initial test date.
• The following are not considered minor traffic violations and may be used to determine the moral character of the applicant: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; automobile homicide; reckless driving; evading a police officer; driving on suspension or revocation; negligent homicide; failure to maintain automobile insurance.
• Applicants may not have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or pled guilty to a lesser change within two (2) years prior to the initial test date.
• Applicants may not have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or pled guilty to a lesser charge within two (2) years prior to the initial test date.
• Any activity involving the abuse of alcohol may be considered in determining the eligibility of peace officer certification.
• Applicants may not have been convicted of, or used hard drugs within five (5) years prior to the initial test date.
• Applicants may not have been convicted of, or involved in the sale, manufacturing or cultivation of illegal drugs within five (5) years prior to the initial test date.
• Applicants may not have been convicted of a felony as an adult. Felony convictions as a juvenile will be individually evaluated.
• Applicant may not have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Applicants may not have been convicted of, or involved in crimes of dishonesty within four (4) years prior to the initial test date. Crimes of dishonesty include, but are not limited to, the following: theft; fraud; tax evasion; issuing bad checks; financial transaction credit card offenses; deceptive business practices; defrauding creditors; robbery; bribery or receiving a bribe; perjury; extortion; arson; criminal mischief; falsifying government records; custodial interference; forgery; receiving stolen property; firearms violations; burglary; criminal trespass; vandalism; kidnaping; furnishing or permitting minors to use tobacco or alcohol; violations of the computer crimes act; offenses against the administration of government; violations against the public order and decency act; violations of the pornographic and harmful materials and performances act; violations of the racketeering enterprises act; violations of the cable television programming decency act; violations of the communications fraud act; violations of wildlife laws.

• Applicants may not have been convicted of, or involved in crimes of unlawful sexual conduct within four (4) years prior to the initial test date.
• Applicants may not have been convicted of, or involved in crimes of physical violence within four (4) years prior to the initial test date.
• Applicants may not have been convicted of, or involved in minor crimes other than traffic within one (1) year prior to the initial test date. In cases where arrest warrants are issued, the one year time will begin at the time of the warrant service.
• Applicants may not have a military discharge other than honorable.