Law Enforcement Careers
¨ What steps should I make to become a cop?
¨ Do I need to do my police training in the country I will work
in?
¨ Will a speeding ticket affect my chances of becoming a police officer?
¨ Military police training beneficial for police force application?
¨ What math do I need to become a police officer?
¨ What's your advice in preparing for the police officer candidate
test?
¨ Recommendations for joining the armed forces
¨ Is a female police officer are you allowed to wear a lot
of make up?
¨ What is a typical day for a detective like?
¨ More questions about a day in the life of a detective
¨ What marks or other procedures are required to get accepted
to become a cop?
¨ I have tattoos on my arm. Will I have trouble getting
hired?
¨ I got my diploma from an online service. Will the
police accept it?
¨ What level of education should police applicants have?
¨ Should I go to college before entering the police academy?
¨ What education should police applicants have?
¨ What is the process in becoming a member of a S.W.A.T. team?
¨ Do youthful indiscretions hurt a person's chance to become a police officer?
¨ Does a police detective need a degree in criminal justice and if so, what kind?
¨ Why are ethics and character so important in the field of law enforcement?
¨ Do you feel that police are more ethical today, or were they more ethical ten years ago?
¨ Why do police officers become involved in misconduct?
¨ Do you feel that there is enough training offered in ethics at the police academy level?
¨ Should ethics training be offered as an on-going process for law enforcement officers?
¨ Do you feel that education and/or training in ethics would reduce incidents of police corruption?
¨ A day in the life of a police officer
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QUESTION:
What steps should I take to become a cop? I really have no idea where
to start and I want to get started. How many classes and what degree
do I have to earn before I can become a cop?
ANSWER
from Dana Johnson on 28 February 2005:
Here in Virginia Beach you can be 20 when
you accepted into the academy, but need to be 21 by graduation. We use
a 8-tier selection process. Go to VBGOV.com for the city's web site. At
the bottom, look under "jobs" in
small print. We hold two academies a year, all in house.
Master Police Officer Dana Johnson
Virginia Beach Police
Virginia Beach, VA
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of questions
QUESTION:
I am getting a BA in criminology and would like to become a police detective. What
I was wondering was I live in Canada but am not sure if I want to stay here to
be a detective. I would like to go to New Zealand or the States. If
that is possible, would I have to do my police training in that given country
I chose to go?
ANSWER from Chuck Magdalena
on 6 August 2005:
Although you say you live in Canada, you didn't mention if you were a U.S.
citizen or not. Most law enforcement agencies in the States require applicants
to be American citizens, but some are now moving to allow those with "green
cards" to apply. But they must have applied for the citizenship
process. And yes, you would have to do your police training, not only
in the country you chose to work in, but in the state and local county as well. The
laws and procedures in the U.S. are complex and vary greatly from state to
state.
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QUESTION:
I suspect that in 6 years I'll begin a career in law enforcement (after attending
college and getting a degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science). I
got my very first speeding ticket a few months ago. I couldn't see
the sign anywhere. Now I wonder if that will hurt my plans for my future
career? Can you tell me anything about a career on a SWAT team, or
FBI or something like that?
ANSWER from Dana Johnson
on 15 November 2004:
The speeding ticket should not be too much of a problem, unless you were charged
with reckless driving (20 mph over the posted is the norm). Otherwise,
it could be a reminder to pay just a little more attention!
The FBI is always looking for college
grads. Are you bilingual? It does look good on an application
if you speak another language. Stop by your local FBI office
and check out what they are looking for. Try to get an interview
with anyone there that covers recruiting. You may even get
a personal tour, depending on how big their facility is. Military
SWAT experience doesn't hurt. VA Beach, for example, requires
three years on the street experience before one can apply for transfer. FBI
SWAT requirements maybe similar.
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QUESTION:
I
enlisted into the Marine Corps, and I am going in as an MP [military police]. Will
this benefit me in any way if I plan to become a regular police officer when
my service is complete? What are the benefits of having MP experience
before becoming a regular police officer? I would also like to know what
my salary would be like,if I became a police officer after being an MP. Is
it easy to find a job in the police force after coming out of the military?
ANSWER from Dana Johnson
on 12 November 2004:
The training
will most definitely benefit you. Weapons especially. Most
people do not know how to properly handle a firearm. As a Field Training
Officer (FTO) internal disipline is something I or our academy cannot teach. In
some situations I have to depend on that to get though an event. Such
as a very heated dispute and keeping your cool. Or arriving at a bad
accident and you have to make quick decisions.
While in the Corps, try to take classes
in Criminal Justice as well. Having an Associates or Bachelors
degree along with military training/MP experience looks a lot better
to a police department than just the degree or just the military
time.
As an MP you'll get a little better idea
of how a police department works. If possible try to get a
ride-a-long with an agency where you live. In Virginia Beach,
we strongly recommend it, so the prospective applicant sees what
they are getting into. Cool stuff as well as bad.
Getting a job with a police department
depends on where you go. It could take at least six months
to a year for a process to go through. Be patient. Big
departments like LAPD, CHP, etc., are almost always hiring. Here
in Virginia Beach, we run two academies a year. 21 weeks, then
13 weeks with a FTO. VBPD starts out at $35,600.00. LAPD
is somewhere near $60,000.00. This does not include overtime. The
LA area is an expensive area to live. Some officers travel
50 miles one way to work. I drive three!
Some tips to know as you work towards
joining a police department:
o Drive responsibly, no one hires you when you have moving violations like
speeding, reckless driving charges on your record. We go back five years.
o Absolutely no DUI's, no criminal
arrests like tresspassing, assault, intoxicated in public. Any
drug charges will kill you.
o Watch your finances, keep one credit card
(if that). Don't get into serious debt.
o Be a regular Dudley Do Right!
I've been a police officer 24 years and
love every minute of it! Currently I serve as a School Resource
Officer at a high school with 2,400 kids. I tell people that
I am a Chief Of Police of a small town! Because most have no
idea what I do. The world of law enforcement can be very exciting. There's
never a dull moment! I have only worked in Virginia Beach and
strongly believe we have a very good working environment here. Everyday
is different.
Master Police Officer Dana W. Johnson
Virginia Beach Police, VA Beach, VA
SRO, Kellam High School
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QUESTION:
What type of math do I need to become a police
officer?
ANSWER
from Dana Johnson on 7 December 2003:
That's
a very good question! Most police departments do not require you to know
any kind of math. But the
numbers we do use vary. Every department uses what
are called "10" codes. Like 10-4 for
"I understand you" or 10-19 for "you can
disreagard responding to where I am at. 10-97 is
"I am on scene of the call ", 10-98 is "I
am clear for another call to go to,like a motorist whose
car has broken down and is holding up traffic somewhere.
Some departments have a very long list of 10-codes.
In Virginia Beach we have a short list. So if you
hear on a police scanner " 154 (that's my unit name)
Dispatcher, I'll be code 40 with 125Adam".
Code 40 means I am assisting that unit on his case.
Here are a few more of
what we use and are common with other departments:
Code 10 - is for a meal
break. Some departments use code 7.
Code 12 - is for a coffee
break (and an occasional donut!).
Code 20 - is a traffic
stop. "I'll be code 20 with Virginia tag ABC-123 at
Princess Anne and Dam Neck Roads, a red and white Ford
pickup."
Code 30 - is when a unit
is in any one of our court buildings.
Code 60 - is used for
things I find on the road like a suspicious person or a
store that looks like the front door is unlocked.
Anything that is found by us and not yet called into 9-1-1.
Code 81 - is for special
assignments like when I am at the middle school I work
at, "I'll be code 81, Landstown Middle School".
When I'm done at the end of the day I'll say "154
dispatcher, I'll be 10-98 from code 81 and 10-7 (off duty)".
Otherwise we pretty much
just use normal language on the radios instead of codes
which can be confusing.
Math formulas are used in
accident cases to help determine how fast a car was going
based on the length of its skid marks. How far it
traveled from the beginning to the end of an accident.That
is called pre-crash, crash, and post-crash.
Math tests are used when
officers apply to become trained to operate a machine
that tests a driver who has had too much to drink.
Dana Johnson
Police Officer
Virginia, USA
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QUESTION:
I recently applied to become a police officer. I
understand the written exam is challenging. Do you
have any recommendations as to how I can prepare for this
test?
ANSWER
from Dana Johnson on 3 September 2002:
Get
a good night's sleep. Eat breakfast. Read
each question. Do not read into the question.
For example, the test in Virginia Beach involves a full
page with four to six questions about what was on the
previous page. You can go back to look for answers
as you need to. Some tests are mutiple choice.
This would be where you need to be careful not to read into
the question, and read the question.
Departments have more than
one event to go through in their process. Ours is
at least six. The candidate must get through all of
them.
So, take each phase
individually, and do you best. Good Luck!
Dana Johnson
Virginia Beach Police
Virginia Beach, Virginia
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QUESTION:
I'm interested in joining a branch of the Canadian Armed Forces but there are
some complications. Even though I'm a Canadian resident, I've been
living in the US since I was 12 and I'm 20 now. On top of that, I don't
have a lot of money for traveling/living expenses and I was just wondering
what you recommend.
ANSWER from Jenny Alvarez
on 7 February 2006:
First you should put some research into what branch you are interested in and
what your goals are for yourself. I'd recommend looking through the Canadian
Armed Forces website at http://www.dnd.ca/
Then you can move on from there by calling
representatives from the branch you have selected and asking them
more specific questions. For example, did you know that the
United States Army will pay for their recruits travel expenses when
putting them through AIT (infantry training).
Return
to list of questions
QUESTION:
How long does it take to become a police officer? Also I wanted to know
if you're a female police officer are you allowed to wear a lot of make up or
not? If not, why?
ANSWER from Chuck Magdalena
on 21 February 2006:
The length of time to become a police officer depends on several things. The
state in which you live regulates the amount of training (police academy) you
must complete. The individual police agency or department adds its own
training programs. And the application and selection process itself may
take months to complete. Using my agency as an example it now takes about
a year from the time of application to completion of academy training and subsequent
field training before you are fully "on your own" as a fully trained
officer. On top of that, most departments require a probationary period
of between six to eighteen months before permanent status.
As for the make-up question. Generally,
in most departments, female officers are allowed to wear a modest
amount of make-up while in uniform. Heavy make-up such as eye
shadow and false eyelashes are usually prohibited. Earrings
are usually restricted to small studs with no dangling earrings. Hair
is usually worn up so as to fit under the uniform hat. These
are safety measures that protect the officer from hair pulling or
getting their ears ripped in case of physical encounters with unruly
suspects. Male officers have appearance standards too - such
as no beards and neatly trimmed mustaches, hair length and no visible
tattoos. Good luck!
Return
to list of questions
QUESTION:
I'd like to get a more detailed picture of what a typical day for a detective
is like. Things like: how many cases do they handle? What do
they do when they get up in the morning, etc?
ANSWER from Chuck Magdalena
on 13 March 2006:
Detectives can be assigned by specialty, such as burglary, homicide, sex crimes
and forgery/fraud, or in many police departments they are assigned to a geographical
police district or area where they work with Patrol and handle all crimes requiring
investigative follow-up in that district. In other words they can be
specialists or generalists depending on the agency. With new patrol flexible
work schedules, detectives are often assigned by shifts and can work a traditional
8 to 5 or can work an afternoon shift, sometimes 3 to 11 PM. Many departments
now have their detectives on four 10-hour shifts and some even on three 12-
hour shifts per week. Almost all detectives carry heavy case loads. That
can mean as many as five to 60 plus open cases depending on the size of the
agency. Big city PD's are much busier than small town departments. On
a typical day the investigator will review all the new cases that he/she is
assigned and decide which cases require work and which ones can wait. A
lot of the work consists of phone calls and computer checks through the many
crime data bases. Then going out into the field to interview victims,
witnesses and suspects, serving warrants and making arrests takes up the rest
of the day. Detectives are usually on call 24/7 and often get called
out in the wee hours to follow up on their cases when patrol officers contact
suspects or come across crimes that require a detective's expertise. Detective
work is demanding, stressful and very detail oriented, but can be extremely
rewarding when a complex case is closed due to "good, old fashioned detective
work."
Return
to list of questions
QUESTION:
Thank you for answering my earlier question. As a follow-up, I'd like to
ask the below:
1. When does a detective prepare a Case Report - at the end of the case? Does
this report have a specific format or template? If so, what are the various
headings/sub-headings? Is it prepared in Word, by hand, or using some other
computer program?
2. How does the DA get a copy of the Case Report -from the detective or someone
else? Is this a paper copy or electronic version?
ANSWER from Chuck Magdalena
on 17 March 2006:
These are detailed questions that indicate you have some knowledge of how police
investigations are handled. Let me start with the caveat that each agency
has different procedures, forms, templates and methods of transmitting investigative
progress through the system and eventually to the DA. Since I don't know
what state you are from you'll have to accept differences in statutes and laws
as well. What works in Michigan can be quite different in California.
Generally a detective prepares a complete
case report when the investigation is complete and the suspect is
arrested. The whole case must go to the DA quickly since the
window between arrest and arraignment (formally charging the defendant)is
usually 48 to 72 hours (week ends excluded). If the suspect
is not formally arraigned before the time expires, he or she must
be released. Police agencies are starting to transmit case
reports to both the DA and the courts electronically, but most still
do it the old fashioned way by walking a hard copy to the DA's office
where the detective often has to convince a deputy DA that the elements
of the crime are present and the arrestee did it.
Before the final case report is completed,
the detective adds to the case file by completing supplemental reports
as he/she interviews witnesses and finds additional pertinent material. Others
also complete supplemental reports such as the CSI people, the lab
people and patrol officers who come up with additional information
to aid the detective.
Return
to list of questions
QUESTION:
What marks or other procedures are required to get accepted to become a cop? What
is the acceptance rate to become a cop?
ANSWER from Chuck Magdalena
on 25 March 2006:
It all depends on which police or sheriff's department you are applying to. Each
one has its own hiring standards, but all departments adhere to state-wide
hiring and training requirements. Agencies don't generally rely on school
grades but focus on completion. Usually a high school diploma is mandatory
but some departments accept applicants with GED certificates. An average
acceptance rate is between 10 and 20 percent of applicants.
Return
to list of questions
QUESTION:
I have about a year before I finish getting my degree in Criminal Justice. I
have visible tattoos on my arms and I have been reading some things on the Internet
and I am concerned that most agencies will not hire me for this reason. I
can cover them with long sleeves, but I am a little worried. Is this a
big problem? Thanks for your time.
ANSWER from Chuck Magdalena
on 23 June 2006:
Hello Allen. Each law enforcement agency has its own policy on visible
tattoos. Some prohibit anyone with visible tattoos from being hired in
the first place, while others require them to be covered while on duty. If
you're applying for a uniformed agency that would mean you could never wear
a short-sleeved uniform shirt, which is pretty uncomfortable in the hot summer
months. Some people have visible tattoos on their necks, requiring very
high t-shirts or even scarves to conceal them. Often you'll see police
officers and sheriff's deputies with visible military type tattoos or other
subdued tats. Chance are those are people who were hired before the tattoo
restrictions went into effect. Your best course of action is to check
on the tattoo policy of the agency you are applying for. Good luck!
Return
to list of questions
QUESTION:
I got my high school diploma at a online service. Will the police accept
it?
ANSWER from Michelle Mock
on 24 June 2006:
Did you fulfill the requirements for the diploma or simply purchase a piece
of paper? If this was a reputable program and your online diploma is
from an accredited institution, it should be accepted. I suggest you
check with the agency you wish to work for.
Return
to list of questions
QUESTION:
Based on your experience, what level of education do you think police applicants
should be required to possess?
ANSWER from Chuck Magdalena
on 24 June 2006:
The vast majority of local law enforcement agencies require a high school diploma
as a minimum educational requirement. Federal agencies often require
a community college education ot even a four-year degree. Law enforcement
agencies are now looking for people with higher education levels and critical
thinking skills than they have in the past. An applicant who intends
to make law enforcement a career (and not just a job) needs at least a college
degree to compete with his or her peers for promotion. That high school
diploma just gets you in the door.
Return
to list of questions
QUESTION:
I am currently a high school junior, and I really want to be a police officer
but I don't know if I should go to college for criminal justice because
all of the police officers I've talked to told me not to, because they
teach you everything in the academy, what do you think?
ANSWER from Stephanie
Wong on 24 April 2006:
I think it is a wonderful if you have the opportunity to attend college first. While
in the academy, you'll learn all about how to be a police office, by attending
college, you can learn more about criminology in general, as well as other
interesting things. For example, you can learn about forensic science,
the effects of crime on society, the psychology of the criminal mind, etc. I
don't know anything about the police academy, but I think college opens up
your world a whole lot. The police academy will teach you everything
to become a police officer, but college can expand your horizon to make you
a better police officer when time comes for you to enter the academy. Ask
around more. Consult police officers as well as other people involved
in the field. Good luck!
Return
to list of questions
QUESTION:
Based on your experience, what level of education do you think police applicants should be required to possess?
ANSWER from Chuck Magdalena on 25 June 2006:
With today's complicated world of computers, instantaneous data transmission, and crime analysis, it's my opinion that law enforcement applicants need some college to compete for the specialization that comes after being on the force for awhile. I see more and more agencies requiring a two-year degree from their applicants. To promote into supervision or management a four-year degree is becoming a must. In my agency the majority of officers competing for command positions have advanced degrees and it's not unheard of for chiefs of police and high ranking federal officers to possess doctorates. A good 25% of officers/deputies continue their formal education while on the job. That's why cops drink so much coffee - to stay awake studying for that next exam!
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QUESTION:
I am currently serving as a Marine in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am very interested in becomming a part of a S.W.A.T. team after I get out of the Corps. I am taking as many classes as I can to get a degree in Criminal Justice. Do you think I would have time to finish my degree while in the police force? What is the process in becoming a member of a S.W.A.T. team?
ANSWER from Chuck Magdalena on 11 July 2006:
First of all thank YOU for your service and sacrifice. I am but one of thousands in the law enforcement community who appreciates what you are doing for this country and pray you return safely.
Your pursuing a criminal justice degree while on active duty is commendable and will certainly make your application package much stronger when you do apply for a position with a police agency. Most agencies encourage their officers to continue their formal education off-duty and some even provide tuition assistence if the program is job related. Criminal Justice would certainly apply for you.
Like every specialized job in a department you must first be hired at the entry level (police officer; deputy; special agent, etc.) and then complete a probationary period as an officer or deputy before being allowed to apply for a special assignment such as SWAT. Probation averages six months to 18 months, depending on the agency. In large agencies such as the LAPD or the FBI, SWAT assignments are a full-time job. In small to mid-sized departments they are part-time assignments where officers train periodically and are not deployed frequently. Each agency has its own qualification requirements and application process for SWAT assignment. Most include excellent physical condition, discipline and a particular psychological profile. Marksmanship and weapons skills are taught after assignment. Your experience as a marine will help but it's not a requirement.
Thank you again for your service and good luck!
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QUESTION:
First, and to much to my regret, I have two DUI's on my record. I have not broken any laws since then except for one or two speeding tickets in the past five or so years. Between the ages of 18 and 20, I got into other trouble which resulted in minor misdemeanors. I was by no means a bad kid. I was just young and dumb and mixed up with the wrong crowd. Any kind of advice and help that I can get on my chances of becoming a law enforcement officer would be tremendously appreciated.
ANSWER from Dana Johnson on 3 September 2006:
You don't know unless you try!! When you apply to the department, relay what you just described in your email. Being upfront and honest, not to mention showing documentation, helps a lot!!!! Virginia Beach Police requirements allow a -4 on your drivers abstract. In lots of departments, they even allow some "minor" drug use such as marijuana. When I went through the process in 1981, I told the polygraph examiner that I tried marijuana, but did not like it. Being up front was good. I celebrated 25 years service on 1 September, 2006. Many departments are hurting for good quality people and can consider "overlooking" certain things. Showing that you have taken positive steps to be a better person can be a big plus!! Don't let anyone tell you that you can't qualify for a position unless it is someone doing the hiring process or in a letter of refusal from that agency. Good Luck!!!!!
Master Police Officer Dana Johnson
VBPD, First Pct
SRO- Kellam Knights
VA Beach, VA
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QUESTION:
I want to become a police detective when I get older and I was wondering if you need a degree in criminal justice and if so, what kind?
ANSWER from Chuck Magdalena on 16 September 2006:
Just about all police agencies in the U.S. today require their detectives to first be regular uniformed police officers or deputies. Once hired and trained at a police academy officers usually work for a year or so before moving on to detective assignments. Of course each agency has its own policies on assigning or promoting detectives/investigators. College degrees are usually not required but possessing a BA or even an AA certainly gives a police officer an edge over the competition when competing for assignment or promotion to detective. Good luck!
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QUESTION:
Why are ethics and character so important in the field of law enforcement?
ANSWER from Dana Johnson on 18 January 2007:
Without ethics to guide our conduct, we would be as low as the bad guys we arrest. The public puts us on a higher pedestal of performance due to our responsibility. So it's so important to always do the right thing. Even if others do not like what was done.
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QUESTION:
Do you feel that police are more ethical today, or were they more ethical ten years ago?
ANSWER from Dana Johnson on 18 January 2007:
Interesting question. It's hard to say. Most departments feel that they have become better at what we do and have set higher standards for their officers than 15 years ago. I would be of the opinion that departments have become more ethical and strive to have the best officers represent that agency.
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QUESTION:
Why do police officers become involved in misconduct?
ANSWER from Dana Johnson on 18 January 2007:
Unfortunately a few bad apples get through the system and do bad stuff (like burglary) within three years of being on the street. The temptation out there can be very overwhelming. They believe they are above the law and can do anything. When they get caught, it makes the entire department look bad.
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QUESTION:
Do you feel that there is enough training offered in ethics at the police academy level? If not, why is that?
ANSWER from Dana Johnson on 18 January 2007:
No. It boils down to the individual officer to follow the rules of the department and be the example of a good officer. All the extra training in the world, in some cases, will not change some individuals.
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QUESTION:
Should ethics training be offered as an on-going process for law enforcement officers?
ANSWER from Dana Johnson on 18 January 2007:
Yes! We in the Virginia Beach Police Department have ethics training updates every year. If constant reminders of how we are to conduct ourselves are not put out, we will fall apart.
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QUESTION:
Do you feel that education and/or training in ethics would reduce incidents of police corruption?
ANSWER from Dana Johnson on 18 January 2007:
Yes, there should be a fear of getting caught and the embarrassment the officer brings onto his/her department, themselves, and their family.
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QUESTION:
I am 27 years old and decided to go back to school and earn my Bachelor's in Criminal Justice, which has always been a passion of mine. I am trying to investigate what a day in the life as an officer can be like. I know each day is different, but just some general information would be outstanding.
ANSWER from Dana Johnson on 13 February 2007:
Interesting question. An officer/deputy can have a slow day, with a few calls for service. Or the first case they are assigned could be to the scene of a homicide or fatal traffic crash. An officer can just have started their shift, see a minor traffic violation and the stop turn into a subject wanted in another jurisdiction or someone who thinks the officer knows something about them and they decide to resist. Thus turning a "routine" traffic stop into a deadly encounter. One must be ready to deal with most anything, and have all the gear/paperwork they need so they do not have to return to headquarters or the precinct building for anything. Their police cruiser is a "rolling office". There is never a dull moment in this job, one never knows what is around they next corner!
Master Police Officer Dana Johnson
VA Beach Police, First Precinct
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