Part of Lesson Plan: The Police Officer - The Application & Hiring Process

Activity Overview / Details

Personal Preparation:

If you are thinking of going into law enforcement and you are still in high school, classes in language arts, communications, mathematics, computer technology, physical education, foreign languages, social sciences, government and criminal justice such as are provided by ROP would be of benefit. To find an ROP program near you, go to the California Association of Regional Occupational Centers and Programs Web site.

Working for a law enforcement agency as a student assistant or intern is a good way to gain valuable experience.

After high school there are colleges with degree programs in the Administration of Justice. The classes mirror aspects of the academy. Applicants with college degrees are desired by police departments, but the degrees do not necessarily have to be in the Administration of Justice. Taking those courses however does make handling those subjects in the academy that much easier.

Also, it is possible to find police academies that accept students who pay their own way. You can attend an academy before you become hired as an officer. Some cities want their applicants to have already completed the academy before they are hired.

Assignment:

Go online and locate three colleges or universities that offer degrees in the Administration of Justice. Write down the names of the institutions, where they are located, what the tuition is, and what kind of degrees are offered. For example, a community college might offer an Associate of Arts Degree. A four year institution would offer a Bachelor's degree.

Find an academy online that accepts self-funded students. List the name of the academy, its location, and the cost.