How to Prepare for a Career in Law Enforcement?

A career in law enforcement can be personally and financially rewarding. You can choose to work in local law enforcement as a police officer, or in federal law enforcement as an FBI agent. Both types of law enforcement positions have stringent requirements. The testing process includes a written examination, physical fitness test, and often a polygraph test. Not only that, but a thorough background and credit check will be done.

1. Obtain your high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED). This is a requirement for every type of law enforcement position.

2. Pursue a college education. While not every law enforcement position requires this, most require at least a two year degree. Many of the positions, especially federal jobs, require a four year bachelor’s degree.

3. Research the desired skills and abilities for your desired position. If you are applying for a position with a government agency that requires experience as a police officer, consider starting with that instead.

4. Get into Excellent physical shape. Not only will you need to be in top physical form to pass the physical fitness test, you will need to stay in shape to handle the rigors of the job itself. Most law enforcement positions are physically and emotionally demanding. Maintaining your health and fitness will benefit you on the job.

5. Clean up your credit. When applying for a law enforcement position, the agency will very likely run a credit check. Bad credit could be used against you. Do what you can to pay your debts, and remove any mistakes on your record. Be prepared to explain the reasons behind your poor credit.

6. Become proficient in a foreign language. This will not only help you when getting hired, but it is beneficial on the job. Spanish is probably the best one to learn for a law enforcement career. Begin studying the foreign language in high school and throughout college if possible.

7. Take part in internships. This will not only give you an idea of the duties that you will be taking part in daily, but you will also make contacts and meet people in the law enforcement field.