What training and education does a police officer need?

You usually just need somewhere around 40 and 60 college credits, but they prefer you have a degree. The degree doesn't really matter, but they do like criminal justice, business, and public admin. degress.
21 years of age (altho a FEW agencies will hire younger) - high school graduate or GED equivelant (SOME agencies will require college) - ability to pass a physical agility test - ability to pass a medical screening - ability to pass a psychological screening test - ability to pass a criminal history and DMV background check - (SOME agencies) the ability to pass a polygraph/lie detector test - you must successfully complete either agency required or state-mandated certification - and successful completion of a probationary period (usually one year).