QUALIFICATIONS FOR A
CAREER IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
Because the qualifications for
law enforcement careers may differ among agencies, and at
the various levels of government, applicants are advised to
check with individual agencies concerning specific hiring
qualifications and the agency’s selection process. Many
qualifications are set by law (i.e. California Government
Code) and by special government agencies (i.e. California
Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, or
P.O.S.T.). Some application and/or employment
qualifications/traits are listed as required while others
are listed as being desirable. The following are examples
of some of the more standard qualifications/traits used for
law enforcement positions.
Age
Must be 21 years of age at entry into the police academy. However, applicants may be able to take the written test if age 20 ½ on the written test date.Education
Graduation from a U.S. high school, G.E.D. or equivalent from a U.S. institution, or a California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate is required. Many agencies require college education, and even a two-year or a four-year college degree from an accredited U.S. institution.Citizenship and Birth Certificate
Must be a United States citizen, or if a non-citizen then a permanent resident alien who, in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is eligible and has applied for citizenship. During the selection process, each non-citizen is required to prove that USCIS accepted his/her application for citizenship prior to the date the Police Officer written test was taken. California State law requires that citizenship be granted within three years after the employment application date. For information regarding citizenship requirements, contact the USCIS. You must also have your birth certificate.
No Felony Convictions
Persons with a felony conviction cannot be police officers.Misdemeanors with Firearm Disqualification
Must be eligible to possess and carry firearms. Persons with criminal convictions (or any other lawful reason) that may prohibit them from possessing and carrying firearms, including misdemeanor convictions that have a firearm prohibition, are not eligible for hire.Drivers License and Driving History
Possess a valid California Class “C” license, and have a satisfactory driving record.Residency
while many agencies do not require that applicants reside in their jurisdiction to apply or work for that agency, others do have a residency requirement as an application or working condition.Physical and Mental Health
Must possess good physical condition and mental health, as determined by a physical performance test, a medical examination (including vision and hearing tests), and a psychological examination.Honesty and Truthfulness
Most agencies will require passing a polygraph examination (lie detector test) that will focus on the applicant’s past behavior. Applicants that attempt to lie, falsify, minimize, misrepresent, or omit any matter of inquiry will be confronted about the matter, and may be disqualified from further consideration. Remember, honesty is always the best policy, regardless of the consequences.Background Investigation
Law enforcement officers are commissioned with a public trust and are held to a high level of duty, accountability, and responsibility. Such character traits of ethical and moral behavior, good character, honesty and integrity, and good judgment are of the utmost importance and are consistent with the profession of law enforcement.One of the most reliable methods of predicting future behavior is to examine past behavior. Applicants can expect to undergo an intensive background investigation of current and past behavior which will be scrutinized extremely closely. Its purpose is to determine the applicant’s suitability for the position, and to help assess the applicant’s likelihood of success in doing the job. Applicants with a history of behavior that is contrary to required and/or desirable attributes will not be hired.
A background investigation will include, but is not limited to, the following areas of inquiry:
- Personal Characteristics - Maturity, independence, responsibility, indebtedness, degree of financial obligations, commitment, motivation, dependability, integrity, credibility.
- Skills - Communication skills (verbal and written), observational skills (remembering details, recognizing signals indicating a wrong or suspicious situation), interpersonal skills, etc. You must be able to speak and write using good English and grammar skills.
- Abilities: Ability to problem- solve, ability to comprehend and retain factual information, ability to make effective and logical decisions while under pressure, ability to demon- strate physical coordination, stamina, and agility.
- Your past behavior and the choices you have made must demonstrate positive traits that will support your candidacy for the position, and that reflect favorably on your character. You must have a history of lawful conduct.
- You must possess high standards of honesty, integrity, character, and responsibility, as demonstrated by your dealings with individuals and organizations throughout your life. Falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting any information on any document, or during the selection process, will be closely scrutinized and taken into consideration as to your suitability. The best advice is to be completely candid and forthright with all information at all times.
- You must respect the rights of all people and have an appreciation for the diversity that characterizes the make up of our country’s diverse populations. A history of domestic violence, physical altercations, rage, uncontrolled temper, or any discourteous, abusive, or violent treatment of others may indicate a lack of self-discipline, unwillingness or inability to cooperate, or a disregard for the rights of others.
- You must have a history of making responsible choices in your life, including those regarding the use of drugs and alcohol. Be prepared to answer those questions and to explain the choices you have made. Serious or recent drug/alcohol users will usually not be considered for hire.
- Your employment and military (if applicable) histories must demonstrate the motivation and success-orientation needed to succeed as a law enforcement officer.
- Your financial history (credit check) and driving history (DMV check) must demonstrate responsible decisions and appropriate behavior.
- Your fingerprints will be taken and run through state and federal databases for a criminal history check.
- The background investigators will most likely make thorough checks with your spouse(s) and relatives, significant others, friends, neighbors, employers (supervisors, peers, and subordinates, and other contacts (such as your high school teachers, college professors, counselors, and classmates).
- Your high school and college transcripts AND official school records will be checked for grades, absences & tardies, accomplishments, disciplinary actions, and other relevant information.
P.O.S.T. Basic Police Academy
Applicants will be expected to successfully pass the rigorous police academy (minimum of 664 hours, but some academies exceed 1,000 hours of training). Candidates must excel at learning and retention of vast amounts of information. The academy will test your classroom skills and your physical skills. You must be up to the challenge. Develop yourself in these areas. Also, agencies often recruit unaffiliated candidates right from the academies. An option would be to put yourself through the police academy, so that you are ready for immediate hire by an agency.Minimum Qualifications
Be aware that meeting the minimum acceptable application requirements does not automatically make the applicant a “desirable candidate” for employment. Minimum requirements are those that are deemed minimally necessary to apply for the position. Agencies will be seeking the very best and most qualified candidates for hiring, and will be looking for much more than those that minimally just meet the minimum qualifications.A Final Word
To be selected for a career in law enforcement, as well as for most other areas of criminal justice, you must have several things working for you. First, you must have:- Passion - You have to desire it with all you have inside of you!
- Talent - You must have the natural skills, abilities, and talent to do the job!
- Background - You will be held accountable for the way you’ve lived your life!
A wise person once said that “luck” is what happens when preparation and opportunity meet. Will YOU be ready when opportunity knocks? It is up to YOU to be prepared to be the BEST you can if you want to be a successful candidate for employment in Law Enforcement.
Steve Aurilio, Professor of Criminal Justice