The Skills and Training Needed to Be a Peace Officer

By: Kenneth Echie | Oct 13 2008 | 551 words | 1592 hits

Whether you are looking for a new career or you have always been interested in becoming a peace officer, it is important to know that there are a lot of things that you need to be aware of. Although many different things fall under the heading of peace officer, most people consider that the term peace officer is fairly interchangeable with that of police. But the truth is that the term can be used on a number of different positions.

For instance, while the term refers to police, sheriffs, under sheriffs and their deputies, it may also refer to state highway patrol, park rangers, some members of the department of motor vehicles and deputy coroners. With this in mind, you should know there is a certain amount of training and skills that you need to take on the job of peace officer.

For the most part, the skills and training that you will need to be a peace officer will vary from state to state. While some areas only allow those who are 21 and up to be hired, you may also find that there are law enforcement departments that allow the hire of individuals who are 19 years old and up. You will need to be a citizen of the United States, and you also need to have a record that is clear of felony convictions and serious misdemeanor convictions. In addition, your record needs to be clear of alcohol driving violations and serious driving incidents.

In terms of schooling, the requirement is usually a high school diploma or some equivalent amount of certification. Other than that, you need to complete a training course in a law enforcement training academy or attend a criminal justice school.

The above schooling requirements vary from state to state and these requirements might change as well. Every state has certain different procedures that they will have you undergo, and if you are looking to make sure that you get signed on, you will need to inquire as to what your local requirements might be.

When you are considering the skills that you need to be a peace officer, you will come to know that maintaining a minimum level of fitness is essential, as well as an ability to react coolly in the face of pressure. While actually drawing a gun or needing to use it are infrequent in the career of a peace officer, you will find that keeping a level head and knowing how to deal with people is quite important. Before you get involved with the profession, it may be wise to take an aptitude test as well.

When you are looking to see if you have the skills and training that are necessary to become a peace officer, you will find that there is a lot to know. Take some time and make sure that you are aware of what needs to happen and what you need to do in order get this particular job! You need to visit websites that cover the peace officer career in more detail.

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Copywrite Kenneth Echie. Kenneth writes for Criminal Justice Schools. Get free scholarship report and learn to become a Peace Officer by visiting.

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