To become a state police officer, you must meet certain physical, mental and educational criteria.The requirements vary from state to state.State police officers are referred to as highway patrol in some states.State police officers help local police with investigations and emergencies that extend beyond the boundaries of the local law enforcement agency.
Step 1: Be a US citizen.
United States citizens are required by all states to make up their police force.If you want to become a state police officer, you have to be a US citizen.Most states require that you reside in the state where the police department is located.A driver's license, a social security card, or a US passport can be used to provide proof of citizenship.You need a state driver's license to apply for the police force.
Step 2: It is necessary to meet the age requirements.
The minimum age for application to be a state police officer in most states is 21 years of age, although some states accept applicants as young as 18.If you reach your 40th birthday before completing basic police training, you will be disqualified from initial applicants.The age requirement varies from state to state.It's a good idea to check with your state police office.There are no maximum age requirements in some states.
Step 3: Be in good shape.
The minimum physical fitness requirement is met by most state police.Men and women may have different requirements.To meet physical condition requirements, you have to be able to do sit-ups, push-up, pull-Ups and running for a limited amount of time.Prior to applying to become a state police officer, physical fitness training is encouraged.It is possible that you will be required to have good dental health.
Step 4: Have good vision.
Uncorrected vision must be no more than 20.If you are color blind or have night blindness, you won't be able to work for the state police.To become a state police officer, you will have to pass a depth perception test.If you have corrective surgery to improve your vision, you may need to wait at least 6 months from the date of the surgery before training with the state police.Inform your recruitment office if you had surgery.
Step 5: You need to pass the hearing test.
If you want to work for the state police, you need to pass an audiometer screening.Uncorrected hearing is an example of the standards differing from state to state.Without hearing aids, it is possible to discern 25 decibels or better for pure tone stimulation.It is possible to hear speech at 25 decibels or better in a quiet area.In a noisy area, you need to be able to hear 90 percent or better speech discrimination.
Step 6: The requirements are complete.
High school graduates are accepted in some states while college degrees are required in others.GED is acceptable in some states.The more education you have, the more likely the agency is to look favorably on your application.Criminal justice is a preferred field of study.It is possible to become a state police officer if you have at least 2 years of responsible work experience and a degree from a community college.
Step 7: Personal appearance should be maintained.
State police have specific requirements for personal grooming.For males and females, hair must be kept short and not below the bottom of the uniform collar.Male applicants may need to be clean shaven.No mustaches or beards.Being a police officer requires you to wear clean, professional clothing at all times.You will have to keep your uniform clean and pressed as a police officer.Makeup is usually not allowed.
Step 8: Don't have body piercings.
Most states don't allow police officers to have tattoos or body piercings.There are implants to the head, neck, hands and arms.It is possible that wearing earrings while on duty is against the law.There are tattoos on the hands, wrists, arms, neck and head.
Step 9: Pass a criminal background check.
Most states don't allow prior convictions for state police candidates to be more than minor.You may be able to dismiss your application if you have convictions for drug use, reckless driving, or other offenses.If enough time has passed, you may be able to expunge certain criminal convictions.Check with your local statutes to find out if this is true in your state.Certain criminal convictions disqualify you from being a state police officer.
Step 10: Good moral character can be demonstrated.
Good moral character is required of police officers in addition to passing a criminal background check.disqualification can be based on a history of fraud, misrepresentation, dishonesty or deceit.This includes acts that might lead a reasonable person to believe there is a possibility of deception.Being able to become a police officer may be affected by other issues of conduct that negatively reflect on the individual's character.Specifics for your state may be different.You can talk to the Human Resources department at the state police recruitment center.
Step 11: You can submit an application.
You can request an application at your local recruitment center or download it from the state police website.Along with your contact information, you should also submit supporting documents.A copy of your birth certificate is one of the documents that can be used to prove citizenship.You can include documents that prove educational achievements, such as a copy of your high school diplomas or transcripts.Some educational requirements may be excused if you have served in the military.If you served in the military, you should include a copy of your DD-214.If you have a driver's license, you'll need to provide a copy of it.
Step 12: You have to pass the written tests.
A state police officer's ability in areas of common knowledge is assessed through written tests.You'll also be asked questions to assess your judgement, memory and observation skills, and understanding of human character.It's recommended that you read the news every day to prepare for the tests.Consider how the police handled situations found in the news.Multiple choice format written tests tend to be givenWhen taking this test, listen carefully and follow instructions.There will be a decrease in your score if there is an accidental error.
Step 13: You have to pass the physical tests.
The areas assessed by the fitness tests are the same in each state.A police officer needs to be able to do a certain number of push-ups.He must be able to run 1 2 miles (2 km) and 75 yards (68.6 m) within a certain period of time.If you are unable to perform any of these tests, you may not be able to serve as a state police officer.Most states require applicants to be able to shoot a gun with both hands.You may have to pass flexibility tests in some states.
Step 14: Take psychological evaluations.
Depending on the state, you can assume that you will be required to submit to multiple psychological tests administered by a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist or psychological assistant.You should dress like you are attending a job interview for your psychological appointment.Your appearance needs to be neat and professional.The tests may take several hours to complete.Answer the questions completely and honestly.If you lie during the application process, you may be charged with false representation.A polygraph may be a condition of your application.
Step 15: The state police training program needs to be completed.
State police training programs are required of nearly all states.The intensive residential program for new recruits combines physical training with classroom work.Some states require 22-26 weeks of attendance.The various areas of law enforcement as practiced in that state include tactics, laws of arrest, criminal procedures, search and seizure, emergency vehicle operations, first aid, verbal judo, computer science, firearms proficient, cultural diversity, and crisis intervention.Training candidates need to be willing and able to receive the vegetable.Receive shocks from the electronic control device.