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If you have a sense for justice and want to maintain public order, prevent crime, and apprehend criminals in society, a career as a police officer could be the right fit for you. You will, however, need to participate in an intensive training program to prepare for the job.
In Boston, for example, police officers must go through a period of training at the police academy before going on their first assignments.
Police Academy Qualifications:
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ written police examination, which is administrated every two years
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Physical Agility Test
- Medical and psychological examinations
- Extensive background checks
There are other requirements to become a Boston Police Officer, such as:
- Be a resident of the city of Boston (for at least one year prior to taking the exam)
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have a valid Massachusetts driver’s license
- Have a high school diploma, GED certificate, or have previously served in the United States Armed Forces for at least 3 years
- Be at least 21 years old
Other states will have similar tests and requirements for joining their state’s police academy.
Once accepted into the Boston Police Academy, individuals undergo an intense six-month training program which covers:
- Physical Training
- Self Defense
- Defensive Driving
- Constitutional Law and Criminal Law
- Crisis Intervention/Conflict Resolution
- Patrol Procedures and Traffic Control
- Firearm Training
- Emergency Response and First Aid
- Domestic Violence, Racism, Civil Rights
Graduating from the Boston Police Academy and becoming a police officer has many benefits, including promotional opportunities, a full retirement plan, educational incentives, paid holidays, and a starting base salary of $46,000.
If you think you have what it takes to succeed in the field of law enforcement, check out a career as a police officer!
Source: City of Boston Police Department, www.cityofboston.gov/police/exam.asp, 2010
