The academy requirements for becoming a law enforcement, police officer or cop is simply a high school degree or an equivalent GED. Your best chances of landing a job and beginning your career as a police officer is to finish graduating high school or attaining a GED degree.

When it comes to advanced education, a college degree is necessary for career paths such as going into the FBI, DEA or working for Homeland security. This demands a 4 year college experience. It is recommended the major be in criminal justice or pre-law.

Further schooling requirements for becoming a police officer is going to police academy. This is also known as cop school. You will need to register at your state for a P.O.S.T. before applying or getting accepted to police academy.

During police academy, you will be tested on various strategies such as past drug and alcohol use, criminal records, physical fitness, mental fitness and overall health before you can graduate. You will take courses to help you overcome challenges and problems you meet in real life law enforcement. There will be classes in criminal justice that you might take.

Courses in criminal justice include but are not limited to criminal justice, humanities, ethics, police organization, administration, leadership development, analytic reasoning, and communications.

The qualities officers must have are common sense, respect and sense for and of their community, intelligence, mindful of their environment, the courage to make smart decisions when necessary and when to hold back and stay calm, be educated, stay grounded and be realistic about the career field they are in. For those inspired to pursue a career in criminal justice enforcement; the financial and job security are well in place. More importantly, the kickback and personal reward of helping people, saving lives, and keeping the community safe when stressful or dangerous situations arise.