Links for Education and Exams - Police or Detective - Criminal Justice - LibGuides at Hope International University

How To Become a Police Officer or Detective

The education typically required to enter the occupation ranges from a high school diploma to a college degree. Most police and detectives must graduate from their agency’s training academy before completing a period of on-the-job training. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, usually at least 21 years old, and able to meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications. A felony conviction or drug use may disqualify a candidate. *

Similar Occupations to Lawyers from Occupational Outlook Handbook
A searchable list of similar occupations.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Police and Detectives,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm#tab-8 (visited February 07, 2023).

Training OR Educational Opportunities

California Highway Patrol Academy
The purpose of this program is to prepare applicants and their families for success during the hiring process, the Academy, and throughout their careers. The Applicant Preparation Program (APP) will familiarize CHP applicants with the standards and expectations of the Department, as well as provide preparation and guidance in the areas of physical fitness, Academy preparation, and ensuring families are aware of what to expect while their loved one is at the Academy and beyond.
California Department of Justice Special Agent
Special Agents are dedicated to enhancing the safety and reducing the vulnerability of all citizens, residents and visitors within the state of California. Take the first step in making a positive difference in the lives of every day Californians as a Special Agent for the California Department of Justice, today. Special Agents with the California Department of Justice are peace officers pursuant to California Penal Code section 830.1(b) whose authority extends to any place in the state where a public offense has been committed.
Basic Training Academies of California (POST)
The POST-certified Regular Basic Course (basic academy) is the training standard for police officers, deputy sheriffs, school district police officers, district attorney investigators, as well as a few other classifications of peace officers. The basic academy is both physically and mentally challenging. It includes a minimum of 664 hours of POST-developed training and testing in 42 separate areas of instruction called Learning Domains. Most POST-certified basic training academies exceed the 664 hour minimum by 200 or more hours with some academies presenting over 1000 hours of training and testing.