1. Police Officer

2. Minimum Requirements Not less than 18 years United States Citizen High School Graduate or GED No Prior Felony Convictions Good Moral Character Valid Drivers License Good Physical Condition

3. But….it ain’t that easy…. Position Openings can be scarce Most PD’s are looking for someone with life experience Most, if not all, PD’s require an Associate Degree, preferably an Bachelors Degree Even misdemeanor convictions can be grounds for disqualification Most PD’s are looking for pre- service candidates PD’s hiring processes can be lengthily Start Planning Now….

4. How does one begin the processes? Strive to achieve high grades in High School Apply and plan for at least an Associate Degree – a Bachelors degree is even better Stay out of trouble – even minor things, although not fatal, can hurt you Apply and attend a certified Police Academy Out of pocket expense of $6,000 - $7,000 15 Weeks of training Now you can start applying for jobs

5. The application process…. Competitive Testing – oftentimes hundreds of applicants apply for 1 or 2 openings Only candidates within the 5 percentile usually progress Background questioner – usually 20 – 25 pages Oral Interview(s) – a panel of 3-5 seasoned officers and representative from Human Resource Background Investigation(s) – assigned to seasoned investigator. This process can take weeks, perhaps months to complete Physiological Examination – conducted by a Certified Police Psychologist Chief’s Interview – a one on one with the Chief of Police

6. Now you’re a police officer…

7. Now the real testing comes… Extensive orientation period – in some cases 1 month 70 training days in the Field Training Program you will work all three shifts you will be evaluated daily you will meet with the sergeant every week One year probationary period

8. For the first 5 years or so…. Most Officers spend their time in the patrol division Respond to calls for police assistance Write reports Learn and perfect patrol techniques Traffic Enforcement

9. The job positions are varied and you can easily find one to fit your personality: Field Training Officer Traffic Safety/Accident Investigations Crime Scene Investigations Juvenile Officer Narcotics Investigations Specialized Patrol/Surveillance School Resource Officer Intelligence Criminal Investigations Community Policing Officer Crime Prevention Officer SWAT/Hostage Negotiator K-9 Patrol/Duties Promotional Opportunities and Management

11. Is it worth it? Starting pay is around $35,000 – top pay around $60,000 – average of $49,720 Each Department has individual benefit package. Most include: Overtime pay for over 8 hours and/or 40 hours Paid vacation Compensatory Time Medical and Dental insurance provided 401 Savings/Deferred Comp Programs Retirement package – this is under attack It is a 24/7 operation Work all three shifts Days, Afternoons, Midnights. Also, Weekends and Holidays Causes increased stress on family life and relationships Police officers have a higher chance for: High blood pressure, Heart problems Insomnia Higher cholesterol levels Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Suicide Among the top 5 dangerous jobs in America – so far this year, in the United States, 58 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty – 2 in Michigan

12. In my opinion… Being a Police Officer is the most fascinating profession in the world It offers a sincere opportunity to help fellow human beings and help society as a whole – one police officer can make a significant difference Every day is different – as you will see human beings at their best and their worst. You will see triumph and tragedy – oftentimes in the same day or the same hour You won’t get rich – drive Mercedes, have a second home in the Hamptons or travel to Europe every month, but the job is deeply satisfying knowing that you made a difference

13. Should I become a Police Officer? If all you want is a paycheck. Then the job is not going to pay enough. If all you want is to wear a uniform, exercise power, and be respected; you will be very disappointed when you find the uniform uncomfortable, the power very limited, and the respect still has to be earned. If you want to actually make a difference in your community, to change a person's life, to save a person's life, to have the chance to work with some true heroes..., then you will not find any job other than police work as satisfying.

14. Some good web sites http://www.careerpoliceofficer.com/ http://www.helium.com/items/586552-career- choices-becoming-a-police-officer http://www.helium.com/items/586552-career- choices-becoming-a-police-officer http://www.police-officer- pages.com/becomingapoliceofficer.html http://www.police-officer- pages.com/becomingapoliceofficer.html http://howdoibecomea.com/how-to-become-a- police-officer http://howdoibecomea.com/how-to-become-a- police-officer http://www.policeoracle.com/careers/how_to_bec ome_a_police_officer_how_to_prepare.html http://www.policeoracle.com/careers/how_to_bec ome_a_police_officer_how_to_prepare.html

15. Questions?