So you think, "Gee I would like to be a cop." It looks like so much fun on TV. Well from personal experience here is what I know.

Like most jobs the best way to find information is to go to the website of the specific organization you would like to join. Most will have a link on how to get hiring information. When I applied I was in California so I will give the rundown on that process.

First I contacted their recruiting section via the link on the website. They asked me a few qualifying questions: Age, education, and of course criminal record. Once satisfactory answers were given I was scheduled to take the POST exam. You can get plenty of info on the web about that test as well as some practice test for free from the state website.

After you take the POST you wait about 4 to 6 weeks, you will be notified if you failed or if you passed.  If you passed you get a follow on interview. They don't tell you your score. The follow on interview is like any other business interview you need a suit and tie and groom to impress.

At this point they will tell you what type of position you are being considered for i.e. Courthouse, jail, or patrol. Age can be a factor in this as well as qualifications.   Most places will not consider anyone under 21 for a patrol position.  After you have been in the courthouse or jail for a couple of years you can request transfer to patrol.

You will provide extensive background information (I do mean extensive: birth certificate, military discharge papers, and any and all divorce decrees, and marriage certificates) and take a lie detector test. If all that is a go they will schedule you for a class date at an academy and off you will go. Hope that covers it for anyone concerned

 TMG