Become a Cop >> Browse Articles >> Career Resources
Joining the Force: Everything You Need to Know
PoliceLink
A career as a police officer is like no other. Ask any cop and they’ll tell you that it’s a way of life and they wouldn’t want to do anything else.
But do you really know what it takes to set yourself apart from the other candidates in the exceedingly fierce competition for your coveted law enforcement positions?
PoliceLink has pulled together some of law enforcement’s most well known individuals to provide you with the information you’ll need to set yourself apart from the competition.
10 Steps to Joining the Force
Get the basics on the different types of law enforcement careers, how to best prepare yourself, what to study, who to talk to and when to talk to them. Learn how to get your foot in the door and why an education will set you apart. Access the guide…
Recommended resources: Police Exam Study Guides, FBI & Cooper Standard Workouts
10 Steps to Joining the Force – For Military Service Members
Candidates with military service are highly sought after by law enforcement recruiters. Learn how to take advantage of your time in the military to best position yourself. This exclusive guide includes a special checklist to follow during your last year in the service. Access the guide…
Recommended resources: State Trooper & Highway Patrol Study Exam, Advanced Police Workouts, Military Workouts
LEO Career Profiles
Ever wonder what the different jobs are within police work, their specific requirements, and average salaries? We have put together career profiles on several of the most sought after positions, including: detectives, patrol, crime scene investigators (CSI), FBI agents / federal agents, and SWAT operators.
Recommended resources: Criminal Justice School Finder, PoliceLink Scholarship Finder, Which School is Right For You?
So You Wanna Be a Cop…
Written by a 30+ veteran of both big city and suburban law enforcement, this series will give you a true insider’s view of the pros and cons of a career in law enforcement. With an emphasis on the pre-employment interviews, polygraph, and application process, this series is a must read for everyone interested in a law enforcement career. Access the guide…
Recommended resources: Landing a Career in Law Enforcement




ami2old
2 days ago
18 comments
Interesting,however while I personaly know at least a 100 professional LEO's virtually none have more than a HS diploma learning their skills on the job.
Whereas this topic seems to want to point people in the direction of college,which indeed would be great for the very young candidate,and or one contemplating Federal/State LE work.
Otherwise a Great article.
DGC
11 days ago
4 comments
Excellent article for starting a career in law enforcement. I hope to be a reserve in the city in which I live as I am a bit old to start as an active full-time LEO. But if I have the chance, this is a great start to educate for the position.
facecrazy
29 days ago
2 comments
hey i wnna go into law inforcement aka become a plicw officer i have a very good attuide for that and im avery storng lady can i be 18?? im planing on going to tecnical school for it will i have a good chance in that school to become one of you guys? ansd is it hard and what kind of book smart you need to know see i really didnt atend school that much so im really behind??
opunia
about 1 month ago
2 comments
i'm in Ghana how can join force.i'm interest in it.i want to know if i'm qualified?
Jophes
2 months ago
354 comments
Very good stuff. It is very helpful.
alvinray
2 months ago
2 comments
many are called but the chosen are few. I raelly feel as if I'm chosen to protect and serve inspite of my size.
BLUENITE
3 months ago
76 comments
THANK YOU.........MUCH TO MEDITATE ON
Eladio08
4 months ago
10 comments
good information, everyone should listen it can help you in the long run.
scottsppd
5 months ago
688 comments
Very good and listen to this.
scottsppd
5 months ago
688 comments
Very good and listen to this.
jacksond
5 months ago
670 comments
good info for all
Wolvarine
5 months ago
7872 comments
Very Good...
tpatrickr
5 months ago
274 comments
I wish this had been around while I was making my decisions.
opal_armygirl1
5 months ago
360 comments
i want to become a correcinel officer
Sgtaircop_one
5 months ago
140 comments
very good information for those who want to wear the badge