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California has one of the most rigorous selection procedures for their police officers. The California POST permits applicants to enroll in the academy at their own expense without going through the application process, but remember that it is costly.

Guidelines in becoming a police officer in California

1. Fulfill all of the requirements.

- Must be no less than 18 years old even though some divisions could have a higher age prerequisite.

- Applicants should have U.S. citizenship.

- Will need to have a high school diploma or GED.

- Needs to carry out all reading and writing examination.

- Must not have any misdemeanor or felony violations.

- Will need to have a valid California driving permit.

- Complete all of the mental and health care tests.

- Accomplish the background review.

2. Be mindful of open houses, these kinds of functions are good for potential appliers to educate themselves with regards to the police academy, the standards, benefits and exam schedules.

3. Once you select an agency that suits you, send out the necessary paperwork. Verify and take notice if you should complete the basic police academy training curriculum or not. A number of agencies can get applicants straight up and then transfer them to their academy. Therefore validate with the department you're signing up to.

4. Be prepared for the written assessment. Check with the organization you are considering whether or not they've got obtainable study materials. These are helpful study resources which helps you get prepared for the test. When not obtainable in the department, you can purchase study materials on the web, this can be described as a worthy investment.

5. Sustain your physical fitness as you prepare for the physical agility test likewise known as the PAT. This obstacle course is designed to imitate actual situations that will evaluate an individuals explosiveness, decision making, and overall health and conditioning.

6. Right after finishing the PAT, prepare for the oral interview and take on the oral board. The oral board is often a group of law enforcement officers who'll further evaluate your problem resolving and interaction abilities that will assist them in determining if you're fit to do the job.

7. When you finally finish each of the examinations - actual physical exam, pre-employment written assessment along with the PAT. You will undergo more testing - a polygraph or the lie detector test, a psychological check-up and a background examination. It's the final phase which will allow the police chief to know if the person is competent to be a part of the academy.

8. Competent applicants goes through a demanding training program in the police academy which often takes six months, during this period they'll be in probationary or non-sworn in standing by which they won't possess police power. Whenever an officer successfully finishes the academy education, they will be officially sworn in to be a police officer.