Kayla, I would recommend that you go to college and get a degree in criminal justice. If you are intrested in working for a larger agency you will most likely need at least a two if not a four year degree. Portland PD was only hiring 4 year degrees, I think they will now accept 2 year degrees. Vancouver PD will hire w/o having a degree, but pays you less than those that have degrees. Once you are hired by an agency they send you to the police academy which for Washington, is located in Seattle, actually Des Moines. You will be in the academy for 6 months, some departments like Seattle PD have additional training they put on for their new hires after the academy.
I started out as a reserve for my PD however, some agencies have discontinued their reserve programs. It's a good way to see if you really want to be a police officer. I don't know how old you are but most require you to be at least 21 to enter a reserve program.
Hope this helps.
I started out as a reserve for my PD however, some agencies have discontinued their reserve programs. It's a good way to see if you really want to be a police officer. I don't know how old you are but most require you to be at least 21 to enter a reserve program.
Hope this helps.
