What Should I Know Before Pursuing a Career as a Police Officer?

LAPD officer Jack Richter educates us on the process of becoming a police officer. We learn of the rigorous training and thorough background check required of aspiring police officers. Jack gives some examples of what the police academy will consider of the student officers, both physical and mental.

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[fitya]

Well, I have 21 years on the job, in busy city, Im 42. A few things
1. Don't expect to get rich. 2. Be prepared to be scrutinized on everything you do. Everyone else thinks they know your job better then you do.
3. You will be a different person in 10 years.
4. You WILL get injured on the job in one way or another.
5. Stay in shape, its a great way to relieve stress and and to stay healthy.
6. Stress is huge, never hesitate to talk about your issues with other Coppers. You have to vent now and then.
7. Were human too, you will make mistakes, just alway put officer safety#1
8. Treat people with respect, you never know who your talking to.
9. Never judge people by their background or skin color. Im white and my best partner hands down was a big black guy, we were like Crockett and Tubbs.
10. Your not saving the world, don't think when your off duty the city is going to crumble, enjoy your off time.

And always stay safe, stay positive, stay in shape and put in for every training thats available. Oh yea one more thing, if you can go Federal, better pay, benefits and you an travel a lot.

[esalas]

I’m in high school currently. My father is a police officer and I have always wanted to help others. I think this is the job for me!

[isaivaldez]

i watch this cause i want to become a police officer

[skullcandyeveryone]

One to a thousand... Ive seen some outa shape cops..

[niagra]

You should know: You won't be home for holidays, barbecues, your kids birthday party's.You should know- though you will save life, take life and perhaps give your own, you cannot control this.You should know you will sit in a crowded room and feel alone-we do not have the luxury of sheep.You should know as a police officer you're closer to jail than you've ever been.Finally-be safe, let your instincts prevail..watch people's hands, eyes and words cannot hurt you.Stay tactical, stay alert and stay alive.God Bless.

[starfox]

It's good that supervisors and recruiters are really honest about the process. Straight forward

[MichaelSmith-jwqw]

application for LAPD is 27 pages long, you need five good references, and they check out everything you say

[edwright]

Thanks Jack, great video. Never done the FTO gig and I am so happy, thanks for your service; especially with the rookies

[jamescowan]

I guess I should say what I tell others. Being a police officer isn't just a career, it consumes you and you simply are a police officer forever, even when you retire the cop in you never leaves because that is who you are, not just what you are. You are subject to numerous tests, written tests, oral interviews where you are intimidated, physical fitness tests, psychological tests, lie detector tests, doctor exam and IF you pass the academy you go through all that again and put on at least a one year-18 month probation. If you don't make it do not feel bad. Many people don't and in fact we released many people who just were clearly not assertive enough or there as back up when needed...it truly is a calling. Remember, as people run out of buildings because of robbery, burglary or someone out of control, your instinct will tell you to run in and eliminate the threat as others run out for their lives. You realize you put a vest on before duty, I took that time to also pray for direction and safety so I could come home to my kids. It is everything only more than you think it may be. Good friends on the force but not many friends that are not police. You will find that you only trust other officers and they trust you. It is a life changing career and you come home each day feeling exhausted because you don't ever have time to not pay attention to what is happening around you or fellow officers... In all though, If you are single it could be a good job. If you are married or plan to be, date for a couple of years. The stress effects not just you but everyone in your house.

[livefast]

Kids can make it from highschool to the academy, but it's very rare that a kid from highschool will have sufficient life experience, involvement in their community and dealing with people, maturity and carrying themselves like an adult with a cool head and understanding of human nature, as well as a deep desperation to put all of their chips in to this basket in being a cop. That's what police forces are looking for; physically fit yes, desire to be a cop yes, but personality, life experience, work experience, are you willing to put all of your chips in to the cop basket? Are you willing to wait years (potentially) to get accepted in to the academy and to improve yourself in all areas constantly in order to do so? That's what it takes.

[theangrypotato]

ever since I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a detective or work in a police force and I’m looking I to it and this is very useful thank you 😊

[Wrzckless]

I'm still in high school and my dream is to be a police officer in Minnesota or North Dakota.

[PalavraVivaUSA]

Subscribed! I enjoyed every second of this video. Thank you !!

[thundergirls]

I will go through academy before my 30. My friend just started to work and she is 40. the older the better for police work. my husband is a sergeant and SWAT

[jessethao]

This is useful for me to know and I’m very determined to become a police officer or sheriffs deputy in the future. I don’t have any life experience yet and that’s why I’m going into the Navy to learn things and see the world. Hopefully, I do work towards a bachelor while I’m in the Navy.

[joshanderson]

About the first thing he said... you do not have to be 21. In some states, yes, but it depends on the department. For example, the Florida Highway Patrol, Miami Dade PD allow you to be a cop at 19, one of a fee depts in FL. In my state, you can be a part time cop at 18/19, and full time at 20/21. In Pittsburgh, PA, you can be a cop at 18. You just have to have the proper credentials, such as a certain amount of college credits or graduate from a police academy and be certified (which you can do at 18)

[armanimckoy]

im so high right now. how did i end up on this video?

[berlin]

I’m 13 years old and when I grow up I want to be a police officer or cop

[hakeemkazni]

Very informational. One the best police hiring informative videos out there.

[ashcunningham]

You protect and serve the public not just for lights this is a really serious job.