How to become a cop is perhaps what you have asked yourself. But how much do you know about what a cop really does. We interviewed a real cop to give you some idea.
This particular cop does very dangerous, undercover work. So we will not reveal his true identity in order to protect him.
We first asked him for a little background information, so we could show you where he started and how he got to where he is now.
I am twenty nine years old, from the Chicago area. After growing up in the suburbs, I went to college in the Midwest. I returned to Chicago after graduation. I then got married and settled down in a nine to five job.
We then asked him why he chose to become a cop.
How to become a cop is not difficult when what you are doing makes you feel you are in a rut. I was working for an advertising agency and found myself bored and frustrated. I did not feel the work I was dedicating my life to was meaningful. I decided to look around and find something that would challenge me and help me to grow as a person.
What is the process you faced in becoming a cop?
A degree in Law or Criminology would help. Having a good education would attract attention from a lot of departments within the police force, but I would not say it is absolutely necessary.
Was it tough going through the Police Academy?
Once you have submitted your application to the department, just wait. They will do a thorough background check on you and once done they will call you in to do a physical test. I ran an obstacle course. Then, you wait again. They will call you in to do a polygraph test to double check your background. Later they call you back for an interview and eventually they let you know whether you qualify to enter the Academy. It is a very long process. Once you are at the Academy you begin classes in Constitutional law, counselling victims and so on. Then there is the physical side like handling weapons, arresting suspects. The whole course is very tiring and stressful. If you make it through the Academy, you begin as a rookie, where you work hand in hand with a training officer. In the field, you are constantly tested to see how you handle all situations, like murders, rapes, and stabbings and so on. After a while, if the training officer is happy you can handle yourself in any situation, you are accepted as a cop.
We asked him how to become a cop in a specialised unit and what benefits were there to doing so.
Working in a specialised unit like SWAT for example, requires additional training. It does not translate to an increase in pay. The cops do it because they enjoy that type of work. The same applies to the cops that specialise in homicides.
How do cops move up the hierarchy?
Well, time is an element, after five years and after doing the necessary studying, you can get promoted up the ladder. The more you study the higher you can go and there is of course increases in pay with every promotion.
Is family life affected by the work?
The nature of the work and especially the hours taken from normal family life, make it extremely tough to maintain a normal relationship. A lot of marriages fail, but there are those that do manage.
How to become a cop and live the cop life is complex and demanding, but it is a rewarding lifestyle. Are YOU up for it?