Now Completing training through a government-approved police academy or training program. Hong Kong has very specifically outlined requirements to become a police officer. She is passionate about creating quality resources that empower others to improve their lives through education. Also, many other countries require officers to have a university degree - or equivalent - before joining the police, but in the US most forces just require the equivalent of a high-school diploma. medical health, psychological fitness, background review, and an oral Often, a high school diploma is the highest form of education required to enroll in the academy. Does the program have a high success rate? Its an all-around degree that acts as a stepping stone if you want a bachelors degree. The United States has quite a range of diverse requirements for each state. Why Become a Police Officer? More info, By Callie Malvik The requirements for this step will vary substantially depending on the state in which you plan on becoming a police officer. External links provided on rasmussen.edu are for reference only. Stories about how InTime helps agencies run better. In some states its possible to do an associates degree in Policing, which will extend the time it takes before being in uniform, but its not requisite. Some states do not require their officers to be college-educated, even if they may prefer it. Complete elementary requirements (valid driver's license, at least 18 or 21 years old, clean criminal record) Complete a biennial associate degree (It's highly competitive but not a requisite). If you have military training, theres a likelihood of getting employed and gaining the chance to learn unmatched expertise in the field. That is far less than in most other developed countries, according to a report by the Institute for Criminal Justice Training Reform (ICJTR). About 1,000 people a year are killed by police officers in the US, according to an independent project that tracks police violence. Many countries have much longer programs of training before they send their recruits into the field. Once you are accepted, though, it will take another 36 weeks of probationary training at the Hong Kong Police College (HKPC).