Q&A for How to Become a Police Officer in Florida

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What are important qualities of a police officer?

Saul Jaeger, MS
Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department
Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018.

Saul Jaeger, MS

Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department

Expert Answer

A police officer needs to have strong communication skills, but they don't have to be huge extroverts, either. You'll be out with people and have to interact with them, so there's a level of interpersonal communication that has to happen.

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Question

How do I find a police training academy in Florida?

Community Answer

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has a list online.

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Question

How old is too old to be a police officer?

Community Answer

It isn't about how old you are, it's about how physically fit you are. If you're 60, but you pass the BAT and any other physical/mental acuity tests, you can join a police force.

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Question

Can I become a police officer at age 43?

Community Answer

Yes. There's no maximum age. You can become a police officer as long as you pass the required physical and mental tests.

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Is good credit a requirement to become a police officer?

Community Answer

No, it is not.

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Can I become a police officer with a high school certificate of completion?

Callen Aldrich

Community Answer

No, you can't be a police officer without having a GED or High School Diploma.

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Can I still become an officer without a diploma or GED?

Community Answer

No, you will need at least your GED to apply.

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How much does it cost to attend the police academy?

Community Answer

The costs usually total less than $5,000, and some police departments will reimburse a percentage of that tuition upon employment.

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Question

At what age can I enter a police academy?

Community Answer

While most agencies require you to be 21 by academy graduation date, some take cadets as young as 18.

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Question

I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I become a police officer in Florida?

Community Answer

No. State law does not allow it.

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What is the maximum age at which I can become a police officer?

Callen Aldrich

Community Answer

There's no maximum age. You can become a police officer as long as you can pass the required physical and mental tests.

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If I have a misdemeanor on my record, can I still become a police officer?

Community Answer

It depends on your state and the exact misdemeanor, but misdemeanor convictions, especially if they are more than five years old, do not typically disqualify someone from becoming a police officer.

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Question

How long does it take to become a police officer?

Community Answer

The length of time required to complete academy training averaged 19 weeks, as of 2006, according to Bureau of Justice Statistics.

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Question

How do I become a police officer in Florida?

Community Answer

Follow the instructions listed in the article above.

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Do I have to be tased in order to be permitted to carry a taser as an officer?

Community Answer

It's up to each department to decide whether they want to make this a mandatory part of training. Many do require it so that officers do not use their tasers unnecessarily.

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Do I need a college degree to become a police officer in Florida?

Community Answer

No, you just need to be a high school graduate. Many people do 4 years at a college or in the military, though. Police departments like this because you are more qualified, and they'll even pay better.

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Can a medical record disqualify a police officer candidate in Florida?

Community Answer

If it affects you in the field. Contact your department for the specifics.

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Question

Can I be a police officer in Florida if I have tattoos?

Community Answer

Tattoos are a matter of departmental policy. Some allow them and some don't. Some allow them only in areas that can not be seen. Some departments require them to be covered. You'll need to contact them directly to find out what the requirements are.

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Question

Can I be a police officer if I have tattoos on my right arm?

Spaceship

Community Answer

If the tattoos are covered by the uniform, then it should be okay. However, this depends on your police department’s tattoo policy, so contact them first.

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Question

What happens if I don’t have a degree?

Spaceship

Community Answer

You will have a harder time obtaining a position on the police force if you don’t have a degree. Most county police departments require applicants to have an associate or bachelors degree.

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