So you want to be a cop, walk a beat, and protect your fellow citizens from harm. Way to do your civic duty! If you meet the necessary age and background requirements, you may be ready to learn how to become a police officer.

Whether it was the first time you watched Law & Order, a police officer you remember from childhood who's served as a role model ever since, or you simply have a love for performing public service, wanting to become a police officer is a noble goal. It is also one that will require quite a bit of patience throughout a lengthy application process.

Though not everyone can become a police officer, if you've done well in high school, are in good physical condition and can pass a series of tests (including a background check), you're in a terrific position to apply for a job that will likely be as rewarding as it is demanding.

• Though you'll need to check with the police force you wish to apply with to determine their exact education requirements, here are a few requirements that hold true for most departments.

1. Most police forces require prospective officers to have a high school degree (or GED equivalent), and many may want to see coursework in criminal justice at the undergraduate level.http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/company-industry-research/how-to-become-a-police-officer/article.aspxx
2. A period of active military duty may fulfill the education requirement, though the required length of time may vary from police force to police force.http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/recruiting/becoming.asp
3. Some police forces, such as the LAPD, require you to be 21 years of age at the start of service (though you may begin the application process sooner).http://www.joinlapd.com/qualifications.html
4. The NYPD will not take applicants over the age of 35, unless they have served in the military, in which case applicants may deduct up to six years from the age requirement.http://www.nypdrecruit.com/NYPD_FrequentlyAskedQuestions.aspx
5. Because it can take some time, once you know you wish to apply to become a police officer you should obtain all your transcripts from high school, college, vocational school, or copies of your record from any military service.

Applying for a job as a police officer isn't quite the same as walking into your nearest Starbucks and putting on an apron. You'll need to jump through a few hoops before you can get into the academy and earn a badge. Remember 30-year police veteran Deputy Bob Cooley's admonition that becoming an officer is not just a game of "cops and robbers." As you go through the process, and you'll realize how important these steps are.http://policelink.monster.com/benefits/articles/8745

• NOTE: Before you apply, research the type of cases your prospective department handles. While all police officers help maintain law and order, a sheriff's deputy will have different duties than a rookie cop in a big metropolis.http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/dayInLife.asp?careerID=120

• If you've made bad choices in the past that have resulted in legal action, an arrest, or a blemish on your character, you may not be accepted by the police force.

1. Leading up to your application to become a police officer, be sure to use common sense. Anything you do that is morally (or legally) questionable can be grounds for disqualification during the application process.
2. In general, these are the actions that will disqualify you from police work: http://www.joinlapd.com/qualifications.html
   • • A conviction for which you served one or more years in prison
     • Repeated convictions that show a disrespect for the law
     • Dishonorable discharge from the U.S. armed forces
     • A conviction for domestic violence
     • Irresponsible choices regarding drugs and/or alcohol
     • Any red flags within your financial or driving records, such as multiple traffic violationshttp://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/company-industry-research/how-to-become-a-police-officer/article.aspx
   • Note that standards vary between departments and regions.
3. Get a copy of your driving record from the DMV to determine if you've had multiple violations that may jeopardize your application.
   • If you see anything that seems incorrect, now is the time to question your record.
4. Many police forces have a no smoking policy, so if you are a smoker, now is the time to kick the habit!http://policelink.monster.com/benefits/articles/8745
5. You will also want to dig deep and make sure that becoming a police officer is really what you want, and can handle.
6. Then, try contacting your local police station to ask if they have what's called a "ride-along program," in which you'll spend a day or more with an officer to get a better sense of what the job is really like.

• If you've determined you're qualified and ready to become a police officer, it's time to start the application process.

1. You'll want to go to the police department for which you plan to apply and obtain an application, preferably more than one in case you make errors.
2. You will likely need to submit a photograph as well as your fingerprints as part of your application.http://policelink.monster.com/benefits/articles/8748

• Most police departments will require you to take a written exam covering various questions. Check with your local department to determine what will be covered.

1. Obtain a study guide if one exists for the examination in your area.
2. Take time to review it carefully, quizzing yourself and taking any practice exams that are available.
3. Be sure to find out if you need to pre-register online and what the date of the upcoming exam will be.

Almost every police department will require some kind of physical fitness test, as well. Prepare for it well ahead of time, and be ready for a few other tests, too.http://policelink.monster.com/benefits/articles/8751

You'll need to have a psychological examination before you can become a police officer. You will likely need to disclose prior treatment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and any other episodes for which you have been hospitalized.http://policelink.monster.com/benefits/articles/8756-part-9---psychologocial-exam-background-check-and-the-final-interview

FInally, be prepared to take a polygraph, or lie detector test as part of the application process. This will be administered by a professional polygraph expert, who will go over the questions with you just before the test commences to make sure that your answers match. Do not take any medications on the day of the test, and dress in a comfortable manner.http://policelink.monster.com/benefits/articles/8754-part-7---the-polygraph-examination

As with most other jobs, you will need to participate in an interview before you will be hired. Dress to impress, and act as honest and professional as possible. Try to answer questions relatively quickly, so it does not appear that you are trying to think of a lie.http://policelink.monster.com/benefits/articles/8752-part-6---the-pre-employment-interview

• Once you've passed the tests, it will be time to start your real training and go to police academy. It'll be harder than the movie, but also more rewarding. And surviving the application process means you're well on your way to successfully training at the academy, proving that you have what it takes to patrol the streets. And if you have the patience, mental strength and physical ability to become a police officer, it can be one of the most rewarding, albeit stressful, professions you can choose. Good luck!