Becoming a police officer

What the police hiring process actually involves, how long the academy and field training take before a recruit works patrol alone, and what officers wish they had known before applying.

• Is it hard to become a police officer? Yes, it's demanding, but doable with preparation.
• How long does the police academy take, start to first shift on your own? About 6 to 9 months, start to solo shift.
• What do police officers wish they'd known before applying? The job is mostly paperwork and waiting, not action.

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