When we’re young we spend a great deal of time dreaming about our future careers. Perhaps your sister may have wondered how to be a doctor, your brother may have wondered how to be a policeman, while you may have wondered how to be a teacher.

As you got older, you may have adjusted your plans. You may have had to drop some career aspirations completely (that whole superhero idea is difficult to achieve). But some careers aspirations can be realized. You need to do your research so you know what background you’ll need to secure the type of career you desire.

For instance, if you or someone you know still wants to become a police officer, your first step is to do some research. The requirements for police officers vary between cities, states, and countries. What you need to be accepted on the police force in one city you may not need to be accepted in a different city.

Many cities in the United States require that police officer candidates have at least some college. This requirement may be that they have completed 60 hours or more of college, and during that time, they maintained at least a C average. If the candidates don’t have college backgrounds, some cities will still accept them if they have spent time in the military. Naturally, the candidates will need to have been honorably discharged.

In addition, most departments require that you pass a physical agility test. You need endurance and agility to be a police officer. Along these lines, your weight should be proportional to your height. Since police officers often have to run after suspects and in some cases have to subdue the suspects, it’s important that you be healthy and in great physical shape. You don’t want to become winded if you have to chase someone.

As far as your own past goes, most forces allow you to have had one or two tickets. You can’t have felony convictions or certain types of misdemeanor convictions. Most police departments require that you have a valid driver’s license and insurance. You also need to have a stable employment background and will need to pass a credit check.

Many community colleges offer two-year programs for police officer training. These programs enable you to meet the 60-hour requirement. They also can help you prepare for the physical endurance and agility portions of your test. Check with your local community college to see if the program is something that interests you.

Becoming a police officer takes dedication and perseverance. But if your dream has always been to work in law enforcement, then you should pursue this dream. Check with local police departments to see what their requirements are. You may be surprised that in as little as a couple of years, you can qualify to become a police officer.