Do you have the urge to save people in distress or take feasible measures to safeguard the interest of the civilians at the time of crisis? If you have answered these questions in the affirmative, then obtaining a degree in public safety and security would pave the way for a bright career for you.

Terrorism, politically motivated riots, wars, accidents and natural disasters have made it imperative to revise current public safety measures. These events have thus made the study of Public Safety even more necessary in United States. There is growing demand for trained professionals in the field of Public safety and security. Many young aspirants are joining this noble profession in huge numbers and are undoubtedly the future heroes of the American nation.

Whenever there is a catastrophe, it is but natural for people to get panicky and worsen the situation. Though immediate paramedical help and rescuers reach the spot to save lives of the people, most of time it is too late for some to survive the ordeal. This calls for a greater number of people to join public safety services.

With the ever increasing problem of population explosion, sudden adverse situations such as earthquakes are bound to endanger the lives of people especially in congested cosmopolitan cities. It’s high time that current disaster management systems are improvised to suit to the current needs of the society at large. This calls for setting of advanced technology in relation to response systems and command systems. Rescue teams and agencies have to develop effective measures to cope with the changing demands.

The U.S. government has invested huge sum in creating new agencies at different levels which are committed to deliver using well trained quick task forces.

This career is quite a challenging field. If you wish to join these services, obtaining recognized public safety degrees, public security degrees or public safety and security degrees from a reputable institute, college or school could give a boost to your career.

Here is a list of some universities, colleges and schools catering to courses in public safety and public security:

1. Walden University – offers Doctorate Program in Public Policy, Public Administration.
2. Capella University provides Masters Degree in Public Safety Leadership and Emergency Management
3. University of Maryland provides online Bachelors degree in the course of Emergency Management.
4. Bellevue University – provides both Bachelors and Masters degree in Security Management.

Public Security Degrees obtained from online mode of education are also called as public safety degrees. You have the option to go in for Bachelors or Masters online programs. These programs have theory and practical papers on public safety ethics, leadership, social leadership and crisis management. Online mode of securing public security degrees is quite popular among working professionals in the U.S.

Becoming a police officer may be a life long dream or a goal made as an adult because of an experience that prompted interest in the criminal justice career.  It is an ideal career for people who are detailed oriented, physically fit, enjoy challenge and diversity in their daily routine, can think on their feet, have good communication skills and a strong sense of duty and responsibility.  When researching on how to become a police officer, it is wise to know that you will have to take part in demanding police officer training and tests.

How to Become a Police Officer

Becoming a police officer is not always easy, but with careful planning, determination, and self-discipline a criminal justice career as a police officer is attainable.  There are a number of things that can be done to make you a competitive candidate for police officer job openings.

• Education: First, graduate from high school with good grades in math, science, phys ed, computer science, English, and psychology if it is offered. It is also an added asset if you can converse in Spanish or a second language common to the area. Next, graduate from college with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice or Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice – work hard and get the best grades you can. Your grades and other positive strengths will help you go to the top of the interview list.
• Moral life style: Make the right choices, stay out of trouble, and participate in community organizations such as the fire or first aid departments, little league,  and scouting to exhibit your good character and interest in people – especially youth. Remember, as a police officer you will be a role model and a representative of your community 24/7. Background checks will be made. You must have lead a clean life to become a police officer.
• Know the area: Familiarize yourself with the town or city with the opening for police officer, including the layout, ethnic diversity, and politics. You’ll also need to know who’s who in the department, the size, how shifts are run, and expectations of the department’s members.
• Related experience: Many people interested in becoming a police officer first work as a police dispatcher. It is a great way to learn codes, terminology, procedures, and other skills needed first hand…and a foot in the door.

Police Officer Training

Because the job market for becoming a police officer is highly competitive, there are several ways you can train to become a police officer to give you an edge over the next candidate.

• Police Academy Training: If your state allows it, before you are hired attend a police academy and finish near the top of your class – at your own expense.  The duration of the police officer training at the academy is for three months and includes everything a rookie officer needs to know. At the police academy, you will be instructed in firearms, traffic control, investigation of accidents and crimes, first aid, and high speed driving, among other skills needed to learn how to become a police officer.
• Physical Training: Visit the gym several times a week to stay physically fit. You will be tested in agility, strength, and stamina. It is recommended you develop a police physical training program before you enter the police academy. While you are at it, maintain a healthy diet, too. The healthier you look at your interview, the better the impression you will make.

Police Officer Tests

There are many forms of police officer tests to be taken before you are hired.

• Civil Service Test: Buy a study guide at your local book store or you may even be able to find one at your local library. The study guide for the police officer test will give you samples similar to the civil service test you must pass and tips to help you be successful.
• To become a police officer, you most likely be required to take other forms of police officer tests, such as a lie detector test, physical exam including vision and drug tests, and a psychological test in addition to a civil service test which includes a written portion. Tests and other requirements may vary from department to department and level of law enforcement you are applying for. You will also definitely have to participate in an oral interview.

If you plan ahead, make the right life style choices, and stay mentally and physically fit, you will have a good chance of becoming a police officer.