At police academy, cadets receive in-classroom and field instruction on handling firearms and conducting investigations.
Just like all members of police departments around the country, Fresno police officers respond to general calls for service, conduct criminal investigations and resolve citizen disputes. While it is amongst the most dangerous professions, a career as a police officer can be particularly rewarding for those who wish to fulfill a civic duty to give back to their community. In Fresno, candidates, upon completing some college coursework, may enroll in the police training academy. Successful completion of this program will lead to promotion to the rank of police officer.
Instructions
1. Graduate from high school with a diploma or GED, and meet the department-wide requirements: you must be at least 18 years old and in possession of a valid California driver's license. Furthermore, you should have a clean criminal record.
2. Receive a degree (associate's or bachelor's) from an accredited college or university. While not necessarily a prerequisite, a degree in hand will widen your future job prospects. Most police candidates major in criminology or a criminal justice-related field. Additionally, you should take courses in psychology, sociology and Spanish.
3. Apply to be a police cadet by visiting the city's personnel services website (see Resource) and filling out an application online. As a cadet, you may be assigned to clerical duties or field patrol, where you will learn respond to calls, write reports and generally interact with the public.
4. Gain experience by volunteering with the Fresno Police Department, or even working on a security detail. A number of other volunteer opportunities are available, including Volunteers in Police Service, Citizens on Patrol and the Community Emergency Response Team.
5. Apply for Basic Police Academy, which is located at Fresno City College. Candidates must submit applications for both the FCC and Peace Officer Academy (see References). Furthermore, applicants must pass the Peace Officer Standards and Training English exam and physical agility test, and complete an interview. Applicants must have proof of passing a physical with an EKG printout, a valid California driver's license, a Department of Motor Vehicles printout and a clearance from the Department of Justice to possess firearms.
Fresno City College
1101 E. University Ave.
Fresno, CA 93741
559-442-4600
6. Graduate from police training academy, which includes classroom instruction on state and federal laws, firearms training and physical conditioning. Upon graduating from the academy, you will earn the designation of police officer recruit.
7. Complete at least 16 weeks of on-the-job training under the supervision of a police training officer, applying the lessons you learned in the academy to the field. Following a probationary period, you will be elevated to the rank of police officer in the FPD. You must then await assignment in one of the city's precincts as vacancies open up.
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