One factor that draws individuals toward a career as police officers is the promotion opportunities. With the right education and training, becoming a police officer can be the first step in a long, rewarding professional journey.  

Earning an advanced degree in criminal justice can benefit police officers seeking promotion opportunities, helping them strengthen their understanding of criminal justice policies and develop the practical skills to level up their careers. Find out how to become a police officer and research police officer promotion and advancement opportunities to further your career in criminal justice.  

How to Become a Police Officer 

Education and training requirements for police officers may vary based on jurisdiction, as well as a candidate’s career plans. However, below are the typical education, training and assessment requirements necessary to join the police force. 

Education Requirements 

Police officer candidates must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and they typically must also graduate from a police academy, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Some departments require candidates to complete additional college coursework or a criminal justice bachelor’s degree program to provide them with a baseline understanding of legal policies and practices.  

Training and Assessment Requirements 

Common training for police officer candidates includes police academy coursework covering constitutional, state and local laws; civil rights; and law enforcement ethics. Becoming a police officer also involves learning patrol, traffic control, first aid and emergency response, and self-defense. Police officer candidates typically must also undergo a medical examination to assess their vision, hearing and physical endurance to ensure that they meet department standards. 

Age Requirements 

A candidate applying to become a police officer must be at least 21 years old, according to the BLS. For those who don’t meet the age requirement, some departments offer cadet programs. These programs allow individuals 18 years old and older to gain experience by completing clerical work and classes until they’re eligible to apply for a position on the force. 

How to Advance Your Career as a Police Officer 

For many, becoming a police officer is just the beginning of their professional journeys. However, many officers may not know how to bridge the criminal justice skills gap between entry-level and more senior roles. Those interested in police officer promotion opportunities often seek additional training or education to qualify for higher-level positions.  

Earn an Advanced Degree 

One way to advance a career as a police officer is to complete a master’s degree in criminal justice program. An advanced degree demonstrates a commitment to the field and is commonly required for law enforcement leadership roles. 

Complete Additional Training 

Another way to advance a career in law enforcement is to complete training beyond what is required to become a police officer. Certifications that officers can obtain to expand their expertise in the field include the following: 

• Certified Law Enforcement Analyst: This certification requires candidates to earn 100 points, as set by the International Association of Crime Analysts, based on education, work history, memberships, publications and other factors. The CLEA exam consists of 380 questions and must be completed within four hours. 

• Court and Judicial Security Certification: This certification, offered by the National Sheriffs’ Association, requires two days of training that addresses best court security practices.  

• Physical Security Certification: This certification focuses on physical security standards, planning and implementation. It’s helpful for officers hoping to work with the U.S. Department of Defense and other security-related roles. The certification is part of the department’s Security Professional Education Development Certification Program, which aims to standardize competencies in physical security. Officers with relevant experience, education and a clear background are eligible to pursue the certification. 

Police Officer Promotion Opportunities 

Career advancement can differ based on an officer’s professional goals and additional education and training, but an advanced degree can always be beneficial. 

Brian W. Donavant, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work and Sociology at Southeast Missouri State University, is proud of the work the university has done to make high-level positions more accessible. He says, “The faculty and I reconfigured our master’s degree in criminal justice to fit those working adult professionals who are moving into leadership and executive positions.”  

Consider some police officer promotion opportunities worth pursuing. 

Police Sergeant 

Police sergeants are experienced officers who serve as police department supervisors. They are tasked with ensuring that their officers follow proper procedures and policies while on duty.  

Sergeants may assist officers with complex crime scenes and legal reports. Due to the managerial nature of this position, becoming a police sergeant may require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in criminal justice.  

Police Detective 

Police detectives research and seek evidence to solve criminal cases. They commonly engage with other law enforcement, emergency personnel and the public. Their responsibilities include the following: 

• Interview crime witnesses 

• Issue warrants and apprehend suspects 

• Maintain detailed reports of case progress to present in court 

Correctional Administrator 

Police officers can advance into various correctional administration positions. These roles can involve managing correctional officers in prisons, speaking with the press, representing the prison in litigation, and outlining policies and objectives for staff. Jobs in correctional administration include: 

• Correctional sergeant 

• Correctional captain 

• Assistant warden 

• Chief deputy warden 

• Warden 

Security Director 

A police officer can apply their understanding of legal policy to a career as a security director. Security directors help keep organizations safe by overseeing physical, digital and facility security. Experience in law enforcement can help an individual fulfill these leadership roles. 

Security directors may also lead educational initiatives to ensure that the members of their organization are well versed in best security practices and measures. They often collaborate with federal, state and local advisory groups to monitor the latest security threats, directives and events.  

Advance Your Career in Law Enforcement at Southeast Missouri State University 

Law enforcement can be an engaging, fulfilling long-term career. With the right education, training and experience, officers can step into senior and management positions. SEMO Online’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice makes working toward high-level roles in law enforcement flexible and feasible.  

Our program applies your existing training and experience toward your degree, helping you earn a master’s degree in as little as 12 months. SEMO Online also offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program for those looking to become police officers. 

Explore SEMO Online’s criminal justice programs today to find out how they can give you the power to achieve your academic and professional goals.  

Recommended Readings 

Sources: 

Center for Development of Security Excellence, Eligibility and Prerequisites 
Center for Development of Security Excellence, Physical Security Certification (PSC) 
Indeed, “Learn About Being a Detective” 
Indeed, “9 Law Enforcement Certifications to Advance Your Career” 
International Association of Crime Analysts, Certified Law Enforcement Analyst (CLEA) 
National Sheriffs’ Association, Court Security Training 
Police1, “4 Critical Elements of Professional Growth and Development in Law Enforcement” 
Salary.com, Security Director 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Police and Detectives

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