Age Of an officer!

[CopKid2525]

Just a quick question to all, I'm a College student who lives in the Massachusetts area and I want to become a law enforcement officer. I an 20 yrs old and a sophomore in college. I am having real problems with paying for college and i'm applying to LE Departments in the New England area. The problem is I'm only 20. I guess my real question is seeing that i'm only 20, do i have any kind of shot of becoming an officer in the next few years, or do i still have a while to go?

[TTRAIN222]

I live in CT and as far as I know as long as you are 20 years and 6 months old you can begin taking police exams. This is so by the time you graduate the academy you will be at least 21 years old. Now that is the minimum age, the question that you seem to be asking - if you will get hired- it depends on the person, are you mature and educated enough to get though the testing process? I would recommend taking tests as soon and as much as you can, because the more you take, the better you will get.

Best Wishes,
Steve

[Duprey]

Hey there. I am also 20 years old, and I am a female. A few weeks ago I started the Police Academy at BCC in Florida. When I went through my background investigation, I was told about scholarships that people never apply for. I went out, and filled out about seven applications. I received two scholarships for school and that has helped me out a lot! You have to look around.
There are scholarships, loans, grants that are available but many people don't know about them. If there is a local joblinks program in your area, you might want to check there. I don't know how much your tuition was, but mine was a good chunk of money. The scholarships covered more than half of it for me! Other places you can look for financial aid would be local police departments, some of the recruits in my class are actually being paid by agencies here to go to the academy, and are guaranteed jobs there when they are finished. Two recruits are driving the police cars to the academy every day. If the academy there is through a college, check the financial aid office, mine gave me a stack of applications to fill out. There is also a recruit in my class who received aid from his job, and that was at an auto parts store. So you really do have to just look around and ask people. Talk to them about your situation and see if they know anyone who can help you! Good luck!
Don't let age discourage you. The second week of class I underwent surgery on my back, now I am back in the classes after making up the hours and going strong. Almost everyone has been supportive towards me. There are always going to be a few people who think we are too young for law enforcement, but then again, I would rather be too young, than too old :)
I wish you the best of luck... Keep me posted on your situation. If you need anything feel free to e-mail me ldduprey@aol.com
Duprey

[CustomsCop]

In Pa. and NJ you can be a cop at 18. Most agencies however require you to be 21. the only reason behind this si that the state law for certification at the pay your way through academies require you tobe at least 18 and have an HS diploma or GED.

In Florida, you have to be 19 to be a police officer or deputy sheriff.

[PearlOnyx]

Don't be discouraged, because it is possible. Another guy and myself are 21, and we are going through the Academy in Massachusetts right now. You just have to show that you really have your act together and are more mature than our age may suggest. Good Luck!

[CopKid2525]

Thanks for the replies, at least now i know that there are 20, 21 yr olds out there as PO's. But as for now it keep schoolin and filling out the apps and taking the tests!