How to Become a Cop in Nevada

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The state of Nevada currently has 4,470 sworn law enforcement officials working day and night to keep its residents safe. These sworn police and patrol officers are overseen by the Nevada Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training (POST), which defines the requirements for law enforcement and training certifications within the state.
For people looking to work in one of Nevada’s police departments, there are several options, such as the Henderson Police Department, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the North Las Vegas Police Department, the Sparks Police Department and the Reno Police Department, etc. The requirements to become a part of any of these departments vary. However, in general terms, the following requirements and steps for becoming a police officer in Nevada are applicable.

Requirements to Become a Police Officer in Nevada
How to Become a Police Officer in Nevada

Steps for Becoming a Police Officer in Nevada

To become a police officer in Nevada, you will need to follow certain steps. Generally, these will be on the following lines:

  1. Meet the minimum department requirements.
  1. Submit an official application for employment with the department.
  1. Pass the written exam.
  1. Meet with the Oral Board and pass their exam.
  1. Clear a physical fitness test.
  1. Undergo a background investigation.
  1. Complete employment testing.
  1. Attend a police training academy

Requirements to Become a Police Officer in Nevada

Before you begin the process of application, you will need to fulfill some basic requirements. These would typically be the following:

  • Candidates should be at least 21 years of age.
  • All applicants must be citizens of the US.
  • Candidates should have completed high school or an equivalent degree by the date of the written exam.
  • Applicants must not have any felony convictions and should not have been involved in the illegal sale or manufacturing of controlled substances.
  • Candidates should not have more than one DUI within the last five years or two DUI convictions in a lifetime.
  • Candidates should possess a valid state driver’s license at the time of application.

Specific police departments in the state might have their own additional requirements. You are advised to check the exact requirements of the department you are applying in on their official website.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Police Officer in Nevada?

Candidates applying to become police officers in Nevada need to be at least 21 years of age and should have completed their high school diploma or GED. Once these educational requirements are met, the application procedure can take a few weeks, and can even take months in some cases. You ought to keep an eye out for new positions available in the department of your choice. If you clear the application process, the basic law enforcement training lasts approximately 15 weeks, based on a 40-hour week.

How Much Does a Police Officer Make in Nevada?

According to May 2017 data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers made an annual mean income of $73,930, which is significantly higher than the national mean income of $64,490.

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