Hey, I'm writing a short story for a class. It is about a guy who finally becomes a cop after previously failing. I've been doing research, but if anyone might know better---What is the final step to becoming a cop? As in the final test that one has to take or something. Also are there limits to how many times you can apply? Any info anyone has on officer training would be helpful. Thanks.
This is just a guess based on what I've read/seen about cops, and I'm writing in terms of the UK which may or may not be relevant. I'd say you'd have to attend a police academy to start with and then it would depend on what areas of policing your character is going into, so traffic cop, community support, etc. There will be exams for sure, which you'd have to pass to get into the police force. I'd guess this and passing some sort of skills based exercises would be the final step to getting the 'badge', after which you'd go into whatever department where you'd receive specialist training. Really hope that was a bit of help, or pointed you in the right direction. As I said, don't hold me to any of these facts. Oh, and I've just remembered, at the beginning of the film 'Hot Fuzz', one officer's route to becoming a policeman is described, though I don't know how accurate it is. Have a watch if you can.
