Police Officers in Nevada are often compared with the characters on CSI. However, police work can be very different from what’s shown on television or movie screens. No matter what your image, good, honest, hardworking police officers are needed across Nevada. If you find yourself interested in becoming one, you need to follow the designated process for application. Your first step should involve making sure that you can fulfill the requirements (listed below) to apply. If someone meets the minimum requirements they may apply to a department or for a specific open position. Some cities in Nevada require applicants to attend a recruitment seminar which gives information about the hiring process. Applicants also must fill out a personal history questionnaire. The rest of the application process looks like the lengthy process that is explained on the homepage.
Nevada Requirements for Police Officers
The minimum requirements in the state of Nevada for those wishing to apply as a Nevada police officer are:
- Obtain a GED or earn a high school diploma
- No prior felony convictions
- Have no more than one DUI
- Have no domestic violence convictions
- Be a United States citizen
- Have no visible tattoos, branding or jewelry on duty
- Be at least 21
- Must have 20/20 vision (corrected or uncorrected)
Police Officer Salary Information for Nevada
The average Nevada patrol officer salary is around 65,700 a year. This is above the national average and is a large incentive to serve as an officer in Nevada. Officers working in rural areas of Nevada make, on average, 55,000 a year. Higher ranking officers, such as those who work as detectives or Nevada criminal investigators make more, with an average of 73,400 a year. Supervisors can make more than 96,800 a year. There is always room for improvement in salary by serving for many years in good standing and by achieving promotions. Also, those with a higher level of education can make more than those without.
Law Enforcement Degrees at Schools in Nevada
Even though Nevada does not require any college credits prior to applying to the police force, it may be a good idea to equip yourself with a degree for several reasons. One reason is that having earned a law enforcement related degree in preparation for law enforcement application may give you an advantage over other applicants who do not have degrees. Also, as with other jobs, having a college degree can increase the pay you would begin working at. This is a definite bonus as well.
- College of Southern Nevada
6375 W Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146
702-651-5000
- Everest College
170 N Stephanie Street, Suite 145, Henderson, NV 89074
702-567-1920
- Great Basin College
1500 College Parkway, Elko, NV 89801
775-738-8493
- ITT Technical Institute
2300 Corporate Circle, Suite 100, Henderson, NV 89074
802-558-5404
- Kaplan College
3535 W Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89102
702-368-2338
- Nevada State College
1125 Nevada State Drive, Henderson, NV 89002
702-992-2000
- Truckee Meadows Community College
7000 Dandini Blvd., Reno, NV 89512
775-673-7111
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas
4505 South Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89154
702-895-3011
- Western Nevada College
2201 West College Parkway, Carson City, NV 89703
775-445-3000