How do you become a Police Officer in Pennsylvania?

If you need college or not depends on what police department you want to work for. It won't improve your chances, but you can still become a police officer if you've been charged with underage drinking in the past. In PA, most police departments require you to complete the police academy (Act 120 Training) on your own before they will hire you. Some (mostly larger) police departments in PA will hire you, and then send you to the academy. You can become a police officer with some departments without a college degree. Some departments require applicants to have college, and some do not. You should get a college degree though. Most departments that don't require applicants to have a degree, prefer them to. Having a degree could also help you get promoted after you become a police officer. There are 21 police academies in PA that you can attend on your own without being hired by a department. There are 5 other police academies that only accept students that have been hired by a department. Most of the academies are run by or through colleges or universities. The cost of the training varies, but the average cost is between $3000.00 and $4000.00. Best of luck!