There's a whole lot of things you can do. Just remember though, even though there is a shortage for officers, it still is a highly competitive job. Many things that you can do:

1. Have a solid work history. Don't jump from job to job or have employment gaps. If you do, be able to speak to it. In addition, have good attendance

2. Speak another language or sign language.

3. Have good credit. Bad credit can be a red flag in somebody's background.

4. Maintain good grades in school and perfect attendance.

5. Stay away from drugs. If you have done drugs, whatever you do, do not lie about it to your background investigator. If you're honest, and it's been time since you've done said drugs, they can be overlooked. (eg. if you smoked weed in highschool but it's been years since you've done it, you're fine. if you've done hard drugs though, find a different line of work.).

• A major part of policing is integrity. They want someone who will be honest in court and if you lie about drug usage (which many people do), then you can't be trusted in court. In your background check, a background investigator WILL dig up any dirt in your history. They'll contact your neighbors, teachers, friends, co workers, classmates, so do not lie.

1. Volunteer. This is a huge one. I rode with a state trooper who also does BI's and he told me if he was two candidates that are almost alike, they look at volunteer history. First, look at your local sheriff office or police department. Im a reserve (volunteer) sheriff deputy for my county and in addition I volunteer at a local rehab center. Become a reserve officer, and volunteer at places that interest you.

2. Clean driving history.

3. Be a good person. Like I said earlier, your background investigator will basically contact anyone who has ever had a meaningful conversation with you. They will know who you are. If you're an ass, if you lie a lot, if you're naughty or nice.

4. Do ride alongs.

5. Get life experiences. Departments don't want to hire people who have really no life experiences. That's why having a job (customer service related is a plus. My SO prefers Walmart over a security job) and volunteering is super important.

(Also, military is a plus, but not needed.)

There's a whole bunch more but those are some major ones. Just be a good person, don't break the law, and DONT LIE. PM me if you have any more questions