The best way to prepare to be a police officer?

In what way should I go about in becoming a police officer?

• Okay, so I have always wanted to be a police officer and now am finally at that point where I will do what I can to fill that dream. I have been for years now ( I am 26) stuck in this corporate cubical job where I have been lucky to have but I feel as of lately more that I want to be a officer. I have been feeling miserable in this type of work for a while now and truly feel it is not meant for me. I should be using my skills and what I feel I am really made for to protect and serve as it is said. I went on a few ride-a-longs with officers to get a feel for the job and I really did love it. It was exciting. So anyways, my question is should I go through a academy, start school for criminal justice or just wait and watch for civil service tests in surrounding area police departments? The officers I have rode with suggested for me to just watch the internet and newspapers to see who is offering the test, but I am afraid that could take forever. I am not sure what decision to make now when I want to make the right one and not waste more time doing something I hate. Thank you to whoever, if you give me a legit and useful opinion.

• Answer:

  Sorry to put it this way, but with cities cutting back on services it will be tough to find one that requires no experience.