In 2022, most officers need an associates, at minimum, to be hired. So, when you take in an additional two years (minimum) and add to that the academy, the background checks, the oral interview and drug test…along with the mandatory continuing education requirement, for life (something hairdressers don’t have as well), it’s not even close. And what you fail to realize, is that once they graduate from the academy, they still must go through an 18-24 month probationary period where they can still lose their job and are working one on one with a trained officer. A person cutting hair, can cut hair by herself without any supervision, day one after getting her diploma.