How long do you have to stay in school be a police?

There's no single answer to how long you need to be in school to become a police officer. Requirements vary significantly by location (state, county, city). Generally, you'll need at least a high school diploma or GED, but many departments prefer or require some college education, sometimes a specific associate's or bachelor's degree.

Beyond general education, you'll also need to complete a police academy training program, which is typically a several-month-long, intensive course covering law, procedures, tactics, and firearms.

In short: High school is the minimum, but a college degree or more advanced education may be required or highly preferred, and then there's mandatory police academy training.