Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Just wondering those who go to college or those that are out. If i go to a police academy is there anything out there on a part time bases that i can use these skill. the town ill be in college for is a pretty small town. Any ideas would be awesome.

Just wondering those who go to college or those that are out. If i go to a police academy is there anything out there on a part time bases that i can use these skill. the town ill be in college for is a pretty small town. Any ideas would be awesome.

I'm not sure I understand your question. Please use correct grammar.

Basically are there any LE jobs out there that i can do part time while in college. Sorry on the internet i don't read over my writing.

You could be a Reserve officer in you area or possible a security guard at your school. That is if you school has college students as security guards. Also, you could become a CSO for a department that would pay for some of your college.

During college I just try to enjoy school and maybe do a couple of ride alongs. The way I look at it the rest of my life I will be a police officer. So, what is the rush? Enjoy College.

Ryan, I was in the same boat as you not too long ago. I looked very hard, with no success.

The sworn positions are very difficult to work around a school schedule too.

Since I was unsuccessful, I am trying to become a RA. It's not LE but it is a job that shows a lot of responsibility (if you do what your supposed to). Just a suggestion.

Ryan, I was in the same boat as you not too long ago. I looked very hard, with no success.

The sworn positions are very difficult to work around a school schedule too.

Since I was unsuccessful, I am trying to become a RA. It's not LE but it is a job that shows a lot of responsibility (if you do what your supposed to). Just a suggestion.So ... since you weren't able to work as a police officer while attending school, you decided to give up trying and pursue something else?

Do medical students change their major because they can't work as a doctor while going to school?

Do architects pursue a different career, because they can't design buildings while going to school?

Usually, you go to school first, to earn the background that HELPS you get a job in your field of choice.

Am I missing something?

Are you attending the academy first, and then continuing on with your college course work? My suggestion would have been to get your degree and then to attend the academy, that way you would be fresh out of the academy if/when you get hired on with a department. Here in California your Academy Certificate has a time limit, and if you go past that time without getting hired on you have to take a test to renew it.

If you want or need to work while attending school, and are looking for something that will help you to develop skills that will translate over into law enforcement; any job where you deal with people would be good. Working at a 7-11, a gas station, or even Micky D's would give you a lot of customer service training.

If you have your heart set on something law enforcement related then check to see if you college has a work study program linked up to their Campus Police or Security or try to get something in Loss Prevention.

Another option if you don't need to get paid, is to do some volunteer work for your local police department. No matter what job you take, be sure to maintain a good work record. Good luck.

Thanks for the options guys. I have two years left. to get my CJ degree and ill be turning 21 in a few months. I guess ill go down there this summer and go ask around.

So ... since you weren't able to work as a police officer while attending school, you decided to give up trying and pursue something else?


Yes, I decided to pursue a different Part-time job until I graduate.


Usually, you go to school first, to earn the background that HELPS you get a job in your field of choice.

Am I missing something?

Obviously. This isn't about starting your career while in college, it's about a getting a part time job to last until graduation.

Usually, you go to school first, to earn the background that HELPS you get a job in your field of choice.

Am I missing something?Obviously. This isn't about starting your career while in college, it's about a getting a part time job to last until graduation.

I have to agree with this. I have a frat brother who is working as a campus police officer at my undergrad university. His job takes a lot out of his schedule (then add classes into the mix and you'll quickly see why we hardly ever see him anymore), and if you can't make time for it while enrolled in college, there's certainly nothing wrong with finding a good job to pay the bills while in college and seeking your actual career once you graduate. I also agree that finding a job that shows responsibility can be beneficial.

Regardless, do what you have to do to finish school, because getting your degree should be Priority #1. The career field won't be going away any time soon (particularly not LE), and finding work that isn't involved in LE in the interim is perfectly alright if it works best for your situation.

I'm finishing up my college years, and it was a goal of mine to get as much experience as possible pertaining to criminal justice/public service. My second year, I was a night receptionist/building security, and what that did was put me in a crash course in handling drunks. If/when asked how previous jobs prepared you for your career goals, you look for jobs that can do just that. 3rd year, I signed on with campus police working security events, watching the drunk tank, sporting events, that kind of stuff.

I'm with the city police department here as a cadet for a little while, when i depart for the academy next year. Just do what you can while you can. The biggest thing is make sure you can juggle work with school. I can't stress that enough. I'm pushing close to 40/wk while cranking out 14 cred. hours, and working midnights.. my time is school, work, sleep.

Another suggestion is volunteer work. If you can show a future employer dedication to your city, school, citizens, that can only help. Sure, you don't get the greenbacks, but you're one rung higher than another applicant.

So ... since you weren't able to work as a police officer while attending school, you decided to give up trying and pursue something else?

Do medical students change their major because they can't work as a doctor while going to school?

Do architects pursue a different career, because they can't design buildings while going to school?

Usually, you go to school first, to earn the background that HELPS you get a job in your field of choice.

Am I missing something?

Just FYI, RA stands for Resident Advisor. They are college students who kind of keep an eye on whats going on in the dorms. So, unless I'm missing something, Redman still is in college.

Just FYI, RA stands for Resident Advisor. They are college students who kind of keep an eye on whats going on in the dorms. So, unless I'm missing something, Redman still is in college.

That would be correct :)

You might also want to look into a Citizen's Police Academy. Many departments in my area offer these and they meet once a week for about 3 hours. Most of these last about 12 weeks. I agree with the above posts in regards to finishing your degree. Enjoy your time there, get involved, have fun, and study hard.

In my sophomore year in college, I went to the county fair. While I was looking around I noticed that 2 PD's had set up some booths. I started talking to an officer there and he told me to finish my degree first. He said it would be harder once you started working as an LEO. Police jobs are not going to go away anytime soon.

I've been an RA for 3 years, this being my Senior year, and I can say it's been one of the best aspects of my college career! :D I've made some amazing friends in this position, and it has been more rewarding than I could have imagined.

I highly recommend you look into becoming an RA at your school, as it gives you a lot of experience in counseling, discipline, community building, and puts you on the front line of dealing with problems that college students face (alcoholism, drug addiction, depression / suicide, rape / sexual assault)...

Edit -- Check out www.residentassistant.com

I had considered doing the RA thing but, i don't really want to live on campus i have too much stuff plus my guns.