College Degree & LEOs

[SAPD]

When applying for the PD do they really look for a college degree? I ask because I've seen some LEOs at my college attending regular courses, does that mean that I can apply while I'm still in college?

[cecilVA]

Depends on what their hiring requirements are, some only require a HS diploma, others require a certain number of hours and some require a full blown bachelors degree. Regardless of the requirement, they will usually look at the fact that you have a degree as a plus. And you can apply while you are in college, in fact you should if want a job around the time you graduate.

[HiTechCj]

Greetings:

In addition to some organization requiring some college, many start you at a higher rate of pay. And, you will definately score higher during the interview process. You are better off finishing now than trying to go back once you have been hired - been there done that

Keep Well,


Raymond
www.hitechcj.com

[cecilVA]

Yep forgot about the higher pay, LAPD is a good example, I think you can start two whole steps higher if you have a degree.

[mcsap]

We do not require a degree and our extra pay for a degree is $750 a yr for a bachelors degree. We do give 10 points to your score if you are a veteran though. A degree is good but the two best things ( IMHO) for an officer to have are...

1. Common Sense

2. Being able to think on your feet.

Obviously, these traits are not necessarily included in any degree program. You either have them or you don't.

[DltUNH]

SAPD, regardless of where you would want to go you would def apply for jobs senior year in college. All of my friends none of which are in law enforcement, start applications and interviewing process while they are in college, just the way things go. There are a lot of reasons for this, I intend on applying beginning of my senior year next year. My health insurance is zapped 3 months after I am no longer a full time student, but to answer your question, they will understand that you WILL be a college graduate and begin the application process.

DLT

[GMan26]

As far as I know - State Police here requires a 4yr degree. Various town and city PD's do not. My friend has a BS in marketing and is a city LEO. That city doesn't require a degree. HS, GED is fine. But he said it helped him get hired as they like to see people with some college experience. He will be quitting soon (sad) for financial reasons. He applied at other towns and they do favor college degrees he said. Its a shame he's getting out of the LEO business. Oh well...

[ngcsubutterbar]

my home county, RCSD doesn't differentiate between degree haves and have nots, sadly.