What is the best way to become a Law Enforcement Agent?

[Nectar]

Hi, I really like your site, it has been very informative to me.
I am a Junior in High School and I would like to ask you what is the most advantageous way to becoming a Police Officer or Law Enforcement Agent. I am planning on attending college for four years, but is it absolutley necessary that I recieve a my degreed in Criminal Justice? Also, if so, can you reccomend any schools that have a very good repuation for this degree?
Thank You
Christian

[Smitty]

I won't be a cop for a few more weeks...so I hope you don't mind me taking a stab at it.
College is a HUGE help...but of course you have to actually read the books they give you lol....stay away from to much booze, and absolutely NO drugs.

Military helps a bit, if that's a route you're conteplating. But it's not necessary by any means.

You do not need to major in CJ.

Most important for a highschool kid=stay out of trouble, don't associate with trouble makers.

[Nectar]

Thanks for the help, but do you know of any schools that have a very good reputation in preparation for law enforcement or Criminal Justice?

[Smitty]

Depends on where you're living brother.
Any major is fine...no really, it is.
I'd say major in something else you're interested in....what if, down the road, you aren't able to be a cop for whatever reason?
Gotta have something to fall back on.

[Smitty]

I can't emphasize what DC said enough!
There are plenty of good guys I know who will never get hired as a result of their youthfull wild days...yes they've changed, but still doesn't matter.
I had to admit to a few things on the backround/poly.....and it's embarassing.

[nj50]

if you are in NJ, being a veteran is almost a must. ALL veterans with a passing score have to be considered before the guy who scored a 99.99999

[Nectar]

I am not in New Jersey, I am in Connecticut. I have heard Military expericence is helpful but is not as helpful as it used to be. I do not know if military expericen is even that much of an advantage anymore.

[nj50]

call some of the conneticut departments and see how they utilize vets preference. most just give extra points. 0,5 or 10 usually. ive never heard of another state doing it like jersey, but there could be others

[gman157]

I live in Colorado. There are a few colleges that have law enforcement academy's. I graduated from one and became P.O.S.T certified. Check around your area to see if some junior colleges offer this program.

[phuzz01]

Nectar,

Although you do not seem to considering the military very seriously, let me say this anyway. Do not decide to either enter the service or not enter the service over veteran's preference points. Being in the military is an incredible experience and an honorable career, and it should be strongly considered on its own merit. But it is extremely demanding on you and your family. And the last thing they need is someone that does not want to be there but signed up in order to get a few extra points on a law enforcement test or to get their name to the top of the list. It won't be worth it for you, and it won't be worth it for the military either. Just my two cents...

[mcsap]

Either college or the military SHOULD give the you the edge that will help you get the job you want. Each has it's advantages and disadvantages. Consider both fully without making any committments and after you feel you have all of the facts ( perhaps with the aid of a guidance counselor, your parents and a recruiter) you can then make the decison that is best for YOU.

I decided that I did NOT want to go to college and informed my parents of this. But I did not want to be the head freedom fry maker at McDonalds either. I went into the USAF at age 17. I am gald I went in and also glad I got out. It was good training, experience, go tto travel the world and I got veterans preference points.

[Smitty]

Which Academy Gman?

[gman157]

I graduated from the law enforcement academy at Arapahoe community college.