Question about schools...longish

[seltzer]

I stated in an earlier post about stumbling onto this site, and what a great site it is! I've read all the different questions people post about them being able to become a police officer. I'll try and stay away from that area, but I do have a question regarding schooling. First, a little background info. I'm 30 years old, and trying to put my wife through nursing school, she's done in May!, then she says it's my turn to fullfill my career options. I am now working for the local cable co. , but I don't really find that very challenging, and I can't see myself doing it for the rest of my life. My older brother is a LEO, and I've done a few ride alongs with him, and have been bitten by the bug. I kinda hinted around one day with him about his thoughts on me becoming a LEO, and he told me he thinks I should apply. Now, I have no college credits, have been working full-time since I was 16, do have a high school diploma. If I was to pursue this career, I'm sure I'd need some kind of formal education, and I can't very well quit my job to go to school, so I was thinking of night school or on-line courses. What are your thoughts on those? Are they worth it? I am a very fast learner, but the class-room thing isn't really my cup of tea, I learn better "hands-on" than sitting behind a desk. My thoughts are to apply at some of the smaller towns just outside of town. I bought the ARCO study guide/practice exams and have whipped right through..except for the math part...need to brush up on that a bit. I guess to make this long story short, what are your thoughts on the on-line courses versus night school..those are my only choices I think, unless somebody knows something I don't! Thanks for any insight you can provide.

[scott715us]

I know of one guy that works with the TSA that did the Phoenix online criminal justice program. I think it worked out ok. I'm not exactly sure how those go, but that it's an online curriculum. I'll ask him about it. Wait on some more answers, maybe you'll get a better one ;)

[Citicop]

seltzer-

If do-it-yourself learning seems to suit you better, then I'd say online classes (from an accredited university that also has a brick and mortar campus, to ensure that you aren't mistakenly attending a diploma mill) are the way to go.

I'm currently taking online classes through Columbia College of MO. I like them for several reasons, but foremost among them is the scheduling flexibility they allow. There are no "set times" to meet, so it doesn't matter what shift I'm on...as long as all the work due for the week is in on time, I can work on it whenever I want.

You really have to be motivated though, because it can be easy to let things slide if you aren't careful. The semesters are typically shorter (8 weeks) so the coursework can be pretty intense sometimes; I wouldn't recommend taking more than one class at a time if you intend to keep a full time job.

-Citicop.

[Valor55]

Schooling may not be necessary for you to be a cop. As long as the minimum requirements are for HS degree only that is. If that is the case you have some things going for you.

At 30 you have considerable life experience and maturity over a 20-21 year old. As long as your work history is stable you should be fine. Departments are going to really appreciate your age. You are not on a level playing field with a 21 year old college graduate.

That being said if you are currently taking classes it indicates that you are serious about your future. You are making an investment in your career. Departments will like this.

I don't believe you will need the degree, just the ability to show you have started some classes and are looking to the future.

At your age you are going to have a harder time keeping up with the young pups who are in great physical shape. As soon as you think you are ready for the fitness portion of the applicant testing I'd say go for it.

[P01IC3M4N]

why don't you apply somewhere where they will pay you to attend the training?

[seltzer]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement! I have thought about applying now, but also kicked around the idea of enrolling in a class or two to show that I am serious. I wasn't quite sure how it all worked. I know that some departments don't require any formal schooling unless you want to advance into a position with a little more responsibility. I am currently working on weight training, as well as biking on a trainer I just purchased...it's getting a little too cold here these days to run outside for a long period of time, so I thought about joining a local gym that has an indoor track.
The biggest reason for the career change is I want to wake up in the morning and WANT to go to work, I want to be passionate about what I do every day, whereas now I am not, it is just something to do everyday that I get paid for. Really the job doesn't mean a whole lot to me...if that makes sense. I wrote down a list of a bunch of jobs that I "could" do, and weeded out all the ones that I couldn't see myself doing say 10 years down the road. The only 2 that were left out of about a dozen were police work, and a building contractor, but around here they only work about 9 months of the year, so that is definately out for me, as I have to remain busy! I'm weird like that! :p Once again, you all have surpassed my expectations with reply's. For the most part, this is the friendlyist (sp) bunch of people of any forum I have visited. Thank you all.