Prospective LEO looking for Answers.....

[Kennedy]

Well before I get my first post bash I would just like to inform you guys I scrolled through this whole site...all the way up to page 18 trying to dig out info :eek: :D

Anyway let me introduce myself...Hey guys brand new to this wonderful website, great place the people here are true and kind. I have a few questions pertaining to becoming a LEO. First a little background on myself.....

I am a senior in highschool as of right now in Central New Jersey (Hillsborough) and originally I was going to become a computer systems analyst when I went into college. (computer science major)

But some recent events has influenced my decision into changing to wanting to become a LEO. One of my main questions I have right now, being as I am today what are some things I can do to prepare myself for this road ahead of me?

I was planning on going to a 4 year college to major in some sort of criminal or law. I have read this forum and most people saw that it really isn't "worth it" That a non related major is just as sufficient....? As of this point in time of my life going to college next year...this seems to be the most important hurdle for me....

My uncle is Detective in Union City Police Department and My counsin's Fiance is A Police Officer in Jersey City. I have not had the opportunity to speak with them yet so decided to post this thread first.

If there is anything else you guys need to know about my background or questions you would like to ask to help answer my questions I will be more thank happy to oblige to your requests.....thanks for taking the time to read this.


Kennedy





(Summary for those who do not wish to read the whole post....
17 year old looking to become LEO....is Computer science with a minor in CJ a good idea? What is it some of your departments look for with college majors and degrees?)

[scott715us]

I think you're on the right track. Go to college. It will benefit your career no matter what you decide to do. Today's job market is becoming competitive and the high school diploma isn't going to get you far in today's society. If you really want to pursue LE, then I would suggest a minor in it. Some may disagree, but that's my two cents.

Welcome to RP. I'm from the south, so some of the yankee boys will be able to help you out with questions regarding law enforcement in the North/Northeast. Good luck ;)

[Kennedy]

Thanks a bunch Scott...LE is something I have always aspired to as a young child...being that I am only 17 I have alot ahead of me...but I wish to be as prepared as possible when the time comes for me to apply to a local department.

A friend of my fathers was also telling me about a program which allowed you to put yourself through the Academy before even being accepted to a department via your own funds.

Do any of you see a problem with this...could it show ambition? So instead of having to be trained once I am accepted...I ready to start? Just something I thought I should ask...hope these aren't "stupid repetitive questions"

( lol I think I am getting ahead of myself with questions...*talks to himself* " one at a time chris one at a time" ) :p

Kennedy

[retdetsgt]

Look for a major that interests you other than criminal justice. In most states, any degree is fine and a CJ does limit you somewhat. Public Administration is a good one in that if you become a cop, it will be beneficial if you rise in rank. If you don't become a cop, you can get a job in several other areas of government and be eligible for management positions.

But go to college. It will beneficial to you in many ways, good luck.

[Kennedy]

Look for a major that interests you other than criminal justice. In most states, any degree is fine and a CJ does limit you somewhat. Public Administration is a good one in that if you become a cop, it will be beneficial if you rise in rank. If you don't become a cop, you can get a job in several other areas of government and be eligible for management positions.

But go to college. It will beneficial to you in many ways, good luck.

Thank you...I agree Im going to try and find something that fits me, and I definatly plan on going to a 4 year college....and I will need all the luck I can get! Thank you Sincerely guys!

Chris

[tpd_six]

Good advice from these guys. I would agree get a non-related degree. Definitely gives you more opportunity and chance for advancement. Computer science still might be a good choice. Choose something you're interested in, not just something you think will look good. Also watch your friends very closely and distance yourself from ones who will cause you problems. Be thinking about everything you do now that will show up on your background shortly. Best of luck to you!

[Kennedy]

Good advice from these guys. I would agree get a non-related degree. Definitely gives you more opportunity and chance for advancement. Computer science still might be a good choice. Choose something you're interested in, not just something you think will look good. Also watch your friends very closely and distance yourself from ones who will cause you problems. Be thinking about everything you do now that will show up on your background shortly. Best of luck to you!

I have never really hung with the "bad crowd" but I do have a few friends whom I dont talk to much anymore that are the troublemakers/bullies...they are no longer worth anything to me considering they have potential to bringing me down....

What would you guys think If I went to my town Department and asked to make an appointment to talk to someone considering my questions?

Should it be someone of the higher rank? I.E. Sergeant or Luitenant(SP?)?
Do you think they will be overly delighted (sarcasm) to answer or help me?
Sorry for so many questions! It sucks not knowing what can happen to your future if you don't play your cards right!

Im just trying to beat the game and "cheat" a little by "counting my cards" ;)

Chris

[samseed101]

Some people say that it's actually better to have a degree in something else. Having a degree in CS is a big bonus. Trust me, I have a BS in CS and it is extremely helpful. Add MCSE or A+ certification to that and you can end up in some good investigations involving cyber crimes.

Either way make sure you get a degree, stay out of trouble, and try to network yourself and get yourself known (in a good way, but no overkilling it.)

[Seand442]

Get your degree first. It will be a major PITA to try and get it and hold down a full time job at the same time. Plus, you can't beat the college experience.

[Valor55]

Try a ride along with your cousin in law in Jersey City. See it first hand and get an idea if it is really for you.

I have a political science degree. A CJ degree isn't going to help you get into LE. Any degree will do.

Keep out of trouble in college. Don't associate with drug users even if you don't do druges, just stay away from that entire culture. If you drink underage don't get caught (stay in your dorm room). Don't drink and drive and do do anything stupid. Don't use fake id's to get into bars even if you are going to be the sober DD. These things may not be a big deal in and of themselves (except DWI) but they can lead to criminal trouble.

What if ABC agents are checking IDs and you get busted? Anything that leads to police contact while you have been drinking or around drinking will lead to trouble.

Don't get involved with bizare or unnatural sexual activity. That will come up during your poly.

Just so you don't think I'm a stick in the mud I obeyed all the above rules and had a great time in college. I also had no trouble getting hired due to bad contacts with police.

[Kennedy]

Thanks for the responses guys Im glad you took me seriously and answered my questions....as for the drugs I refuse to even go near them...never mind the people that do them. It is not worth my time in whole.

I am not a big drinker...my grandfather was an alchohalic and abused my mother and her sisters, which is a major reason Im not full out party kid in my age. I plan on keeping myself clean without being an unsociable rat lol. Sexual activity is good....thats all I can say coming from a 17 year old lol.

Thanks for all of the replies guys you are all really helping pave my future and it is greatly appreciated!

Another question that I asked before but you guys probably missed it...A friend of my fathers was also telling me about a program which allowed you to put yourself through the Academy before even being accepted to a department via your own funds.

Do any of you see a problem with this...could it show ambition? So instead of having to be trained once I am accepted...I ready to start? Just something I thought I should ask...hope these aren't "stupid repetitive questions"
Thanks again guys!!!


Chris

[Valor55]

Some states offer academies that anyone can go through. Some departments hire and pay a recruit while attending and some recruits pay for themselves and try to get hired afterwards.

Small departments looking for people and tight on budgets don't want to pay someone for 6 months while they are in training and "unproductive." For you to apply with your certification in hand is a benefit.

Larger departments prefer to hire someone first. They have the budget to pay for training.

The drawback for you is that you may spend a lot of money to get the training and still can't get a job afterwards. I went through the academy with somebody who went through that in PA. He paid for it and couldn't get hired. When he got hired by our department here he had to go through our academy anyway because his state certification was no good here.

I would recommend trying to get hired and sent to training. If you are finding that you can't get the job because you don't already have training then you know to put yourself through it. However you may get hired first. Then you don't have to pay for training and in fact are receiving salary and benefits.

[Kennedy]

Very complicated I see... I live in a small town and would probably benefit from getting through the academy first I think...My father talked to a sergeant from my hometown at the gym he goes to ....he gave me his number and extension and told me to call him up if I need any help or have any questions...time to put together some questions...Ill type a list and post it here later tonight to get some ideas of what to ask and what not to ask,

Thanks for being so helpful guys!!!
Chris

[Kennedy]

Okay guys update....I have written up little schedule for when I talk to the Sergeant so I dont go in guns a blazing and confuse myself...let me know if I should add anything or take away something and your overall thought on it!!!!!!

1) Introduce Myself
a) Senior at HHS 16 years old (A lot ahead for me) Options Open.
b) Originally considering computer science major
c) 3.0 (or Mid Range B in HS) 1070 SATS
d) Strongest point is Communication/social skills
e) Most important hurdle is now…
f) Ask if any questions he needs to ask me…

2) Questions?

a.) What things can I do to prepare myself for the process?

b.) Colleges? Ask about RVCC and Rutgers Internship program

c.) Majors? Which to take? Ask about CJ and Criminology



d.) Other ways? Ask for his suggestion if it were he. How did he become were he was today?





e.) Ask about Police Explorers



f.) Ask about Ride Along…allowed? Requirements?

g.) Putting myself through Academy? Worth it? Plus or Minus for local departments.


3) Closing
a.) Any final questions or thoughts?
b.) Ask if allowed to keep in touch
c.) Thank him Sincerely tell him you will be in touch
d.) YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Valor55]

Sounds like you got it covered. Make sure you get the correct spelling of his name so you can write a thank you note to the chief for his personnel file. Citizen "Attaboys" are nice and he'll appreciate you took the time for him like he did for you. Have your parents proof read and check the letter before you send it.