Looking into Law Enforcement

[Horoxix]

Hello, This is my first post on the forum. I luckily stumbled upon it while I was looking into information about law enforcement careers.

I was just wondering if you could give me some pointers or some information on where I should go from here, or what my chances would be.

I recently have decided that I might want to get into law enforcement and I would love to go to college and maybe get my Bachelors in Criminal Justice. I was simply wondering where I should start out? I am only 19 years old, Male, and want to start my life in this direction. I have never been arrested, Never had a DUI or any traffic violations other than maybe one speeding ticket.

Are police or federal agency jobs looking good right now in the economy? I've just begun researching it and would like to know what you guys would suggest?

[Piggy]

Most important, maintain the clean record.

I suggest getting a Bachelors Degree, but not necessarily in criminal justice. There are quite a few threads on here about why you shouldn't get a criminal justice degree. But without a doubt, get at least a Bachelors Degree. You may also consider going into the Coast Guard, or any other branch of the military. Hang out here for a while, talk to some recruiters, see what you can pick up that interests you. Law Enforcement is a huge field with many specialties.

[Horoxix]

Would you have any other degree suggestions?
My ideal job would be something along the lines of detective work / investigation.
Maybe a Psychology degree?

[phantasm]

Would you have any other degree suggestions?
My ideal job would be something along the lines of detective work / investigation.
Maybe a Psychology degree?

A psychology degree is a great idea, mainly because it leaves the options open to other types of employment (post law enforcement, or if LE doesn't work it for whatever reason).

[CCBlueMan]

Check with some of the local departments in your area and see what their requirements are for new hires. Not all of them require a degree. That being said, a degree can still be very helpful!!!! A military background can also give you a foot in the door.

The route you take all depends on your end goal. If you want to be a detective like you said, then yes, I would get a degree.

Whatever you decide, good luck and keep your nose clean!

[Piggy]

+1, Psychology is a good one.

You could also go for some Intel related degree, or even something in the computer field. It would be just as good as any other degree, plus you could always have something to fall back on if you decide law enforcement isn't the field you thought it was.

Congrats too, this is the first normal post we've had on ask-a-cop for a while. Everyone else wants to know how to get out of tickets or get away with some other crime.

[BP348]

Accounting & Computer science are good degrees as well.

However I don't fall into that school of thought of "get a degree in anything other then CJ because you might not make it in CJ". If CJ is what you are interested in the get a degree in CJ. You can worry about getting that other job when or if it happens.

This is my rant, Law Enforcement agencies do not care what your degree is in so you have a choice. Me? I think you should pick the degree that you will do the best in. What your degree is in dosen't matter but you GPA will. It's pretty hard to finish a degree but it's almost impossible to finish a degree in a subject you hate.

If you get a degree in Computers but work as an officer for 10 years and get hurt. Do you think your computer degree is still current or has the computer world changes a bunch since your last class? Are you any better off with a 10 year old computer degree over a 10 year old CJ degree? I don't think so but that's me & I'm a minority around here.



Here is my advice;

1) Keep the clean record
2) No Drug use or DUI's
3) Steady employment - dosen't matter where just don't jump from job to job.
4) Get a degree
5) Think about the military (hint: military takes care of 1 -3 & even 4 if you play it right)