Starting courses

[FutureCOp]

I am going to start taking courses at the local police academy starting in august. This program lasts 2 years and when I graduate I leave with my AS degree in Criminal Justice and I graduate from the police academy. I realize this is a new program but I wonder if anyone knows about it or has even been through it.
My next question is if it would be smarter to go through a regular college instead if I was interested in getting a 4 yr degree instead of just a AS. My goal is to be a cop but my ultimate goal is to be a high ranking police officer or in the DEA. Anyone that knows anything about this please post ASAP because I turn my forms in on the 14th.

[Stump]

Basically, I say don't focus your entire scholastic education around CJ.
What happens if you don't become a cop for some reason? You have a useless degree. I strongly suggest you get a 4 year degree in something a little more broad, and minor in CJ.
I also would say not to go through the police academy until you are hired by a department (why waste the money if you don't have a job/get hired by a different agency that will require their own academy).... but this is cool that it will give you a degree upon graduation.
Agencies are looking for well rounded people too, not just the cop-wannabes.

[dizza]

Depending on where you are located, agencies will hire you while you are attending the academy. Here in Southern Cali, there are a few non-agency academies, and guys are getting hired out of there all the time. The agencies around here use the local public academies to train their own officers, so there is no need to attend a second academy.

David

[Stump]

Yes, true. Check around the departments you are interested in before shelling out the money.

[FutureCOp]

thanks for the advice.

[d@ m@n]

Originally posted by FutureCOp
thanks for the advice.

political science is a good major. very broad because it covers all levels of govenment (local, national, international), as well as covers topics such as CJ and business law. very good degree to have for LE or business or education, etc. i have my BA in Poli. Sci.

[Iwannabeacop2]

I have always given myself as many options as possible...I've held many jobs and for me my BA and advance academic credits have opened many doors...I however came to the conclusion that LE was right for me later in life...on the flip side my good friend joined the LAPD at 21 w/o the BA, he made it to a homicide det position and now is retired having had an incredible exp... if you are solid with this as a life career go for it, if you have any questions, well consider the other...my advice go and talk directly to as many officers as you can as well as academic advisors - remember also that most departments highly regard advanced learning, some will assist you in getting a degree following probation status...just look into both options in depth...