Start college/worried

[LE1234]

I am soon going to be graduating from high school and want to pursue a LE career. I have been reading on this forum and am unsure about whether I should continue to pursue this career and go to college for a 4 year degree in criminal justice. The reason I am concerned is that some time ago I experimentally used marijuana, less than one hand, never to continue, and am concerned with now getting a job in LE. Do many prospective officers apply for jobs BEFORE pursuing a college major in LE? What have you (similar people in same situation) done? thanks

[Cinnamon]

If that's all you've done, you should be good to go. The more time between you and that crap the better it looks. College will be a plus for you.


Good luck.

[Citicop]

A criminal justice degree is unnecessary when becomin a police oifficer. Any 4 year degree from an accredited institution is as good as any other. Major in something you like, and then apply.

Not all departments require a degree for a new hire, but it will help set you apart. I don't have a degree yet, but I'm working on it. I've been a police officer for more than 7 years.

Citicop.

[tatersalad]

Most departments don't require a certain major, but some of the smaller depts in Jersey do. Best bet would be to check with the departments just to be safe. Have fun in college and keep your nose clean.

[LE1234]

ok thanks for the help, made me feel much better, anyway, should I get a 4 yr degree and then apply, or get assoc apply finish college? my second career option would be computer engineering, should I get a degree in that then, even If i want to move up in the ranks as a police officer?

[tatersalad]

You ultimately have to do whatever makes you happy. Getting a four year degree would make you a more qualified applicant and therefore more appealing. Like my parents said, "It never hurts to have too much education." Getting your degree in computers might not be a bad idea since it will give you something to fall back on if Law Enforcement is not for you. You still have plenty of time to figure everything out. I would go to school for a couple of years, and see where you're at at that time. You may find something else to be your passion. Just enjoy your time at college when you get there and think, but try not to worry about your future too much.

[finn]

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[Tank88]

I was 3 1/2 years done with college when I got the call from my local department asking if I wanted the job and i jumped on it.

I plan on finishing it part-time in the next few years but you should go, but definitely apply and take the police tests.

The process is long and might take a few years(especially as a 18 year old) so while your waiting college is a big plus.

[finn]

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[Fatalo86]

Dude trust me, my background wasn't even close to flawless, and they are spending money on me. Marijuana should be the least of your concerns. Now the question is when did you do this experimenting? I did it a few times when I was 13 or 14 I'm really not sure to this day, however time passed is forgiveness. Some departments like Miami Beach will not even take you for taking one puff. You might want to check your departments drug policies. I went to apply for Miami Beach and spoke with a recruiter, and told me not even to bother with the app, he then referred me to MDPD. If you get passed you interview and they send you for something, they are interested. Be honost and do not lie, you will be caught. Then you risk the chance of not being hired throughout the nation. Don't sweat it.

[Valor55]

ok thanks for the help, made me feel much better, anyway, should I get a 4 yr degree and then apply, or get assoc apply finish college? my second career option would be computer engineering, should I get a degree in that then, even If i want to move up in the ranks as a police officer?

Get the whole degree. Anyone will tell you that finishing a degree while working as a cop sucks. Our schedule changes so much it's a pain. For instance I could take a class Monday night because I'm off. But next Monday I'm working and would miss it. In 3 weeks I could take a class on Wednesday during the day, but not the next Wednesday because I'm working. Just finish the degree and stay drug and stupid free.

If computer engineering interests you, take it. Your first day on patrol may put you in a crippling car accident and you'll never walk again. What will you do then? Criminal justice won't make you money in a wheel chair but I'll bet you could put a computer engineering degree to work for you.

[Valor55]

Dude trust me, my background wasn't even close to flawless, and they are spending money on me. Marijuana should be the least of your concerns.

Just because you haven't been disqualified doesn't mean you can get hired. There are plenty of qualified applicants who don't have messy track records you will have difficulty beating a spot out of when it comes time to pick.

You should get the job first and then discuss how you overcame your background. Otherwise you are giving the impression that the background doesn't matter, when it does.

[Fatalo86]

Valor please read my posts thoroughly. I stated to check the departments drug policies. I'm not perfect on the background. Honosty and integrity is a huge deal to the departments.