Thinking about Criminal Justice Career. Few Questions.

[hitt10]

Hello, I am a 20 year old College Student thinking about a degree in law enforcement, or at least Criminal Justice. I have a few questions about this field if anyone could take the time to answer.

My background is fairly sound. I drank a little bit in high school, and smoked marijuana once or twice. I tried to stay out of trouble as much as i could. I have never been arrested, and have only one speeding ticket that I got 2 years ago.

One major thing about my background, when I was 17 years old I attempted suicide by using prescription medications. It was stupid, but to me it seems like something that could qualify me for auto DQ. Is this what will happen to me if I try to pursue a CJ career? I was never charged with anything in relation to this incident, but I could see how it would throw up a red flag at the applications department.

I have taken two years of mainly general Education classes in college, trying to figure out what I want to do. To be honest, Criminal Justice sounds like more of my style of work, but my fiance has worries as well. Any information you could give me is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Roger Dat]

I cant say definitely but you'll never make it past a psych eval. Suicide rates for cops are already higher then most professions.

[bell4fan]

I've had several policeman tell me not to get a CJ degree. Main reason is you have no idea if you will like the LE field once you get out on the streets. Lets say you hate it and want to turn in your badge. Guess what, you got a degree in a field you want no part of.

Just get a good bachelors degree. That way you have something to fall back on if the LE thing falls through.

[cablexman]

I second that, to what he said, I"m not a LEO, but trying to become one...but I've heard over and over and over again, to get your Bachelor's in anything but CJ, mainly because of what he just said, and there's also a what if, it doesn't pan out to where you can get in, and if you don't have a fallback, then you are stuck. So take his advice, it doesn't hurt to have a backup plan