College N LawEnforcement(Look Pls)

[qpd158]

Sounds like you are a silver spooner...expecting things and not worried about how to get there....you have big dreams, but no real thoughts about how to get there....or at least not posting them on here...

Several options for you....but first and foremost, DO NOT get a degree in Criminal Justice PERIOD.
2nd, if you want to get into Federal LEO, but have to wait a few years options are simple.....say with the silver spoon and spend those years in college, get a Masters Degree or even a Doctorate, or
2...graduate and get a real job in a real Police Department, put in the hours do the grunge work, prove you can do the job and then when you are old enough apply for the Federal Level....

[Mikeruiz2k7]

I wish I was a silver spooner... I never said it was gonna be easy, I know the work I gotta do...

Im asking what path I should take and I can take it from there

[Rugger]

Here is my two cents for what it is worth.

First, you need to do some basic internet researching and reading of what is out there concerning a career in law enforcement. This will help you make more informed decisions on what careers are out there. Perhaps you should visit your local police department and talk with a recruiter or ask for a ride along.

Second, you need to measure in something that interest you. Whether it CJ, Accounting, Computer, whatever, but you need to enjoy and have a true interest in what you study. I will say that my experience has taught me that you do not need a CJ to become a police officer so if there is another area out there I would highly encourage you to pursue that.

Finally, there is not one size fits all to landing a job in a local, state, or federal agency. There is no possible way one can tell you that by doing XYZ will guarantee you a job. Hard work, discipline, and persistence will pay off so you should do those three things.

[jm1985]

What major you choose in college isn't as important as staying out of trouble and keeping your grades up while you are there. Take it from me I have had to learn the hard way. College presents alot of temptations and oppurtunities to make bad decisions. Stay away from underage drinking, constant partying, and anything or anyone that has anything to do with drugs. Responsibilty, maturity, and intergrity speak volumes over any degree.

Not trying to lecture you just giving some friendly advice from someone who has been there.

[Nick331]

Well from what I've heard from the New York State Police which is my dream job, they don't care if you have your credits/degree in basket weaving. I've spoken to many Troopers who have told me to take something you want to take in college, the books and papers will not help you in the patrol car. A few Tprs advised me to take seminar and debate classes. When it all boils down I think you should take whatever interests you. If it is CJ than just do it! For me CJ interests me and a degree in CJ will also help with advancement opportunities in the job. I wish you the best of luck and have fun in college!

Nick

[marinepilot]

I live in Florida, now I see on many department sites you are given more $ for having a degree. Is a Criminal Justice degree one that will give me those extra benefits? If not, what is?

What degree is needed to gain these benefits? I'd hope it would be criminal justice since it teaches you much about law enforcement and criminal investigation.

Mike,

You've been given some good advice in your thread, so I won't beat a dead horse. What you do with it now, that's up to you. But either way, best of luck to you in your future endeavors! Please stick around and keep us informed.

I just wanted to address your question about which degree will get you extra $$ in a law enforcement agency in Florida. I'm a LEO in Florida so I figured I could answer it with some credibility.

It doesn't matter what you have a degree in, you'll make extra money for it. If you have only an AA or AS (a 2 year degree) you make an extra $30 per month. For a Bachelors (again, in anything), you get an extra $80 per month.

Unfortunately, the college education gravy train ends at Bachelor. You get nothing extra for a Masters or Doctorate (not to mention which with a Doctorate you'd probably be selling yourself WAY short to remain a cop!).

But there is a way you can make up to another $50 extra per month ($130 total maximum). For every 80 hours of training you take for salary incentive you get an extra $20 per month. So, if you took another 220 hours of salary incentive training, you could see your check climb a bit for it.

Hope this helps!

And seriously, best of luck to you! Keep us here at RP posted!

[1depd]

It should be added that the education money is provided by Florida and does not figure in your hourly wage.

I'm not an FBI recruiter and I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night so take it for what it's worth. If your seriously looking to go to one of the alphabet police agencies, graduate from college then go to an alphabet agency. You might not be able to go directly to FBI, but you could probably start out with BP, land management or any of the other various federal agencies. This has the bonus of increasing your retirement benefit and many of those agencies have task forces that work together, besides you have two yeas to fill. In my opinion it would be better filled with actual work experience not just education.