College N LawEnforcement(Look Pls)

[Mikeruiz2k7]

Hello, my name is Michael Ruiz.

I'm 17, starting college in 1 month. My major is Criminal Justice 4 yrs. With Criminal Investigatons.

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.

Its a true goal and dream for me to become a detective. Im a Law N Order FREAK. I love the work, I know the risks.. solving crimes really interests me.

Anyway, just want to know what you think about my degree path and choices.
NOTE: I want to be a Detective, such as Look at crime scenes, and look through the evidence and determine what happend, who was there, who left etc... So Under Criminal Justice what would help best? I was thinking criminal investigation

Please if you have any suggestions, post and tell me what you think and anything else you want to throw in.

Thanks for your service, and your answers.
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Sincerly,


Michael Ruiz

[Citicop]

Michael-

Get any four year degree that interests you. No department weighs one degree more heavily than another. If it's a degree from an accredited institution, then you will be fine.

You are also likely to be very disappointed if you think that detective work bears any resemblance to Law and Order.

Don't put the cart before the horse. Before you have any chance of being a detective, you will need to spend a minimum of three to five years learning how to be a cop. That means in uniform, in a patrol car, answering calls for service. If that doesn't appeal to you, then you are in for a short and disappointing career.

Citicop.

[Piggy]

I'd actually suggest changing criminal justice to your minor and getting into another major such as accounting or a foreign language. If you want to go straight into investigations, your only option I can think of would be going federal. FBI, DEA, USSS, or pick another three letter combo. If you have a four year degree that's the minimum qualification to get into one of those jobs and you can move up the ranks from there. Every federal agency has an inspector generals office who has criminal investigators to look into fraud, waste and abuse among other crimes.

Keep in mind, a large number of students going into Law Enforcement are going after a criminal justice degree. If you have a different degree to set yourself aside from the rest of the pack you'll be much better off.

[Mikeruiz2k7]

No, I do know I will have to be a Patrol Officer for a few years, and I know Life isn't based off law n order... the way the stage the crimes really interests me...

I like to try to solve situations and looking at details about what, when, where. I think it would be the pefect job for me..


But, for what im eyeing for, recommend any specific under Criminal Justice?

[Mikeruiz2k7]

Piggy, to become a FBI agent isn't that a minumun of age 25?

[Piggy]

Nope, just 23.

Here's a link:

http://www.fbijobs.gov/111.asp

[Mikeruiz2k7]

Ok, the minimun age is 23, i'll graduate at 21... 2 years what to do?


So you suggest that

I major Accounting, and Minor Criminal Justice? I could do that, if thats what best for what i'm seeking.

[Citicop]

Ok, the minimun age is 23, i'll graduate at 21... 2 years what to do?


So you suggest that

I major Accounting, and Minor Criminal Justice? I could do that, if thats what best for what i'm seeking.

Get a full time job and prove you are responsible. That always looks good on applications.

Citicop.

[Piggy]

That's my suggestion, if you look at that link it will show you the different areas the FBI is recruiting. Criminal Justice would be a good minor with any of those areas as your major.

[Mikeruiz2k7]

Not sure if you could answer this or not.. Im gonna talk to my College counselor about it also when i move over...


With having a major or minor

Major = 4 year Bach degree

Minor = 2 Year AA

I can have both of them in just 4 years correct?
You guys have answered my questions more then i expected

[BP348]

2 years as a LEO won't hurt.

Piggy is right most state or local depts. don't care what your degree is in. However some do pay a little better if it is a CJ degree. Another thing to remember is that many departments pay better if you graduate with a high GPA. Like a 3.5+

Depending on the school, they may have an intern program. I'd recommend that if possible.

Do some research on the agency or department you think you'ed like to work for. That should tell you alot.

[Mikeruiz2k7]

Well im interested in the FBI and Law Enforcement.

But i'm told FBI would be better suit for me for what im looking for..
Just the fact i grad at 21, FBI recruits 23 +... For 2 years, I guess I could train and do intern programs

[Kimble]

Well im interested in the FBI and Law Enforcement.

One of these days you're going to have to pick whether you're interested in working for the FBI, or law enforcement. :p

[Ispbear]

If you have an extra 2 years to spend, why not consider a double major in accounting and computer science/forensics with a minor in criminal justice. This would help make you stand out in the applicant pool and give you many options for other careers if something doesn't go your way.

[TNCJGA]

Ok, the minimun age is 23, i'll graduate at 21... 2 years what to do?

Get a full time job. FBI requires 3 years full time experience to successfully apply.