Where to start?

[FloorMat]

I'm a 16 year old Junior in high School. I've been interested in doing some sort of law enforcement for my employment for around 5 years. Being a police officer interests me as well, but, federal law enforcement seems to interest me more. (In perticular, FBI, CIA, DEA, ATF, Secret Service, etc).

Where should I start? What should I look to major in in college? Should I start to look for internships, and if so, where should I look? Am I to young to be worrying about these things?

Any other information you could give me would be great. You can email me at da0618@comcast.net or just reply here.

Thanks again!

[FloorMat]

Also, I have never been in trouble in the law and I have no plans to ever be. What are some good colleges to start looking into? What are some things I can do that will look good on my resume?

I have to be come a LEO! I can't think of myself enjoying any other job besides this. I enjoy doing other things but I just can't see doing them as a job. That's why I want to become a LEO.

[Dan]

hi, im 15 and also want to be a cop, i suggest joinin a explorer post(like I'm doin), and college is a definet must for a fed. LE postion, I plan on doin CJ with some spainish, but thats just me, I want to be a cop in phonex AZ(spainish would be important), and maybe try Border patrol later down the road. where are you located?
*EDIT*
I too don't see my self doin anything but a fire fighter or a cop in my future, good luck

[FloorMat]

I'm located in maryland so i guess it's a plus that I'm near washington DC.

[bhanson]

You are definitely not too young to begin preparing for a future in Law Enforcement. One of the most important things for the next 5 years is STAY OUT OF TROUBLE with the law.

Almost any college degree is acceptable for a Law Enforcement career. What you career goals are should guide you in the selection of your course major. A good college counselor can really help. It is not too soon to being checking with your High School COunselors as well, to insure you are taking the proper college prep classes.

I, personally, always preferred Law Enforcement at the City level. Much more action, and even after becoming an administrative officer, the challanges were quite interesting. City cops handle a far more varied set of calls than any other law enforcement group. But, remember I'm prejudiced! ;)

If you concentrate in developing your ENGLISH language and writing skills, it will help you more than any other courses you ever take. 80% of any LE job is writing, report, plans, tickets, etc. Something I learned in the academy many, many years ago is still true. No matter how goood you are handling a situation, if you don't write your report accurately, concisely and with proper grammar - you have wasted your time and effort. This has been re=enforced over the yoear for me in court and many other places.

Good luck in pursuing your career choice.

[Mac]

You have to be minimum 21 yoa to apply for any LE federal jobs. When ready, go to www.usajobs.com

Mac

[tommygenewoolworth]

Floormat:

At your age you are not too young to begin thinking of a career in LE, but keep your options open. Like MAC has stated, all Federal Law Enforcement postions start at 21 years of age.

Many folks begin there career in the Military (Law Enforcement) this is an excellent beginning. An added plus is the five point preference in hiring for the Feds.

State and Local Law enforcement positions do have age minimum of 21 years of age.

Many of the folks on this boards have ties to the Explorer Post and this is another excellent way to begin a law enforcement career.

Many of the interships you ask about acre connected to college programs under the Criminal Justice Degree programs. This is an excellent way to become exposed with law enforcement.

many interships are connected with the Federal Law enforcement, (US Marshal, FBI, Customs, Border Patrol, Secret Service, ATF, DEA, etc.) The FLETC also has a internship for college juniors working for a Criminal Justice Degree.

Good luck, if I can be of assistance, please let me know.

tomahawk134