I am enrolled in M.A. in Criminology program. W/O prior experience how can I get into law enforcement field?

Answer 1

First find out what law enforcement agency you are interested in applying for. Find their website and check out what qualifications are needed to become an officer. Then, find out if that agency sponsors their recruits to attend their police academy. Normally they do. Or, you can just apply for an application to attend a police academy, but if I were you, I would head straight for the agency I was interested in and apply at the personnel department.

Most graduates come out of school with little or no experience in law enforcement, that is why you are sent to the police academy. While you are in the process of waiting, you can fill out another application to participate in a police ride along. This is a program for civilians interested in becoming a police officer, and the ride along gives the prospect an idea of life on the road as a cop.

Check out the police forums/and police websites in your area. Go online and find out what is required to become a cop.
here are some tips to help you:
Your Background:

All former and previous home addresses
No felonies/ or criminal mischief in the past
No drugs taken within the last ten years
No Domestic Violence Records
Pretty decent credit report, they do check that.
Must list all previous jobs for the past ten years, any unemployment or gaps should be listed in detail.
make sure you have a good drivers record/ they check for tickets and citations 3 to 5 years back!

Try to prepare professional references from your employers, professors, and friends in professional positions. They will check for this. Prepare a professional cover letter, resume, and of course professional references from employers and friends on 67 Bristol white paper!

You should do fine, I went through this and got hired in a police dept. With a criminology degree, after putting two years on patrol, you can test in to any position you want. Any specialize position, so go for it. But once you're in the academy focus on your studies, because it's 3 strikes and your out! meaning, pass all of your test. since you're coming straight out of school, it should be a cinch, it was for me!

Good luck, and think positive always, and you will do just fine!!

Answer 2

see if you can get an internship with a local law enforcement agency. you can probably 'ride-along' with local cops if you ask the department. let them know you are interested in a careet in law enforcement and ask how can you get ahead in finding a job.

Answer 3

It's who you know, not what you know.