im studing media, history, crictial thinking and english language, but i do really need to go to college or not? if so, what should i study in order to join the police?
2006-10-30 03:46:29 · 31 answers · asked by ruth_colmer 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
criminal justice, and take some others one
2006-10-30 10:53:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Police officers dont need any formal qualifications. But i wouldnt just not go to college. Say you change your mind. What then? Have you written to the police and been accepted yet? If not i wouldnt count your chickens just yet.
Im not sure but i think the age at which you can become a policeman is 18yrs and 1 month. So if youre not 18 yet, theres your first hurdle.
What i would do is write to your local police force, express an interest in becoming a police officer, maybe ask if it would be possible for you to do a week work shadowing. That will help you see if its really for you, plus its a good point in their eyes because it shows that you are serious and enthusiastic about it.
Talk to teachers/ careers people at college, parents etc to help you to make a more informed decision (i'm not by any means saying your decision is misinformed, i dont know how much thought and reseach has gone into it) check out www.police.uk theyve got a whole recruitment section that should tell you what you need. But until things are certain don't do anything drastic like drop out of college. Theres no reason why you cant study and investigate this career path at the same time.
2006-10-30 03:59:11 · answer #2 · answered by Master Mevans 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Goto college mate, get your A-levels and make sure you have a part time job whilst you're there. Make sure you get some life experience as well, because whilst qualifications aren't essential, experience is.
Uni, isn't so important, some of the crappest cops are the ones who have just graduated with a degree in buisness studies and think they know something more than people who have lived a bit more.
Also, if you apply at 18, don't expect to get in straight away. Although they won't admit it, the higher ups prefer older people, I didn't get in until i was 21, each time i was told "get more experience" e.t.c.
Also, you'll be in the police 30 years, that means you could be out at 50. What will you do for the other 15 years? Qualifications will help you a lot.
2006-10-30 22:56:50 · answer #3 · answered by badshotcop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
College is an additional plus in police work. Some departments insist that you have a degree. The majority ask for a high school diploma and that you're 21 or over.
Although I've yet to see little that was picked up in Criminal Justice courses that applied to the job, it's theory at best.
College will also give you the edge over other candidates. So don't forget college because you may not need it. Get an associates and then once hired go to school at night (or day..whenever your shift allows) and get your BA.
2006-10-30 03:51:12 · answer #4 · answered by Quasimodo 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes - definitely go to college and study whatever you want. My niece is a police officer who joined after doing a combined degree in Geography and Psychology. She loves the job and combines it with being a mother and a housewife. As a graduate you'll still have to do your time on the beat though. But there are fast track programmes for graduates.
Good luck in your chosen career.
2006-10-30 10:38:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure how old you are, but i would go to college if you are are still late teens, v early 20's. I dont mean to be disrespectful but its just that you need life experiences and im not sure if you have personal experience that has prepared you to deal with all the walks of society / situations that you will meet / find yourself in. I'd go to college, but become a special constable to give you experience and an insight into thier real world. It would also go in your favour when you apply to become a regular. Also i did an Into Blue day course, cost @ £100, but well worth it for what they tell you. It basically prepares you properly to apply. As for subjects to study - law would be useful :), and perhaps pyscology?!? Good luck whatever you decide to do.
2006-10-30 04:17:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello my freind, to be honest I really do not like the Police but you are still not one yet so you are still my Brother/Sister and I will answer your question, if you want to become a dumb officer like most are join now and leave your studies and get £18,000 - £22,000 but if you want to move up the ranks quicker then stick with English Language and Critical Thinking but as others said do something with the Law or Criminalogy etc. but it is up to you Brother/Sister but if you want my advice about Police become one but do not be like most and take Law into your own hands and also make the good people come before you because that is who Police Officers should protect, but most Officers do not do that and those are the ones who I hate!
Bless.
JFK.
2006-10-30 05:46:18 · answer #7 · answered by J. F.K 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Criminal Justice will be your major. A college degree will help you move up within the ranks of the department much quicker and you can specialize in something other than a beat-cop. Take college seriously though because common mistakes in college like minor in possession, drunk driving, etc. will kill your chances of becoming a police officer.
2006-10-30 03:55:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The more qualifications you've got before you go in the force the better development oppurtunities you will have to specialise in different roles, stick with college for the moment. Plusits incredibly hard at the moment to get in the police force in the UK, it can take years on a waiting list in some countys.
2006-10-30 08:20:31 · answer #9 · answered by alx n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Go. Your qualifications will be an asset and if for any reason you have to quit the police force you will still have them to fall back on. The police have no preferences for subjects. They take you on criteria such as results, social skills, character, and determination.You also have to be physically fit.
In any case they do not take anyone under eighteen so you might as well use the time constructively by studying.
2006-10-30 04:03:13 · answer #10 · answered by WISE OWL 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do not need any formal qualifications to join the police force. You do need,five GCSE passes at grade c or above. They prefer that you have worked in the "community" at some stage,and are able to speak different languages. You will need to be physically fit,and be prepared for a rigorous fitness test. Entrance examines will be required.
2006-10-30 04:18:10 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋