college for a cop?

Question

im 16 and people always ask me where i want to go to college. i have decided i want to go into law enforcement and be a police officer. i need to know what is required in high school and where i should go after high school. i live in iowa and i dont want to go too far away. i want to know what i have to do to get into this field of work. if there are any officers out there i would like to hear their stories on how they got into that line of work. any info would be appreciated.

Answer 1

go to college for 2 yrs then police academy n police

Answer 2

College is a good idea if you want to be a Law Enforcement Officer. Depending on where you live they might put you through an Academy for training but it is not college. Where I am, all you need is a High School Diploma. I am now about to start attending college classes. I can get reimbursed by my department for my classes though. Seeing that you are young I am going to suggest that you go to college before becoming a cop. It will give you maturity and hopefully life experience. I went into the military before I became a cop so I was well into my 20's when I was hired a number of years ago. College will give you a leg up competitively too.

Answer 3

You should definitely get a college degree if you can. Many police departments require or prefer applicants to have college. Having a degree could help you get hired with some departments. Some departments pay their officers more if they have a degree. Having a degree could also help you get promoted during your career. Going to a community college is fine. You should choose a major that interests you, that is marketable, and that could be useful for police work. There are many majors that are good for police officers and people that want to become police officers. Accounting, communications, computer science, a foreign language, and psychology are some examples. When choosing a major, consider what area you might want to specialize in if given the chance to as a law enforcement officer, consider what you might want to do if you can't become an officer or decide not to become an officer, and consider what you might want to do as a side job or after you retire if you become an officer. Whatever major you choose, make the most of your time and money. Get the highest grade point average that you can, participate in a couple extracurricular activities, get a good internship, do some regular volunteer work, don't do anything illegal, and maintain a good reputation. Consider getting a 4 year degree. Getting police officer jobs is becoming more and more competitive. Do whatever you can to make yourself the best candidate that you can. Best of luck!

Answer 4

When I joined the NYPD many years ago all you needed was a High School Diploma. Now new recriuts need at least 60 credits in ANY subject. In order to take a promotion they need a 4 yr degree. Most NYPD officers go to John Jay College of Criminal Justice for their degree. In the Police Academy in NYC is accredited to give at least 30 credits in addition to the 60 already gained. Iowa should have a college that offers a Criminal Justice course. My degree is in Behavioral Sci with a Criminal Justice minor.....I retired as an Insp.....Good Luck

Answer 5

In some states you need to have an AA. Check out schools for an AA in Criminal Justice. I have one and know that it looks really good. Just do the best that you can in school (both high school and college should you choose that route) Talk to other police officers, they are normally more than willing to point you in the right direction. Remember to always listen to the advice they give. One thing my father told me (he is a former Oklahoma State Police Officer and former MP)is that book learning is completely different from field learning. You can be as smart as anything in school but know nothing when out in the field. Good luck with your endeavors and hope all goes well.

Answer 6

Depending on where you live in Iowa you might want to consider Western Illinois University, in Macomb Illinois. They have an excellent law enforcement program that is nationally recognized. I went there, majored in LEJA (the major for law enforcement), and would absolutely recommend it to anyone. Police departments from all across the country come to the University for career fairs, and even do testing right on campus. It was a no brainer. So keep your grades up, and stay out of too much trouble and hopefully things will work out for you.

Answer 7

The best thing to do is go and talk to your local Chief of Police. They are always willing to help out kids looking to be officers.

The best thing, I believe, would be to get your high school diploma and get a college degree in criminal justice. Those with a degree can get promoted faster.

Also, be sure to keep in shape and if you can go to a local firing range and learn how to shoot a gun properly. If you can, find a martial arts school and pursue your black belt. All of these things will help you as well.

Good luck!

Answer 8

Without sounding silly, talk to a cop in your town.
Most of us wanted to become cops since we were little.
If you explain to them why you want to talk to them, you could also schedule a ride-along.
You are old enough to become a Police Explorer as well.
A college degree can have the effect of making you eligible for promotions and extra benefits.
Good luck

Answer 9

you don't have to go to college. if you want to become a local officer then they will send you to the college that has a police academy. if you shooting for state trooper then you will sent to their academy where you will trained more than you will be at a college academy. if you have more questions you can e-mail me.

Answer 10

While there is a criminal Justice degree , it is not needed, many degrees such as mangement and computer science are great degrees for future officers