hello i was wondering. i just got out of the military and i want to become a police officer. but i also want to go to college. does it make a big difference if i get a bachlors or associates degree in criminal jusice? i know you dont need a college degree to become a cop but i really want to get a degree but i am almost 23 years old and if i go for my bachlors i will be about 26 when i finish my bachlors any suggestions?
2007-02-06 14:41:23 · 9 answers · asked by fidel209 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
i think wen u have military service u do not need a college degree.....but if somthin u need associates degree
2007-02-07 08:35:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
At least get the Associates Degree. The military time and the degree are big pluses when applying. Most departments will opt for someone with a college degree over someone with just military experience.
A buddy and I both joined a police department when we got out of the service (years and years ago). I went to college and eventually got my BA degree. My buddy did not. I retired a couple years ago as the Chief of another department. My buddy retired last year from the original department as a Senior Officer. Every promotion he tried for went to someone with a degree.
Get the degree. . .
2007-02-06 15:51:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was in the same boat back in 98. Fresh out of the military, went to college, wanted to work federal or state law enforcement. Get your degree. If you want to work for the state or feds after being a local city cop, you need a degree. Get a degree in something you can fall back on in case law enforcement doesn't work out. I got one in psychology because I wanted to work for the F.B.I in the forensic investigation field. I didn't finish college until I was 25, so not much difference there. State and Fed. pay way more than your local city cops, and have better benefits. Use your GI Bill, apply for pell grants etc....and go to school for free. When you are done, you will have more options available to you. If you decide to get on as a cop somewhere and want to work for the state or fed level later............you'll still need that degree you didn't get when you had the chance. Good Luck.........forgot something. College is a good net-working opportunity. You could even work as a dispatcher, jailer, etc....maybe even reserve officer while you're in college. It would help you get your foot in the door. You're still pretty young, but by the time you're done with college........you'd be prime pickens with all the background law enforcement wants, and still a young but mature age to start.
2007-02-06 15:25:45 · answer #3 · answered by dylancv62 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes getting in without a education can be difficult in some areas but having a military background is a major plus. I would get the degree first since it will probably be paid for since you just got out of military. Check and see if your area needs dispatchers also, thats where i started. Get the education first you may regret it later in life if you dont.
2007-02-06 14:58:52 · answer #4 · answered by trans am ws-6 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With you being in the Miltary then I would just apply for the Basic Academy...I'm not use whats you area...But San Bernardino County , CA, USA doesn't really care with you have a degree...As long as you have no bad history and all...
I would apply, go though the academy, get hired and get off the trainee crap...and then do online course for the degree...And honesty...You get taught all that in the academy...Most people gets degrees so if they get hurt on duty they have a back-up...So I would get a degree in something you like that isn't Criminal Justice...
By the way...As you get older...It will be harder to get hired and all...A LOT OF DEPUTY'S gets there degree's after they get hired...If you don't want to worry about getting hurt and all but want to be like a detective then get the Criminal Justice.
2007-02-08 06:49:08 · answer #5 · answered by `~Its love~` 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You could be a Correctional Officer for your state. The state government usually offers tuition and educational opportunities.
You could advance to other areas of Corrections like Parole Officer, Counselor or Educator.
2007-02-10 07:46:35 · answer #6 · answered by reslstancelsfutlle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just apply...Whatever they teach you in Criminal Justice, will be taught again at the Police College.
The recruiters are looking for life skills and experiences they will teach you the academics..
2007-02-06 14:49:39 · answer #7 · answered by 911 Gear 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A college degree will help you in the long run as far as advancement / promotions. Also will look good on your resume.
2007-02-06 17:53:19 · answer #8 · answered by John71 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont be a police officer they dont make any money go to college good things come to those who wait. an idiot with a clean record can become a cop. get your education. we dont need another ignorant cop working the beat. become a lawyer
2007-02-07 15:36:22 · answer #9 · answered by naomi b 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋