if you study criminal law and go to to a law school can you become a police officer.?

Answer 1

Absolutely. A little bit of a waste of time, but your application looks a bit more impressive with a law degree on it. Certainly won't hurt you.

Answer 2

You do not need a law degree to be a police officer. Law degrees are for lawyers, and have very little to do with the career of law enforcement. Lawyers and police officers are very different.

I've known quite a few friends who became police officers. They're not looking for lawyers, they're looking for people who are very well-balanced psychologically, have a clean record (no arrests, convictions or prison terms!), have good recommendations, and have a good general education (starting pay scales are often higher for those with an A.A. or B.A. than just a high school education), and of course, you need to be physically fit!

Still, a law degree is a great credential, and may be helpful if you're looking to move really high up in the ranks in later years. But, as a few others have said, you'll be taught everything you need to know about being a police officer in the academy!

Good Luck!

Answer 3

If your goal is to become a police officer, law degree is not a requirement. Some of the reasons are:

1) As a police officer, there are many things that can only be taught in a field, not in a classroom. Being street-smart is crucial for survival and job competence.

2) Law school is three years of more on top of your 4-year college degree and you will graduate with a 5-figure student debt.

3) They teach you everything you need to know about criminal law in the police academy and during your training.

However, if you are planning to work as a federal law enforcement officer, let's say as a special agent for the FBI, having a law degree is one of the ways to qualify for the job. But at the local level you will be doing a lot of hands on activities such as patrolling and arresting suspects.

Answer 4

Yes you can.